2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Oregon (OR)

  • Safe • Legal • Hassle-Free
  • Free Shipping & Insurance
  • Over 20,000 Happy Sellers!
Get My Cash Offer

Tell us what you want to sell.

Drop files here or
Max. file size: 1 GB, Max. files: 16.
    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateDecember 11, 2025
    • 9 min read

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

    How to Sell a Gun in Oregon for Cash in 2025

    Selling a gun in Oregon requires detailed knowledge of the State’s numerous laws to ensure compliance and prevent serious criminal penalties. Since the passing of the Oregon Firearms Safety Act (SB 941), Oregon has a Universal Background Check law (ORS 166.435) that mandates that virtually all private transfers—including sales, gifts, or loans—of any firearm (handgun or long gun) between unlicensed individuals must be processed through a licensed gun dealer (FFL).

    Failure to follow the mandatory FFL transfer process constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class B Felony for subsequent offenses. Therefore, if considering selling a gun to another individual, both the transferor and the transferee must be fully up to speed with these strict regulations to ensure all parties are in compliance and not breaking any laws.

    The following information was compiled from the Oregon Revised Statutes, the Oregon State Police’s Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) guidelines, and official documentation from the Oregon Office of the Attorney General.

    Best options for selling a gun in Oregon in 2025?

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

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

    • Sell through a private firearm sale

      Gun owners can sell a firearm through a private transaction. However, Oregon has strict public policies when it comes to private sales of firearms. Under current law, in order to legally enter and finalize a private sale of a firearm, it must be conducted via federal firearms licensed dealer and a background check must be completed on the purchaser. Failing to do so results in stiff criminal penalties for those involved. There are some certain exceptions to this law for private party sales.
      Below is the legal text:

      Section 166.435. Firearm transfers by unlicensed persons; requirements; exceptions; penalties.(2)Except as provided in ORS 166.436 and 166.438 and subsection (4) of this section, a transferor may not transfer a firearm to a transferee unless the transfer is completed through a gun dealer as described in subsection (3) of this section(3) (a) A transferor may transfer a firearm to a transferee only as provided in this section. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, prior to the transfer both the transferor and the transferee must appear in person before a gun dealer, with the firearm, and request that the gun dealer perform a criminal background check on the transferee. (b) If the transferor and the transferee reside over 40 miles from each other, the transferor may ship or deliver the firearm to a gun dealer located near the transferee or a gun dealer designated by the transferee, and the transferor need not appear before the gun dealer in person. (c) A gun dealer who agrees to complete a transfer of a firearm under this section shall request a criminal history record check on the transferee as described in ORS 166.412 and shall comply with all requirements of federal law.

      (d) If, upon completion of a criminal background check, the gun dealer:

      • (A) Receives a unique approval number from the Department of State Police indicating that the transferee is qualified to complete the transfer, the gun dealer shall notify the transferor, enter the firearm into the gun dealer’s inventory and transfer the firearm to the transferee.
      • (B) Receives notification that the transferee is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing or receiving the firearm, the gun dealer shall notify the transferor and neither the transferor nor the gun dealer shall transfer the firearm to the transferee. If the transferor shipped or delivered the firearm to the gun dealer pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection, the gun dealer shall comply with federal law when returning the firearm to the transferor.

      (e) A gun dealer may charge a reasonable fee for facilitating a firearm transfer pursuant to this section.

      (4) The requirements of subsections (2) and (3) of this section do not apply to:

      (a) The transfer of a firearm by or to a law enforcement agency, or by or to a law enforcement officer, private security professional or member of the Armed Forces of the United States, while that person is acting within the scope of official duties.

      (b) The transfer of a firearm as part of a firearm turn-in or buyback event, in which a law enforcement agency receives or purchases firearms from members of the public.

      (c) The transfer of a firearm to:

      • (A) A transferor’s spouse or domestic partner;
      • (B) A transferor’s parent or stepparent;
      • (C) A transferor’s child or stepchild;
      • (D) A transferor’s sibling;
      • (E) A transferor’s grandparent;
      • (F) A transferor’s grandchild;
      • (G) A transferor’s aunt or uncle;
      • (H) A transferor’s first cousin;
      • (I) A transferor’s niece or nephew; or
      • (J) The spouse or domestic partner of a person specified in subparagraphs (B) to (I) of this paragraph.

      (d) The transfer of a firearm that occurs because of the death of the firearm owner, provided that:

      • (A) The transfer is conducted or facilitated by a personal representative, as defined in ORS 111.005, or a trustee of a trust created in a will; and
      • (B) The transferee is related to the deceased firearm owner in a manner specified in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

      (5)

      (a) A transferor who fails to comply with the requirements of this section commits a Class A misdemeanor. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, a transferor who fails to comply with the requirements of this section commits a Class B felony if the transferor has a previous conviction under this section at the time of the offense.

