2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in North Carolina (NC) for 2026

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

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

    How to Sell a Gun in North Carolina for Cash in 2026

    If looking to sell a gun in North Carolina, understanding the laws in place on both the state and federal level is critical before entering into the transaction. While North Carolina repealed its Pistol Purchase Permit (PPP) requirement in 2023, eliminating the need for a permit for handguns and making private sales of handguns easier, criminal penalties still apply to any person who knowingly transfers a handgun or long gun to a prohibited person (such as a convicted felon).

    Those unfamiliar with these laws, including the severe federal prohibitions, can unintentionally commit a felony offense. For those who are unfamiliar with the regulations governing a firearm transaction in North Carolina, Cash My Guns is providing this helpful guide.

    The following information is compiled from official guidance, including memoranda from the North Carolina Office of the Attorney General to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the North Carolina State Legislature’s official website.

    Best options for selling a gun in North Carolina in 2026?

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

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

    • Sell through a private firearm sale

      In North Carolina, gun owners are permitted to sell firearms through private transactions. Following the ratification of Senate Bill 41 in March 2023, the state effectively repealed the long-standing requirement for a permit to purchase a handgun. Previously, North Carolina law mandated that individuals obtain either a permit to purchase or a concealed carry license before acquiring a handgun in a private transaction between unlicensed parties. Under the current law, there is no longer a requirement for a buyer to obtain a permit or undergo a state-mandated background check when purchasing a firearm from a private individual.

      While the permit requirement has been eliminated, both buyers and sellers remain subject to stringent legal regulations. It is still a crime to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to an ineligible person, such as a convicted felon. Furthermore, selling a defaced firearm or a restricted weapon—including machine guns or explosive devices—remains strictly prohibited. Violations of these laws can result in various criminal penalties, which may escalate to serious felony charges depending on the nature of the offense.

    Here is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives guidance on the transfer of a firearm by private sellers.

    • 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 North Carolina

    Any individual purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer (FFL) is required by federal law to complete the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record), which the dealer must maintain. Furthermore, under the permanent provisions of the Federal Brady Law, the firearms purchaser must undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check, which the licensed firearms dealer performs.

    This check is crucial as it indicates to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background legally allows them to complete the firearm purchase. Should the NICS check result in a denial that the purchaser believes is unwarranted, a formal appeal process is available to challenge the decision and potentially receive the necessary clearance to complete the transaction.

    2026 Restrictions on Firearm Ownership in North Carolina

    In order to purchase a firearm legally in North Carolina, the buyer must be at least 18 years old to acquire rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. Buyers looking to purchase handguns must be at least 21 years old when purchasing from a licensed dealer (FFL), although private transfers between residents for handguns require only that the buyer be 18 and legally eligible to possess the 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 your Gun to Cash My Guns

    Even though North Carolina eliminated the Handgun Purchase Permit, the legal risk for private sellers remains significant. State law makes it a Class F felony to knowingly sell, transfer, or give a firearm to a prohibited person, such as a convicted felon, or to intentionally use false information in a transfer (G.S. 14-408.1). Navigating this liability while finding a lawful buyer can be overwhelming.

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

    We eliminate the hard part by utilizing our Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), who is government-licensed to manage the legal transfer process and fully assume the compliance liability.

    The reality is you can sell your gun without leaving the house: simply tell us which firearm(s) you wish 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, making the process safe, quick, and completely hassle-free.

    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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina firearm law resources or seek guidance from a qualified attorney to ensure full legal compliance.

    2026 North Carolina Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I legally sell a gun in North Carolina in 2026?

      Yes, you can **legally sell a firearm in North Carolina** in 2026 as long as you meet state and federal requirements. Private sales between **law-abiding residents** are allowed, but 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 North Carolina?

      As of **2026**, a **permit is no longer required** for private handgun transfers in North Carolina. However, it’s strongly advised to confirm the buyer’s eligibility through a **background check** or by working with a **licensed dealer (FFL)**.

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

      Yes, **private cash sales** are legal in North Carolina if both parties are residents and eligible to own firearms. Always record the **buyer’s ID**, **sale date**, and **firearm details** to protect yourself legally.

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

      No, **North Carolina does not require gun registration**, so you can sell your firearm without additional paperwork. Still, it’s smart to keep a **bill of sale** for your personal records.

    • Can I use CashMyGuns to sell my gun safely?

      Absolutely. **CashMyGuns** provides a **secure, hassle-free way** to sell your gun in North Carolina. The platform handles **appraisal, shipping, and payment**, ensuring a **fast and legal transaction**.

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

      Before completing a **private gun sale**, verify that the buyer is a **North Carolina resident** and has no **criminal record** or **restraining orders**. When in doubt, complete the transfer through an **FFL dealer** who can perform a background check.

    • Can I sell my gun online in North Carolina?

      Yes, you can **sell guns online** through trusted platforms like **CashMyGuns** or **FFL-approved marketplaces**. Federal law requires that shipped firearms go to a **licensed dealer** for transfer to the buyer.

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

      A proper **firearm bill of sale** should list the **make, model, caliber, and serial number** of the gun, along with **buyer and seller names**, **addresses**, and **signatures**. Keeping this record protects both parties in case of future disputes.

    • Are there restrictions on selling certain types of firearms?

      Yes, **fully automatic weapons, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors** are regulated under the **National Firearms Act (NFA)**. You must comply with **federal transfer requirements** when selling these items in North Carolina.

    • What’s the safest way to get the best price when selling a gun?

      The safest and most reliable way is through a **trusted buyer like CashMyGuns**. They offer **fair market valuations**, **instant cash offers**, and ensure every step follows **North Carolina and federal gun laws**.

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