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

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

    When buying or selling a firearm in the state of Alabama all parties involved should have knowledge of the state’s laws and regulations that govern sales and transfers of firearms. For those considering selling or buying, selling and transferring a gun in Alabama through a private transaction, being informed of the laws surrounding guns is important to ensure buyers and sellers are in compliance Alabama laws.

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

    What Selling Options do Gun Owners Have in Alabama?

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

    • Gun owners can sell their firearm to a local dealer. This is a good way to help ensure gun owners are complying with gun laws in Alabama 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 Alabama, there are no laws requiring a background check to buy or sell a firearm in a private transaction between two individuals. However, there are 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 Alabama?

    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 in Alabama

    Generally, Alabama 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 Alabama 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 to Cash My Guns

    If the hassle of navigating Alabama’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 Alabama 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/117136/download and www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/firearms/File-Alabama-Weapon-Laws.pdf

    2025 Alabama Gun Sale FAQ's

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

      Yes, you can legally sell a firearm in Alabama in 2025 as long as you meet state and federal requirements. Private sales between law-abiding residents are allowed, and Alabama does not require permits, registration, or background checks for private transactions. However, you must verify that the buyer is 18 or older for rifles and shotguns, and 21 or older for handguns.

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

      No, Alabama does not require a permit to sell a handgun in a private transaction. The state has no permit-to-purchase requirements, no waiting periods, and no registration system for firearms. However, federal law still applies, meaning you cannot knowingly sell to a prohibited person.

    • Can I sell a gun directly to another person for cash?

      Yes, private cash sales are legal in Alabama between eligible individuals. Alabama law does not mandate background checks for private sales, though it's recommended to verify the buyer's eligibility. While not required by law, keeping a bill of sale with the buyer's information and firearm details is a smart practice for your protection.

    • Do I need to register my gun before selling it?

      No, Alabama does not have gun registration, so there's no requirement to register your firearm before selling it. You can sell your gun without any state-mandated paperwork, though maintaining a personal record of the transaction is advisable.

    • What are the age requirements for selling firearms in Alabama?

      Buyers must be at least 18 years old to purchase rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. For handguns, buyers must be at least 21 years old. Alabama Code specifically prohibits selling, giving, or lending a handgun to anyone under 18 years of age.

    • How can I ensure the buyer is legally allowed to own a firearm?

      While Alabama doesn't require background checks for private sales, federal law prohibits selling to certain individuals, including convicted felons, those with domestic violence convictions, individuals with restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally unfit. You can verify eligibility by checking a valid ID and asking about their legal status, or you can complete the transfer through a licensed dealer who will perform a background check.

    • Can I sell my gun online in Alabama?

      Yes, you can sell guns online through various platforms and marketplaces. However, if shipping a firearm across state lines, federal law requires the gun be sent to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state. For in-state sales arranged online, you can complete the transfer directly with the buyer following Alabama's private sale regulations.

    • What information should I include in a bill of sale?

      A proper firearm bill of sale should include the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the gun, along with both the buyer's and seller's names, addresses, and signatures. The date of sale should also be recorded. While Alabama doesn't legally require a bill of sale, having this documentation protects both parties and provides a record of the transfer.

    • Are there restrictions on selling certain types of firearms?

      Yes, certain firearms are subject to federal restrictions under the National Firearms Act (NFA). These include machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors. Selling firearms with altered or removed serial numbers is also illegal. Additionally, Alabama law prohibits certain devices designed to convert pistols into machine guns.

    • What's the safest way to sell my gun in Alabama?

      The safest way to sell your gun is through a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) who can handle the transaction professionally and ensure all legal requirements are met. This option provides documentation, handles background checks if needed, and offers protection for both buyer and seller. Alternative options include private sales with proper verification and documentation, though these place more responsibility on you to ensure legal compliance.

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