How to Sell a Gun in New York

A comprehensive guide

To legally sell a firearm in New York, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. This knowledge is vital whether you've been a firearm owner for years or have newly acquired a gun through inheritance. Understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.

Options for Selling a Gun in New York

There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of New York.

Sell your gun to WeBuyGuns.com

Sell to WeBuyGuns.com

WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward and secure way to legally sell your gun quickly and easily. Simply submit a few details about your firearm, including its make, model, and condition, and we'll provide you with an instant quote.

  • Read our reviews - our customers highlight the ease, fairness, and efficiency we provide to our customers.
  • Our process - we simplify the process of selling firearms.

Sell your gun to a local dealer

Sell to a Local Dealer

Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.

Sell your gun through a private collection

Sell Through a Private Transaction

Direct sales to another individual are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of New York and federally.

State Laws for Selling a Gun in New York

New York has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, especially after the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013

General Resources:

New York ID Requirements

Identification Requirements

A license is required to possess a handgun in New York. It's worth noting that New York City has its own separate gun laws and that not all gun permits are automatically valid statewide.

New York Waiting Periods

Waiting Periods

New York does not have a waiting period to purchase a gun, but a person must obtain a license to purchase a handgun.

Age Requirements in New York

Age requirements

N.Y. Penal Law § 265.05 states that persons under the age of 16 generally may not possess any firearms or ammunition in New York. N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(1)(a). prohibits anyone under age 21 from obtaining a license to possess or carry a handgun or purchase or possess semi-automatic rifles.

Background Checks in New York

Background Checks in Private Sales

New York law requires a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check before any private sale, exchange, or disposal of a firearm. This includes all private handgun, rifle, or shotgun sales or transfers, with the exception of those sales or transfers to and between certain family members.

Ineligible Persons in New York

Ineligible Persons

New York law generally prohibits an individual from possessing a long gun if he or she

  • Has been certified not suitable to possess a long gun by the director or physician in charge of a hospital or institution for mental illness
  • Has been convicted of a felony or “serious offense,” defined to include the following offenses under New York law, or the equivalent offense in another state
    • illegally using, carrying or possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon
    • making or possessing burglar’s instruments
    • buying or receiving stolen property
    • unlawful entry into a building
    • aiding escape from prison
    • certain kinds of disorderly conduct
    • certain drug offenses or crimes involving sodomy or rape
    • child endangerment
    • certain crimes permitting or promoting prostitution
    • certain kinds of stalking
    • certain violent or threatening crimes committed against a member of the same family or household, including assault, strangulation, menacing, harassment, and trespass

New York Residents Must Follow Federal Laws for Private Transactions

Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Logo

WeBuyGuns has purchased thousands of firearms from more than 850 locations all over the United States, including New York.

We provide the fastest and easiest way to sell firearms online!

Our user-friendly platform allows you to sell your entire gun collection in just a few simple steps.

Get Started

Selling Your Gun — Our Process

The first step is to create an account.

From there you can individually submit the firearms in your collection. This process includes answering a few short questions about each firearm in your collection and uploading a couple photos. We will send you an official offer on your firearms within 24 business hours. You will then have two weeks to decide if our offers are right for you! If you accept our offers, webuyguns.com will provide you with a series of pre-paid shipping labels, which you can use to ship us your gun collection. Once received, we will notify you that you're ready for payment. We will then send you a paper check or ACH direct deposit (your choice). The entire process can take about a week from start to finish. Imagine having your entire collection sold and cash in hand in a week!

Sell Your Handgun Step 1
Tell Us About Your Gun
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.
Sell Your Handgun Step 2
We Verify the Make & Models of All Firearms
We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
Sell Your Handgun Step 3
We Make You an Offer
We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this legal?

    Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.

  • How long are offers good for?

    Offers are valid for 14 days.

  • Can I sell multiple firearms?

    Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email.

  • How do I get paid?

    We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.

 

Disclaimer
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.