How to Sell a Gun in Tennessee: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

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    How to Sell a Gun in TN for Cash: The 2025 CashMyGuns Guide

    In the United States there are a handful of states that have some of the most relaxed gun regulations in the nation; Tennessee is one of those states. However, being informed of the process and regulations when it comes to buying, selling and transferring a firearm is important to ensure a smooth transaction while also being compliant with state and federal regulations. Inadvertently breaking the law can result in unwanted criminal charges. Cash My Guns is providing this helpful guide to navigate the firearm sales regulations currently in place in Tennessee.

    The following information is compiled from a memorandum on State Laws and Published ordinances from the Tennessee Office of Attorney General to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    What Selling Options do Gun Owners Have in Tennessee?

    There are a few ways gun owners can sell a firearm in a legal transaction:

    • Gun owners can sell a firearm to a local dealer. This is a good way to help ensure gun owners are complying with gun laws in Tennessee for firearm sales. However, sellers may be leaving money on the table by selling for much less than the gun’s actual market value.
    • Gun owners can sell a firearm through a private transaction. In the state of Tennessee, there are no specific laws regulating private sales of firearms between two unlicensed individuals. However, there are criminal penalties for buyers and sellers if the firearm was sold to an ineligible person, selling a defaced firearm or selling a restricted firearm (explosive weapon, machine gun), which can result in different criminal charges including and up to a felony criminal charge.Here is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives guidance on the transfer of a firearm by private sellers.
    • Another option if simply wanting to legally dispose of a firearm is surrendering it to local law enforcement. However, by doing this, gun owners potentially lose on hundreds or even thousands of dollars those guns could be worth in a sale.

    What is the Process of Buying a Firearm from a Dealer in Tennessee?

    Anyone purchasing a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer must complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms form 4473 (firearms transaction form). This form will be maintained by the dealer. A firearms purchaser must, under the permanent provisions of the Federal Brady Law, also undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System check, which will be performed by the firearms dealer.

    The check will indicate to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background allows for the person to complete the purchase of the firearm.

    Tennessee Firearm Ownership Restrictions

    Generally, Tennessee defaults to federal law regarding the sale and purchase of firearms.

    In order to purchase a firearm legally, the buyer must be 18 years old to purchase rifles, shotguns and ammunition. Buyers looking to purchase handguns must be at least 21 years old. No permits or registration are required to own a firearm in the state.

    The following disqualifies a person in Tennessee from purchasing a firearm.

    FEDERAL DISQUALIFICATION CATEGORIES

    • Conviction (felony or misdemeanor) where the crime has a maximum imprisonment term exceeding 1 year (even if a buyer did not receive actual imprisonment exceeding 1 year).
    • Warrant (felony or out-of-state misdemeanor).
    • Felony pre-trial release.
    • Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence restraining/stalking/protection order mental health adjudication or commitment.
    • Unlawful use or addicted to a controlled substance (including marijuana).
    • Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
    • Renounced U.S. citizenship.
    • Illegal alien.

    Save the Hassle, Sell your Gun to Cash My Guns

    If the hassle of navigating Tennessee’s gun laws seems overwhelming, we’re excited to tell you that there’s a better way!

    You can safely, easily and legally sell your handgun or long gun to Cash My Guns and be 100% compliant with Tennessee gun laws.

    We have a Federal Firearms Licensee, who is licensed by the U.S. Government to help people with selling and transferring of firearms. We take care of the hard part and make the process safe, quick and hassle-free. The reality is you can sell your gun without leaving the house.

    Just tell us which gun(s) you’d like to sell, we’ll make you an offer, and once we agree on a price, you’ll mail us your gun(s) with all expenses paid by us. When we receive your gun(s), we get you paid with a check in your hand within a few days.

    When you use Cash My Guns, you get the following unbeatable benefits!

    Free gun appraisal  –  Fair price for your gun –  Free shipping

    Easy shipment tracking throughout the whole process. Speedy payment!

    Begin our safe and discrete process here.

    “DISCLAIMER”
    The information contained on this website has been prepared as a service to the internet community and is not intended to constitute legal advice. CashMyGuns.com has used reasonable efforts in collecting, preparing, and providing quality information and material, but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the information contained in or linked to this website. Users of information from this website or links do so at their own risk and should consult their local firearm law resources and/or an attorney when engaging in selling a firearm. The cited information in this article was obtained from https://www.atf.gov/file/117371/download

    2025 Tennessee Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Is it legal to sell a firearm privately in Tennessee in 2025?

      Yes. Private firearm sales are legal in Tennessee in 2025 as long as both the buyer and seller are Tennessee residents who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Federal age rules apply: 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.

    • Do I need a permit to sell a handgun in Tennessee?

      No. Tennessee does not require a permit for private handgun sales. Sellers should still act responsibly and avoid transferring a firearm to anyone who may be prohibited under state or federal law.

    • Are background checks required for private gun sales in Tennessee?

      No. Background checks are not required for private, face-to-face firearm sales between Tennessee residents. Purchases made through licensed gun stores still require the standard federal background check.

    • Does Tennessee require firearms to be registered before selling them?

      No. Tennessee does not have firearm registration, and no registration is needed before selling a gun. Many sellers choose to keep a personal record of the sale for liability protection.

    • Can I sell my gun online while living in Tennessee?

      Yes. Tennessee residents may legally sell firearms online. Federal law requires that any shipped firearm be sent to the buyer’s local FFL dealer, where the transfer and required background check will take place.

    • How does CashMyGuns help Tennessee sellers?

      CashMyGuns provides firearm valuation, secure prepaid shipping, and fast payment. Their process allows Tennessee sellers to complete a legal, documented firearm sale without meeting private buyers in person.

    • How can I verify that a buyer is legally eligible to own a firearm in Tennessee?

      Sellers should request a valid Tennessee ID to confirm residency and age. If the seller wants additional assurance, the firearm can be transferred through an FFL dealer, who can conduct the required federal background check.

    • What information should a Tennessee firearm bill of sale include?

      A Tennessee bill of sale typically lists the firearm’s make, model, serial number, and caliber, along with the buyer and seller’s full names, contact information, and the date of the transaction. Keeping a bill of sale is recommended for documentation.

    • Are NFA-regulated firearms handled differently in Tennessee?

      Yes. Suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles or shotguns fall under the National Firearms Act. These transfers require federal tax stamps, approved ATF paperwork, and background checks regardless of Tennessee state law.

    • What is a safe way to get a fair price when selling a firearm in Tennessee?

      Using a trusted buyer like CashMyGuns ensures transparent pricing and a secure, compliant process that follows all federal requirements for firearm transfers in 2025.

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