Highlights
- All private sales must go through a licensed firearms dealer.
- Buyers must have a handgun permit or concealed carry permit to buy a handgun. They don’t need a permit when buying a long gun.
- There are other alternatives to selling your gun aside from private sales.
- If you want to skip the hassle of keeping track of the gun laws of Delaware, sell your gun to Cash for Arms instead.
Frequently Asked Questions in Selling a Gun in Delaware
Are there preemption laws?
Delaware has preemption laws with few exceptions. Local governments can only regulate the discharge of guns and possession within police stations and municipal buildings unless ordinances were in effect before July 4, 1985.
This means that wherever you are in Delaware, the laws here will apply to you.
Are private gun sales in Delaware legal?
Private sales of guns are legal in Delaware, but they must be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer.
Are there background checks on private gun sales?
Yes, background checks are required for private sales. These must be conducted through a licensed dealer. However, some exemptions apply.
What’s the minimum age for someone to own a gun?
Delaware prohibits selling a handgun or long gun to a person under the age of 21.
Are there purchase permits?
There’s a new law signed by the governor that requires a permit to buy a handgun. Your prospective buyer must have either this permit or a concealed carry permit if you’re selling a handgun. No permits are required for long guns.
Does Delaware have a gun registry?
Because of the passing of the handgun purchase permit law, Delaware now has a gun registry for handguns. This doesn’t apply to long guns, though.
Are there any Red Flag laws?
Delaware has a Red Flag law called Lethal Violence Protection Order. A buyer tagged under this law might not pass the required background check. So, you can’t sell a gun to them.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Delaware?
There’s no waiting period for buying guns in Delaware. Once a buyer passes the background check and completes the sale, they can immediately take possession of your gun.
Are there transaction limits?
There are no specific transaction limits on the number of guns that can be bought at one time in Delaware.
Are there bans on assault weapons?
Delaware bans guns that are deemed as assault weapons.
What NFA items are banned?
Some NFA items are restricted. Machine guns, suppressors, destructive devices, and short-barreled shotguns are prohibited for civilians. You can’t sell nor own these.
Is there a magazine capacity restriction?
Delaware banned large-capacity magazines (LCM that can hold more than 17 rounds of ammunition. However, it’s okay to sell them out of state. Those with concealed carry permits are also exempted.
What are the required IDs from the buyer?
Buyers must present valid identification, such as a driver's license or any state ID, to verify age and identity during a gun purchase. They must also present a handgun purchase permit or a concealed carry permit when buying a handgun.
Does the buyer have to have a safety device to take possession of a gun?
Buyers are not required to have a safety device to take possession of a gun.
Do you have to report the sale of a gun?
Since the transaction happens through an FFL dealer, the shop will be responsible for maintaining a sale record. However, they’re not required to report it directly to authorities. The records are only “always open” for the authorities to check at any time.
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Alternatives to Selling a Gun Privately in Delaware
Aside from selling a gun to a private buyer, there are other options you can choose from.
Cash for Arms
At Cash for Arms, we specialize in buying used guns and handling all the necessary paperwork as an FFL dealer. We pride ourselves on offering the best prices in Delaware for your guns. Our guaranteed best offer means we can beat any offer you've received from local gun shops.
Here's our simple three-step selling process:
- Submit your gun details on our website.
- Receive our top-dollar offer and ship your gun for free.
- Get paid the moment your gun passes our inspection.
Pro Tip: Give us a detailed description of your gun to get the best offer!
Delaware Gun Shops
Delaware gun shops know local and federal laws. They ensure all transactions comply with them. They also have gun specialists who can professionally evaluate your gun.
However, it's important to note that not all gun shops buy used guns. To avoid wasting time, it's advisable to call ahead and confirm their buying policies. This also gives you an opportunity to inquire about their pricing and any specific requirements they may have.
Pro Tip: Clean and properly maintain your gun before presenting it to a gun shop to potentially increase its value.
Gun Shows
Gun shows in Delaware attract many gun enthusiasts, creating a potential marketplace for sellers. Selling here allows for face-to-face interactions and potential negotiations.
However, all sales at gun shows must still comply with Delaware law. This means that background checks are still required for all transactions. You should check prospective buyers, usually through licensed dealers at the show.
Pro tip: Research upcoming gun shows in advance and arrive early to secure a good spot for maximum visibility.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops in Delaware can offer a quick and easy way to sell your gun. These establishments are accustomed to dealing with various items, including guns. Selling to a pawn shop can be particularly convenient if you need cash quickly.
However, it's important to note that pawn shops typically offer lower prices than other selling methods. You might receive only 40-60% of your gun's market value on average. Due to these lower offers, selling to a pawn shop should generally be considered a last resort.
Pro tip: If you decide to sell to a pawn shop, visit multiple locations to compare offers and negotiate for the best possible price.
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Conclusion
Selling a gun in Delaware requires careful attention to the law. It mandates that all transactions be through licensed firearms dealers. There’s also the new law about having a handgun permit.
Delaware may continue strengthening their gun laws in the future, and this can be a headache for you as a private seller. If keeping track of these changes seems like a hassle, consider selling your gun to Cash for Arms instead.
Selling to us means you’ll get a great offer from the comfort of your home. If you’re ready to sell now, just contact us at (904) 977-5477 or click “Sell Your Gun Now” on the top right corner of the page.