2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Kentucky (KY)

  • Safe • Legal • Hassle-Free
  • Free Shipping & Insurance
  • Over 20,000 Happy Sellers!
Get My Cash Offer

Tell us what you want to sell.

Drop files here or
Max. file size: 1 GB, Max. files: 16.
    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateNovember 21, 2025
    • 5 min read

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

    How to Sell a Gun in Kentucky for Cash in 2025

    Kentucky is a welcoming state for gun owners as the state does not implement its own restrictions when it comes to buying, selling or transferring firearms whether through a federally licensed dealer or a private transaction between non-licensed individuals. With such lenient laws, going through the process to acquire a firearm isn’t as difficult as some other places in the United States. However, being up to date on the regulations will help ensure buyers and sellers that they are in compliance with the regulations.

    Cash My Guns has put together a guide to help make sure those involved are following the law.

    The following information was complied from a memorandum on Kentucky State Laws on firearms to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.

    Best options for selling a gun in Kentucky in 2025?

    There are many ways to handle the sale of firearms in Kentucky, giving sellers a variety of options to choose from.

    • Sell to CashMyGuns.com – Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky firearm laws, but sellers often receive significantly less than true market value when choosing this route.

    • Sell through a private firearm sale

      Gun owners may also complete a private firearm sale. Kentucky does not require a background check for private, individual-to-individual transfers.

      Even without a background check requirement, both parties can face criminal penalties if a firearm is sold to someone who is prohibited from owning one, if the firearm is defaced, or if it is a restricted weapon such as a machine gun or explosive device. These violations can lead to serious charges, including felonies.
      View ATF guidance for private firearm transfers.

    • 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 Kentucky

    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 this state.

    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.

    This 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.

    Kentucky Firearm Ownership Restrictions

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

    In order to purchase a long gun or shotgun, a buyer must be 18 years old or older to legally purchase them and pass the background check. For shoppers looking to purchase a handgun, buyers must be at least 21 years old or older and pass the background check to legally buy the gun.

    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 Kentucky’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 Kentucky’s 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky firearm law resources or seek guidance from a qualified attorney to ensure full legal compliance.

    2025 Kentucky Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I legally sell a gun in Kentucky in 2025?

      Yes, you can legally sell a firearm in Kentucky in 2025. Private sales between Kentucky residents are allowed as long as both parties are legally eligible to own firearms.

    • Do I need a background check to sell a gun in Kentucky?

      No, Kentucky does not require background checks for private sales between residents. However, if the transaction is conducted through a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL), the dealer will perform a background check on the buyer.

    • Can I sell a handgun to another person in Kentucky?

      Yes, you can sell a handgun privately in Kentucky to another resident who is legally allowed to own firearms. The buyer must be at least 18 years old for rifles and shotguns, and 21 years old for handguns.

    • Do I need a permit to sell a gun in Kentucky?

      No permit is required to sell a firearm in Kentucky. Sellers should ensure the buyer is legally eligible to possess a gun under both state and federal law.

    • Can I sell my gun online in Kentucky in 2025?

      Yes, online sales are allowed in Kentucky, but if the buyer is from another state, federal law requires the firearm to be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer’s state for the transfer.

    • What’s the safest way to sell a gun in Kentucky?

      The safest way to sell a firearm in Kentucky is to verify the buyer’s eligibility and maintain a written record of the transaction. Using a licensed dealer provides additional legal protection and ensures compliance with federal law.

    • Do I have to register my gun before selling it in Kentucky?

      No, Kentucky does not require firearm registration. You can legally sell your gun without registration, but keeping a bill of sale is strongly recommended for documentation.

    • Can I sell my gun to a licensed dealer or an online buyer like CashMyGuns?

      Yes, you can sell your firearm to a licensed dealer or an online buyer like CashMyGuns. Licensed buyers ensure all transfers comply with state and federal laws and handle the necessary paperwork.

    • What should I include in a firearm bill of sale in Kentucky?

      A firearm bill of sale in Kentucky should list the buyer’s and seller’s names, addresses, firearm details (make, model, caliber, serial number), date of transfer, and signatures of both parties. Keeping a copy protects both parties legally.

    • Are there restrictions on the types of guns I can sell in Kentucky?

      Yes, federal law restricts certain firearms such as fully automatic weapons, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors. These firearms require additional federal approval and paperwork before they can be legally sold.

    Sell Your Gun by State – 2025 Guides

    Locked, Loaded, and Listed: Insider Tips