How to Sell a Gun in Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

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

    Firearm regulations vary from state to state and can be complicated to navigate. The state of Virginia has various regulations and a lengthy process to purchase a firearm. With that in mind, buyers and sellers alike may want to be informed of the process and regulations when it comes to buying, selling and transferring a firearm whether it is a private transaction or a purchase from a federally licensed dealer.

    The following information is compiled from the official Virginia State Police website, the Virginia Legislative Information System and a memorandum on State Laws and Published Ordinances in Virginia from the Virginia Office of the Attorney General to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

    What Selling Options do Gun Owners Have in Virginia?

    There are a few ways gun owners can sell a firearm in a legal transaction:

    • Gun owners can sell a firearm to a local dealer. This is a good way to help ensure gun owners are complying with gun laws in Virginia for firearm sales. However, sellers may be leaving money on the table by selling for much less than the gun’s actual market value.
    • Gun owners can sell a firearm through a private transaction. In the state of Virginia, no person can sell a firearm in exchange for money, goods, services, or any other value unless they have verified that a criminal history record information check has been conducted on the prospective purchaser. This verification must confirm that the purchaser is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, as determined by the Department of State Police. Licensed dealers in firearms will facilitate this verification process and may charge an additional fee of up to $15 for conducting the criminal history record check on behalf of a seller. The State Police provide background checks for private transactions at firearms/gun shows in Virginia for the sale or transfer of handguns or long guns at the event. For a private transaction background check, both the buyer and seller must be Virginia residents. The prospective purchaser must provide written consent permitting the State Police to perform the records check by completion of a Virginia Firearms Transaction Consent Form.
    • Another option if simply wanting to legally dispose of a firearm is surrendering it to local law enforcement. However, by doing this, gun owners potentially lose on hundreds or even thousands of dollars those guns could be worth in a sale.

    Restrictions on Firearm Ownership Virginia

    In order to purchase a firearm legally, 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.

    Virginia Law restricts firearm possession and purchase among specific groups of individuals, particularly those with certain criminal or mental health histories.

    It is unlawful for individuals who have been adjudicated legally incompetent, mentally incapacitated, or incapacitated under certain sections of the law to purchase, possess, or transport firearms. Individuals whose competency or capacity has been restored may petition the court to regain their firearm rights.

    It is unlawful for individuals who have been involuntarily admitted to a facility or ordered to mandatory outpatient treatment due to various circumstances to purchase, possess, or transport firearms.

    It is unlawful for individuals who individuals subject to specific protective orders to purchase, possess, or

    Individuals who have been convicted of two misdemeanor offenses related to certain drug offenses within a 36-month period are ineligible to purchase or transport handguns. After five years from the date of the second conviction and no further convictions during that period, this ineligibility is removed.

    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 Virginia’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 Virginia gun laws.

    We have a Federal Firearms Licensee, who is licensed by the U.S. Government to help people with selling and transferring of 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.

    “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://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.2:2/, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter42/section54.1-4201.2/ and atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/virginia-firearms-statutes-and-codes/download

    2025 Virginia Gun Sale FAQ's

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

      Yes, private firearm sales are legal in Virginia in 2025, but they must be completed through a licensed FFL dealer. Virginia law requires background checks for nearly all firearm transfers, including private, person-to-person sales.

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

      No permit is required for a private seller. However, all handgun transfers must go through a licensed dealer where the buyer completes the mandatory state background check before the transfer is approved.

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

      Yes. Since 2020, Virginia requires that private firearm transfers be processed through an FFL. The dealer will run the required state and federal background checks before the firearm can be released to the buyer.

    • Does Virginia require firearms to be registered before selling them?

      No. Virginia does not have a statewide firearm registration system. While registration is not required, the FFL handling the transfer will maintain federal records of the transaction as required by law.

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

      Yes, Virginia residents may sell firearms online. All shipped firearms must be transferred to the buyer through an FFL dealer, where the buyer will complete background checks before receiving the firearm.

    • How does CashMyGuns help sellers in Virginia?

      CashMyGuns offers firearm valuations, secure shipping, and fast payment. All firearms sold through their service in Virginia are transferred through licensed FFL dealers to ensure full compliance with Virginia’s background check requirements.

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

      In Virginia, eligibility is verified by the FFL conducting the transfer. The dealer will run the required state background check through the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) before approving the transfer.

    • What should a Virginia firearm bill of sale include?

      A bill of sale typically lists the firearm’s make, model, serial number, and caliber, along with the names and contact information of both parties and the date of the transaction. Even with FFL involvement, keeping a personal record is recommended.

    • Are NFA items regulated differently in Virginia?

      Yes. Machine guns, suppressors, and short-barreled rifles or shotguns are regulated under the National Firearms Act. These transfers require federal approval, tax stamps, and background checks. Virginia also requires certain machine guns to be registered with the state.

    • What’s a safe way to get a fair price for my firearm in Virginia?

      Selling through a trusted buyer like CashMyGuns provides transparent pricing based on market conditions and ensures the transfer is handled legally through a licensed FFL in compliance with Virginia law in 2025.

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