2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Missouri (MO) for 2026

2026 Firearm Ownership Restrictions in Missouri

Missouri generally defers to federal law concerning the sale and purchase of firearms, though private transfers between state residents do not require a state-mandated background check. For purchases made through a licensed dealer (FFL), federal age requirements apply: a buyer must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and pass the background check, and at least 21 years old to legally purchase a handgun and pass the background check.

The following, according to both state and federal law, disqualifies a person in Missouri from purchasing or possessing a firearm:

• Felony Conviction: Anyone convicted of a felony under Missouri law, or a crime in another jurisdiction that would be a felony in Missouri. This is generally a lifetime ban unless rights are formally restored (e.g., through expungement or pardon).
• Fugitive from Justice: Any person who is currently a fugitive from justice or under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
• Substance Use: A person who is habitually in an intoxicated or drugged condition, or is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
• Mental Health: A person who is currently adjudged mentally incompetent or has been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution.
• Domestic Violence:
  • Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
  • Anyone subject to a qualifying court order (e.g., a domestic violence restraining order) that restrains them from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of that partner.
• Immigration/Military Status: Individuals who are illegal residents of the United States, have renounced their U.S. citizenship, or were dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.

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

Given the risk and legal responsibility for private sellers in Missouri—where it is a Class E felony to knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person—Cash My Guns offers a simplified, safe, and fully legal alternative for selling your handgun or long gun while guaranteeing 100% compliance with all Missouri 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!

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