2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Ohio (OH)

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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 OH for Cash: The 2025 CashMyGuns Guide

    How to Sell a Gun in Ohio for Cash in 2025

    When buying, selling, or transferring a firearm in Ohio, the laws are generally less complicated than in many other states. However, it remains critical for sellers to be fully informed of both state and federal regulations to avoid legal liability. While Ohio law does not require a background check for private, person-to-person sales, the seller assumes a serious risk: it is a Felony of the Fourth Degree under Ohio Revised Code 2923.20 to recklessly sell or give a firearm to any person who is legally prohibited from acquiring or possessing one (such as a convicted felon or an individual subject to a domestic violence protection order). Inadvertently breaking this law can result in severe criminal charges.

    Cash My Guns has compiled this helpful guide for sellers to navigate these regulations, drawing information from the Ohio Revised Code and official guidance from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Being knowledgeable about these prohibitions is the only way to ensure the transfer is legal and compliant, preventing unwanted criminal charges.

    Best options for selling a gun in Ohio in 2025?

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

    • Sell to CashMyGuns.com – Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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. Ohio 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 Ohio

    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 as part of their permanent records for at least 20 years. This form records the transaction details and includes a series of questions the buyer must answer to certify they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    A key part of this process is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check, which the firearms dealer performs by contacting the FBI (or state point-of-contact). The dealer relays the buyer’s information to NICS, which searches federal and state databases for any disqualifying factors (such as felony convictions, domestic violence prohibitions, or mental health adjudications). The NICS check provides the dealer with a “Proceed,” “Delay,” or “Deny” response, indicating whether the purchaser’s background allows for the legal completion of the firearm transfer.

    2025 Firearm Ownership Restrictions in Ohio

    Ohio generally defers to federal law regarding the sale and purchase of firearms and requires no permits or registration to own a firearm in the state.

    • To purchase rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, a buyer must be at least 18 years old.
    • Buyers looking to purchase handguns from a licensed dealer (FFL) must be at least 21 years old (due to federal law). However, individuals aged 18-20 may legally acquire a handgun from an unlicensed individual who is a resident of the same state, provided they are not otherwise prohibited.

    The following, according to both state (Ohio Revised Code 2923.13) and federal law, disqualifies a person in Ohio from purchasing or possessing a firearm (known as “Having Weapons While Under Disability”):

    • Felony Conviction: Anyone convicted of a felony offense of violence or any felony drug offense, or adjudicated a delinquent child for a similar offense (unless relieved from disability by operation of law).
    • Fugitive Status: Anyone who is a fugitive from justice or under indictment for a felony.
    • Domestic Violence: Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
    • Mental Health: A person who is under adjudication of mental incompetence, has been committed to a mental institution, or found by a court to be a person with a mental illness subject to court order.
    • Substance Use: A person who has a drug dependency, is in danger of drug dependence, or has chronic alcoholism; or is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
    • Restraining Orders: A person who is subject to a civil protection order or temporary protection order of an Ohio court or a similar protection order issued by another state.

    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

    Despite Ohio’s relatively permissive gun laws, the process of selling a firearm privately carries significant risk. Ohio Revised Code 2923.20 makes it a Felony of the Fourth Degree (punishable by up to 18 months in prison) to recklessly sell, lend, or furnish any firearm to a person who is legally prohibited from acquiring one (like a convicted felon).

    Navigating this liability and finding a legal buyer can be a stressful and overwhelming hassle.

    Cash My Guns offers a simplified, safe, and fully legal alternative for selling your handgun or long gun, ensuring 100% compliance with all Ohio 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 by conducting the mandatory background check on the receiving end.

    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.

    2025 Ohio 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 Ohio firearm law resources or seek guidance from a qualified attorney to ensure full legal compliance.

    2025 Ohio Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I sell a firearm privately in Ohio in 2025?

      Yes. Ohio law allows private firearm sales in 2025 as long as both the buyer and seller are legally allowed to own firearms. Federal age requirements still apply: 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.

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

      No. Ohio does not require a permit or license for private handgun sales. The seller must simply avoid transferring a firearm to anyone who is prohibited under state or federal law.

    • Are background checks required for private gun sales in Ohio?

      No. Ohio does not require background checks for private, face-to-face transfers between residents. Firearms purchased from licensed dealers still require the standard federal background check.

    • Does Ohio require firearm registration before selling?

      No. Ohio does not have a firearm registration system. Although the state does not track private firearm transfers, many sellers keep personal documentation for their own records.

    • Can I sell my gun online if I live in Ohio?

      Yes. Ohio residents may sell firearms online. Federal law requires any shipped firearm to be delivered to an FFL dealer in the buyer’s area, where the background check and transfer are completed.

    • How does CashMyGuns help Ohio sellers?

      CashMyGuns provides valuation, secure shipping, and fast payment. All firearms sold by Ohio residents through their service are transferred legally through licensed FFL dealers to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

    • What should a firearm bill of sale include in Ohio?

      An Ohio bill of sale typically includes the firearm’s make, model, caliber, and serial number, as well as both parties’ names, contact information, and the date of the sale. This provides documentation if questions arise later.

    • How can I confirm a buyer is legally allowed to own a firearm in Ohio?

      Sellers should ask for a valid Ohio ID to confirm age and residency. If a seller wants additional assurance, the firearm can be transferred through an FFL dealer who can conduct the required federal background check.

    • Are NFA firearms regulated differently in Ohio?

      Yes. Items such as suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles are regulated under the National Firearms Act. These firearms require ATF approval, background checks, and tax stamps regardless of Ohio’s state laws.

    • What is a safe way to get a fair price when selling a firearm in Ohio?

      Selling through a trusted buyer like CashMyGuns ensures market-based pricing and a secure transfer process that complies with federal law in 2025.

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