2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Kentucky (KY) for 2026

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    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateDecember 18, 2025
    • 7 min read

    How to Sell a Gun in KY for Cash: The 2026 CashMyGuns Guide

    How to Sell a Gun in Kentucky for Cash in 2026

    Kentucky is generally considered a highly gun-friendly state, as it implements no state-level restrictions when it comes to permits, registration, or state-mandated background checks for the buying, selling, or transferring of firearms, whether through a federally licensed dealer or a private transaction. This highly permissive legal environment means that the process of acquiring a firearm is generally less difficult than in most other states.

    Despite the state’s lenient laws, it remains crucial for all buyers and sellers to be up to date on federal law, specifically, the prohibition against knowingly transferring a firearm to a prohibited person (such as a convicted felon, which is a federal crime). Cash My Guns has compiled this guide to help ensure all parties involved are in compliance with the relevant federal regulations. The information is derived from official sources, including a memorandum on Kentucky State Laws on firearms from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Best options for selling a gun in Kentucky in 2026?

    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 2026

      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.

    Legal text that deals with private sales: Chapter 65. General Provisions applicable to Counties, Cities, and Other Local Units, Section 65.870. Local firearms control ordinances prohibited — Exemption from immunity — Declaratory and injunctive relief. No existing or future city, county, urban-county government, charter county, consolidated local government, unified local government, special district, local or regional public or quasi-public agency, board, commission, department, public corporation, or any person acting under the authority of any of these organizations may occupy any part of the field of regulation of the manufacture, sale, purchase, taxation, transfer, ownership, possession, carrying, storage, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, components of firearms, components of ammunition, firearms accessories, or combination thereof.
    Any existing or future ordinance, executive order, administrative regulation, policy, procedure, rule, or any other form of executive or legislative action in violation of this section or the spirit thereof is hereby declared null, void, and unenforceable. Title XIX. Public Safety and Morals Chapter 237. Firearms and Destructive Devices

    Section 237.020. Right of Kentucky residents, out-of-state residents, and residents of other countries to buy firearms.

    Residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who are citizens of the United States shall have the right to purchase or otherwise acquire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and any other firearms which they are permitted to purchase or otherwise acquire under federal law and the Kentucky Revised Statutes from properly licensed dealers, manufacturers, importers, or collectors, and unlicensed individual persons in Kentucky or in any other state or nation outside of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
    Residents of states other than the Commonwealth of Kentucky who are citizens of the United States shall have the right to purchase or otherwise acquire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and any other firearms which they are permitted to purchase or otherwise acquire under federal law and the Kentucky Revised Statutes from properly licensed dealers, manufacturers, importers, or collectors, and from unlicensed individual persons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
    Citizens of countries other than the United States shall have the right to purchase or otherwise acquire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and any other firearms which they are permitted to purchase or otherwise acquire under federal law and the Kentucky Revised Statutes from properly licensed dealers, manufacturers, importers, or collectors, and from unlicensed individual persons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
    All such sales shall conform to the requirements of federal law, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, applicable local ordinances, and the law of the purchaser’s state.

    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.

    2026 State laws and requirements for selling a gun in Kentucky

    To legally purchase a firearm in Kentucky, a buyer must be at least 18 years old to acquire rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, while the minimum age for purchasing a handgun is 21 years old. The state itself imposes no requirements for permits or registration to own a firearm.

    However, any purchase made from a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) mandates adherence to federal law. The buyer must complete the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) and undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check, as required by the Federal Brady Law. This check, conducted by the dealer, verifies the purchaser’s eligibility. If the NICS check results in an unwarranted denial, the purchaser has the right to utilize an appeal process to challenge the decision and potentially receive the necessary clearance to complete the purchase.

    2026 Firearm Ownership Restrictions in Kentucky

    Kentucky generally defers to federal law concerning the sale and purchase of firearms. To legally acquire a long gun (rifle or shotgun), a buyer must be at least 18 years old and successfully pass the mandatory federal background check (if purchasing from a licensed dealer).

    For individuals seeking to purchase a handgun, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old, along with successfully passing the required federal background check when dealing with a licensed firearms dealer.

    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

    Even though Kentucky has very few state-level restrictions, the legal responsibility for private sellers to ensure they do not illegally transfer a firearm to a federally prohibited person can be a major source of stress.

    Cash My Guns offers a simplified, safe, and fully legal alternative for selling your handgun or long gun while guaranteeing 100% compliance with all state and federal regulations.

    The entire process is designed to be hassle-free and can be completed without leaving your house: simply inform them which firearm(s) you wish to sell, receive a competitive offer, and upon acceptance, you will be provided with prepaid shipping to mail the gun directly to their licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).

    This arrangement delegates the crucial legal transfer and background check compliance to the FFL, ensuring the process is quick and safe, and resulting in payment delivered to you via check within a few days of the firearm’s receipt.

    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.

    2026 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.

    2026 Kentucky Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I legally sell a gun in Kentucky in 2026?

      Yes, you can legally sell a firearm in Kentucky in 2026. 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 2026?

      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.

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