    • 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 Oregon

    Any individual purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer (FFL) must, under permanent federal law, complete the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record). The purchaser must also undergo a federal background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which the licensed dealer performs.

    Crucially, in Oregon, the dealer must also utilize the Oregon Firearms Instant Check System (FICS), which is required for virtually all firearm transactions in the state, including the mandatory background checks for private transfers. The combination of the NICS and FICS checks indicates to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background legally allows the sale to be completed under both federal and Oregon law.

    FEDERAL GUN OWNERSHIP 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.

    OREGON SPECIFIC DISQUALIFICATION CATEGORIES (in addition to the above)

    • Was committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130
    • After January 1, 1990, was found to be mentally ill and subject to an order under ORS 426.130 that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness
    • Has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving violence or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295 of a misdemeanor involving violence within the previous four years. As used in this paragraph, “misdemeanor involving violence” means a misdemeanor described in ORS 163.160, 163.187, 163.190, 163.195, or 166.155
    • ​Conviction of a violent misdemeanor within the previous 4 years – ORS 166.470(1)(g)
    • Probation with conditions limiting possession of a firearm – ORS 137.540(L)
    • Misdemeanor crime of domestic violence – ORS 166.255(1)(b)/(3)(c)(d)(f)
    • Restraining Order – ORS 166.255 (1)(a)​
    • Conviction of Stalking under ORS 163.732 – ORS 166.255(1)(c)

    Get the Best Price for Your Gun Without Leaving Home

    Given the extreme difficulty of navigating Oregon’s gun laws—specifically the Universal Background Check Law (ORS 166.435), which mandates that virtually all private sales or transfers must go through a licensed gun dealer (FFL)—the process of selling a gun privately is exceptionally complicated and risky. Failure to use an FFL is a Class A Misdemeanor for a first offense.

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

    We eliminate the hard part by utilizing our Federal Firearms License, which permits us to manage the mandatory legal transfer and 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!

    2025 Oregon General Resources

    “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.oregon.gov/osp/programs/cjis/Pages/Firearms-Instant-Check-System.aspx and https://www.atf.gov/file/117336/download

    2025 Oregon Gun Sale FAQ's

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

      Yes, but not directly to another person. Oregon law requires that every firearm transfer in 2025—including private sales—go through a licensed FFL dealer so the buyer can complete the mandatory background check.

    • Do I need a permit to sell or transfer a handgun in Oregon?

      No permit is required for the seller. The transfer must, however, be processed through an FFL, where the buyer will complete the federally required background check before the firearm is released.

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

      Yes. Oregon enforces universal background checks, meaning all sales and transfers—private or otherwise—must go through a licensed dealer. The FFL is responsible for completing the background check.

    • Does Oregon require firearm registration before selling?

      No. Oregon does not maintain a traditional firearm registration system. Still, transfers completed through FFLs are recorded and logged as required by federal and state law.

    • Can I legally sell a gun online if I live in Oregon?

      Yes. Oregon residents may sell firearms online. Any firearm that is shipped must be sent to an FFL dealer chosen by the buyer, where the federal transfer process will be completed.

      Can I sell a firearm online if I live in Oregon?

      Yes. Oregon residents may list firearms online, but the final transfer must be handled by an FFL. The buyer is required to pass a background check before taking possession of the firearm.

    • How does CashMyGuns make selling firearms easier in Oregon?

      CashMyGuns offers market-based firearm valuations, secure shipping, and fast payment. Their process helps North Dakota sellers complete a legal and well-documented transaction without meeting buyers privately.

      How does CashMyGuns assist Oregon sellers?

      CashMyGuns provides valuations, insured shipping, and fast payments. All Oregon transactions are completed through licensed FFL dealers to ensure that the sale meets Oregon’s background check requirements.

    • How can I make sure the buyer is legally eligible in an Oregon transfer?

      Eligibility is confirmed by the FFL handling the transfer. The dealer runs the required state and federal background checks and ensures all legal steps are followed before releasing the firearm.

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

      An Oregon firearm bill of sale typically lists the firearm’s make, model, serial number, and caliber, plus both parties’ names and contact information. Although an FFL handles the legal transfer, keeping personal documentation is advisable.

    • Are NFA-regulated firearms treated differently in Oregon?

      Yes. Suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles or shotguns are regulated under the National Firearms Act. These items require federal approval, background checks, and tax stamps, and must be transferred in compliance with both federal and Oregon laws.

    • What is a reliable way to get a fair price for my firearm in Oregon?

      Using a trusted buyer like CashMyGuns ensures transparent market-based pricing and guarantees that the firearm is transferred legally through an FFL in accordance with Oregon law in 2025.

    Sell Your Gun by State – 2025 Guides

    Locked, Loaded, and Listed: Insider Tips