How to Sell a Gun in Tennessee

Identification Requirements

Under current Tennessee law private individuals are allowed to buy and sell firearms (excluding NFA items) directly without any required paperwork or background checks.

While not required, identification is recommended if you wish to maintain a record of the transaction.

Waiting Periods

Tennessee does not have a waiting period between purchase and delivery of a firearm.

Age requirements

In Tennessee, the minimum age for buying a handgun is 21, but one can possess a handgun from the age of 18. For purchasing shotguns or rifles, the federal minimum age is 18. Tennessee does not set a minimum age for possessing shotguns or rifles. Details can be found in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1319(a)(2)

Background Checks in Private Sales

In Tennessee, private individuals are allowed to buy and sell rifles, shotguns, or handguns (excluding NFA items) directly without any required paperwork or background check.

Ineligible Persons

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1303, 1316 outlines that one may not transfer firearms to anyone who is intoxicated or otherwise prohibited from possessing them under state or federal law.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-101 and § 33-3-904(a)(4): Anyone who transfers a firearm to an individual receiving services for a mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or developmental disability may be charged with a felony.

Generally it is illegal to possess a firearm in Tennessee if a person:

• Convicted of specified felony “crimes of violence,” an attempt to commit a felony crime of violence, any other felony involving the use of a deadly weapon violence or a deadly weapon;
• Convicted of a felony drug offense
• Convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence while remaining subject to the disabilities of such a conviction
• Subject to an active order of protection that fully complies with federal law