2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Rhode Island (RI)

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    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateDecember 1, 2025
    • 7 min read

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

    How to Sell a Gun in Rhode Island for Cash in 2025

    Selling a gun can be a complicated process. It get even more complicated when gun owners sell guns they own through a private party transaction. For those looking to enter a private sale of a firearm, it is recommended to be informed of both state and federal laws in place to ensure all parties involved do not inadvertently violate the regulations on firearm sales.

    At Cash My Guns, we can eliminate all the hassle and liability that can come with selling a gun by using our service. However, for those looking to sell on their own, we have researched and compiled a useful that explains some of the gun regulations in the the Ocean State.

    The following information is compiled from a memorandum of Rhode Island’s State Laws and Published Ordinances from the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Best options for selling a gun in Rhode Island in 2025?

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

    • Sell to CashMyGuns.com – Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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. In the state of Rhode Island, the sale of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns all necessitates a seven day waiting period and a background check, even when selling to non-licensed individuals in a private party sale.

      Purchasers must complete a basic pistol/revolver safety course administered by the department of environmental management. A pistol/revolver safety certificate is required, which certifies the completion of this safety course. The seller retains copies of the application for six years, and the duplicate and triplicate copies are destroyed upon a finding of no disqualifying information. The same waiting period, safety certificate, and background check requirements apply to the purchase of rifles and shotguns.

    • 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 Rhode Island

    Anyone purchasing a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer must complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms form 4473 (firearms transaction form). This form will be maintained by the dealer. A firearms purchaser must, under the permanent provisions of the Federal Brady Law, also undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System check, which will be performed by the firearms dealer.

    The check will indicate to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background allows for the person to complete the purchase of the firearm.

    Rhode Island Firearm Ownership Restrictions

    In order to purchase a firearm legally through a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer, the buyer must be 18 years old to purchase rifles, shotguns and ammunition. Buyers looking to purchase handguns must be at least 21 years old.

    Along with federal restrictions, Rhode Island states that no person shall purchase, own, carry, transport, or have in his or her possession any firearm if that person:

    • Has been convicted in this state or elsewhere of a crime of violence
    • Is a fugitive from justice
    • Has, in this state or elsewhere, entered a plea of nolo contendere to or been convicted of an offense punishable as a felony under § 12-29-5
    • Has, in this state or elsewhere, entered a plea of nolo contendere to or been convicted of any of the following offenses punishable as a misdemeanor under § 12-29-5:
      • Simple assault
      • Cyberstalking and cyberharassment
      • Violation of a protective order
      • Disorderly conduct (A disorderly conduct conviction shall result in prohibition under this section if and only if the offense involves the use or attempted use of force or the threatened use of a dangerous weapon)
    • The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all persons who enter a plea of nolo contendere to or have been convicted of any of the offenses specified in subsections (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section (11-47-5), unless and until that person’s matter has been expunged, or upon the completion of the sentence of a one-year filing, or the end of a one-year probationary period that no longer constitutes a conviction pursuant to § 12-18-3.
    • No person shall purchase, carry, transport, or have in his or her possession any firearm if that person is subject to an order issued pursuant to chapter 15 of title 15, chapter 8.1 of title 8, or an equivalent order in this state or elsewhere, which order was issued after the person restrained has received notice of the proceedings and had an opportunity to be heard.
    • No person who is in community confinement pursuant to the provisions of § 42-56-20.2, or who is otherwise subject to electronic surveillance or monitoring devices as a condition of parole, shall purchase, carry, transport, or have in his or her possession any firearm. This subsection shall not apply to any person who has not been convicted of (or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to) a crime of violence in a court of competent jurisdiction.

    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

    If the hassle of navigating Rhode Island’s gun laws seems overwhelming, we’re excited to tell you that there’s a better way!

    You can safely, easily and legally sell your handgun or long gun to Cash My Guns and be 100% compliant with Rhode Island gun laws.

    We have a Federal Firearms Licensee, who is licensed by the U.S. Government to help people with selling and transferring firearms. We take care of the hard part and make the process safe, quick and hassle-free. The reality is, you can sell your gun without leaving the house.

    Just tell us which gun(s) you’d like 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.

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

    2025 Rhode Island Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Is it legal to sell a firearm privately in Rhode Island in 2025?

      Yes, but private sales in Rhode Island must follow strict rules. All firearm transfers in 2025—including private sales—require a background check conducted through a licensed FFL dealer, and the state’s mandatory waiting period applies.

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

      Private sellers do not need a permit, but buyers of handguns must hold a valid Rhode Island handgun safety certificate, often known as a “Blue Card.” The transfer must still be processed through an FFL with a completed background check.

    • Are background checks required for private firearm sales in Rhode Island?

      Yes. Rhode Island requires background checks on all firearm transfers, including private, person-to-person sales. The transfer must be completed through a licensed FFL, who will run the necessary federal and state checks.

    • Does Rhode Island have a waiting period for firearm sales?

      Yes. Rhode Island enforces a mandatory seven-day waiting period for most firearm transfers. This waiting period applies to private sales as well, even when the buyer passes the required background check.

    • Does Rhode Island require firearms to be registered before selling them?

      While Rhode Island does not use the term “registration,” all firearm transfers processed through an FFL are reported to state and local law enforcement, creating an official record of the sale.

    • Can I sell my firearm online if I live in Rhode Island?

      Yes. Rhode Island residents may sell guns online, but the firearm must be shipped to or transferred through a licensed FFL dealer. The buyer must pass background checks and complete the waiting period before taking possession.

    • How does CashMyGuns assist Rhode Island sellers?

      CashMyGuns provides firearm valuation, secure shipping, and fast payment. All Rhode Island sales are finalized through licensed FFL dealers to ensure full compliance with background check and waiting-period laws.

    • How can I verify a buyer’s eligibility in a Rhode Island private sale?

      The FFL dealer handling the transfer is responsible for verifying eligibility. They will run all required state and federal background checks and ensure the buyer meets Rhode Island’s handgun certification requirements when applicable.

    • What should a Rhode Island firearm bill of sale include?

      A bill of sale should list the firearm’s make, model, caliber, and serial number, along with the names and contact information of both parties and the date of the transaction. Even with an FFL involved, keeping your own documentation is recommended.

    • Are NFA-regulated firearms handled differently in Rhode Island?

      Yes. Machine guns, suppressors, and short-barreled rifles or shotguns must comply with the National Firearms Act. Federal tax stamps, ATF approval, and background checks are required. Some NFA items are further restricted under Rhode Island state law.

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