2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in New Jersey (NJ)

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    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateNovember 25, 2025
    • 7 min read

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

    How to Sell a Gun in New Jersey for Cash in 2025

    New Jersey has some of the most strict firearms regulations in place when compared to other states in the U.S. Buying or selling a firearm can be a complicated process in general, however, with the abundance of state and federal regulations surrounding firearms, this already complicated process can become even more convoluted with the additional laws. For those who are looking to buy, transfer or sell a firearm at a federally licensed firearm dealer or through a private transaction, buyers and sellers should be aware of the regulations in place in order to be in compliance with state and federal law.

    The following information is compiled from the New Jersey State Police’s document on New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13. Law and Public Safety Chapter 54. Firearms and Weapons, and a memorandum on New Jersey State Laws and Published Ordinance on firearms to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

    Best options for selling a gun in New Jersey in 2025?

    In New Jersey, a Firearm Identification card or Permit to Purchase is required to buy, transfer and sell a gun. This applies to antique and black powder firearms as well. There are a few ways gun owners can sell a firearm in a legal transaction:

    • Sell to CashMyGuns.com – New Jersey Best choice in 2025

      CashMyGuns.com provides a reliable online service for anyone looking to sell a firearm. Our process is simple, secure and fully compliant with New Jersey firearm laws. Share the make, model and condition of your gun, and you’ll receive an instant offer right away.

    • Sell to a licensed local dealer

      One option is to sell your firearm to a licensed local dealer. This approach helps ensure full compliance with New Jersey firearm laws, but sellers often receive significantly less than true market value when choosing this route.

    • Sell through a private firearm sale

      Gun owners can sell a firearm through a private transaction. However, It is the responsibility of the seller of the rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder rifles to ascertain that the buyer has a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card plus one additional form of photo identification and completes a Certificate of Eligibility for each firearm.

      he information contained on the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card must match the identification of the transferor to be valid. A Certificate of Eligibility can be obtained at any licensed firearms dealer or online at nj.gov/njsp/firearms/forms.shtml. 
      A Permit to Purchase a Handgun must be completed for each handgun transferred in New Jersey. It is the responsibility of the seller of the handgun to ascertain that the buyer has a valid Permit to Purchase a Handgun and one additional form of identification. The information on the Handgun Purchase Permit must match the identification of the transferor. ( i.e, name address, DOB, sex, etc.) The permit must be completed by the seller and buyer. It is the responsibility of the seller to forward the copies to the appropriate authority. Instructions are printed on the permit. All firearms transactions must be completed at a State licensed retail firearms dealer with the exemption of transactions between (A) members of an immediate family (B) law enforcement officers (C) collectors in possession of a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for further information)

    • Dispose of a firearm legally

      If the goal is simply to dispose of a firearm legally, owners can surrender it to local law enforcement. This method is safe and compliant, but it may result in losing out on the potential value the firearm could earn in a legitimate sale.

    2025 State laws and requirements for selling a gun in New Jersey

    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. If the check disallows the sale for no warranted reason, there is an appeal process the purchaser can pursue to receive the necessary clearance to complete the purchase.

    Restrictions on Firearm Ownership New Jersey

    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.

    The following disqualifies a person in New Jersey from purchasing a firearm.

    13:54-1.5 Prerequisites for a permit to purchase handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card

    (a) Every person issued a permit to purchase a handgun, or a firearms purchaser identification card, shall be 18 years of age and of good repute in the community in which he lives.

    (b) A permit to purchase a handgun, or a firearm purchaser identification card, shall not be issued to any person:

    1. Who has been convicted of any crime;
    2. Who is drug dependent as defined by N.J.S.A. 24:21-2;
    3. Who has been or is then confined for a mental disorder in any institution;
    4. Who is a habitual drunkard or an alcoholic;
    5. Who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for him or her to handle firearms;
    6. Who knowingly falsifies any information on the application form for a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card;
    7. Who refuses to waive statutory or other rights of confidentiality relating to institutional confinement; or
    8. Where the issuance would otherwise not be in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

    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 New Jersey’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 New Jersey 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.

    2025 New Jersey General Resources

    “DISCLAIMER”

    The content on this website is provided as a general informational resource and should not be interpreted as legal advice. While CashMyGuns.com makes every effort to gather and present accurate, reliable, and up to date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the material on this site or any external links.

    Anyone using the information found here does so at their own risk. Before selling or transferring a firearm, users should always consult official New Jersey firearm law resources or seek guidance from a qualified attorney to ensure full legal compliance.

    2025 New Jersey Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I sell a firearm privately in New Jersey in 2025?

      Yes, but you cannot complete the transfer on your own. New Jersey requires all firearm transfers—private or commercial—to go through a licensed FFL dealer so a state and federal background check can be performed.

    • What does a buyer need in order to purchase a firearm in New Jersey?

      Buyers must hold a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for rifles and shotguns. Purchasing a handgun requires a separate Permit to Purchase a Handgun, which must be presented during the FFL transfer.

    • Are background checks required for private firearm transfers in New Jersey?

      Yes. Every firearm transfer must go through an FFL, who will run the mandatory background check. New Jersey does not allow private transfers without a dealer’s involvement.

    • Does New Jersey have firearm registration?

      New Jersey does not use the term “registration,” but all firearms transferred through an FFL are recorded by the state. Handgun purchases are logged in state records as required by New Jersey law.

    • Can I sell a firearm online if I live in New Jersey?

      Yes, you can list a firearm online, but the sale must be completed at an FFL. The buyer must provide the appropriate NJ permits and pass the required background checks before the firearm is released.

    • How does CashMyGuns help New Jersey sellers?

      CashMyGuns provides firearm valuations, secure shipping, and fast payment. All New Jersey sales are finalized through licensed FFL dealers to ensure compliance with state permitting rules and background check requirements.

    • How do I verify a buyer’s eligibility in New Jersey?

      The FFL handling your transfer will confirm eligibility. For a rifle or shotgun, the buyer must provide a valid FPIC card. For a handgun, they must provide a Permit to Purchase a Handgun. The background check is part of the transfer process.

    • Are there special rules for “assault firearms” in New Jersey?

      Yes. New Jersey bans the sale, transfer, and possession of most firearms classified as “assault firearms.” These firearms cannot be transferred privately or through an FFL unless configured in a way that is compliant with state law.

    • Are NFA-regulated items allowed in New Jersey?

      No. New Jersey prohibits civilian possession of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and other NFA items, even if federal approval is obtained. These items cannot be sold legally within the state.

    • What is a dependable way to receive a fair price for my firearm in New Jersey?

      Using a trusted service like CashMyGuns ensures clear, market-based pricing and guarantees that the transfer is handled in full compliance with New Jersey’s strict firearm laws in 2025.

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