Effective date: [EFFECTIVE_DATE]
This page is provided for convenience only. Laws change, and state or local rules may add requirements. Always confirm the rules that apply to your location.
[SITE_NAME] is a platform only – we do not provide legal advice and we are not a party to transactions.
Key ATF references (official)
Private transfers – unlicensed persons
- ATF Q and A – To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/whom-may-unlicensed-person-transfer-firearms-under-gca
Out-of-state purchases
- ATF Q and A – How may an unlicensed person receive a firearm in their state purchased from an out-of-state source?
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/how-may-unlicensed-person-receive-firearm-their-state-they-purchased-out-state-source
Prohibited persons
- ATF – Identify Prohibited Persons
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/identify-prohibited-persons
Best practices for private sellers (PDF)
- ATF PDF – Best Practices: Transfers of Firearms by Private Sellers
https://www.atf.gov/file/58681/download
ATF FAQs (PDF)
- ATF PDF – Most Frequently Asked Firearms Questions and Answers (Top Q and A)
https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0813-firearms-top-12-qaspdf/download
ATF general Questions and Answers
- ATF – Questions and Answers (resource center)
https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/questions-and-answers
Quick federal principles (high level)
- You must follow federal law and also your state and local rules.
- Transfers across state lines generally require a transfer through an FFL in the buyer’s state of residence.
- Do not transfer to anyone you know or have reason to believe is prohibited.
- If you are not sure, use an FFL transfer. It is usually the cleanest option.
State and local rules
Your state may require background checks, waiting periods, registration, or other steps even for private transactions.
If you need help finding your state’s rules:
- check your State Attorney General website
- ask a local FFL