How to Sell a Gun in Raleigh, NC

Highlights

• You have to be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun and 18 years old to buy a long gun here.
• As of March 29th, 2023, you do not need a handgun permit to own a handgun in Raleigh.
• Private gun sales in Raleigh don’t require background checks, licenses, or purchase permits.
• One of the easiest and safest ways to sell a gun in Raleigh is by selling it directly to an FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer. They can handle all the necessary paperwork.
• Cash For Arms is an FFL dealer that can buy your gun for the best prices without requiring you to leave the comfort of your home. Getting an offer only takes you two minutes!

The Laws for Selling a Gun in Raleigh, NC

Federal Laws on Gun Sales

The key federal law affecting gun sales in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the Gun Control Act. According to this law, you can’t sell to anyone whom you know or suspect to be one of these persons:

• Convicted felons
• Fugitives from justice
• Unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances
• Individuals adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to mental institutions
• Illegal aliens
• Persons dishonorably discharged from the military
• Individuals who have renounced their US citizenship
• Persons subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders
• Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes

Federal law also prohibits the sale of specific guns to these people:

• Sales of long guns (rifles and shotguns) and their ammunition to anyone under 18
• Handguns and their ammunition to anyone under 21

State Laws on Gun Sales

North Carolina is among the most permissive states when it comes to gun laws. Even the previous requirement for buyer background checks in private gun sales was repealed in 2023. This makes selling firearms relatively easy in the state compared to most others.

What Guns Can’t You Sell in Raleigh?

You can sell all guns in Raleigh provided you are the rightful, legal owner.  Even machine guns and other NFA items are legal in North Carolina as long as you have an NFA tax stamp.

Does Raleigh or North Carolina Still Require a Pistol Purchase Permit for Gun Buyers?

No, Raleigh and the State of North Carolina doesn’t require a pistol purchase permit for gun buyers any longer. This has been the case since 2023, when the permit requirement of General Statute 14-402 was repealed by Senate Bill 41.

Do Buyers Need a License to Purchase a Gun in Raleigh, NC?

No, buyers don’t need a license to purchase a gun in Raleigh, NC.

Is There a Waiting Period for Gun Sales in Raleigh, NC?

No, there is no waiting period for gun sales in Raleigh, NC.

How Old Should You Be to Buy a Gun in Raleigh, NC?

You have to be at least 21 to buy a handgun and at least 18 to buy a long gun like a rifle or shotgun in Raleigh, NC. This is the general rule when you sell firearms in North Carolina.

Local Laws on Gun Sales in Raleigh

North Carolina has preemption laws for firearms law, which means that Raleigh can’t impose stricter regulations than those on the state level. So, always refer to federal and state laws for gun sales here.

The Ways to Sell Guns in Raleigh, NC

Method 1: Sell It to Cash For Arms

Convenient and safe, this is the top option for most people who want the easiest experience. Gun sales to us can be made from the comfort of your home and even net you some of the best prices.

1. Submit Your Gun for Appraisal

You can submit your gun details to us through our website in just a few minutes. You’ll receive a cash offer within 24 hours of submission.

2. Accept Our Cash Offer or Opt for Consignment

If you like the offer we make, let us know. We’ll provide the prepaid shipping labels and instructions for you to send your gun to us.

You may also turn the gun in for consignment with us. We can use our contacts to help you find buyers, but note that this typically takes more time than just selling us the gun.

3. Get Paid the Way You Want

Choose how you receive your payment. It can be a direct bank deposit, Zelle payment, or even a check we send to your mail.

Method 2: Sell It to a Raleigh Gun Store

Most gun stores are willing to buy used guns so that they can resell them. Their offers are usually lower than those from Cash For Arms, but they pay even faster as the transaction is in-person.

1. Call Ahead and Check the Store’s FFL

This step is optional but useful if you want to be certain you’re selling to a legit dealer. Ask the store for its FFL details and enter them in ATF’s official online tool to see if the license is valid.

2. Bring the Unloaded, Secured Gun to the Shop

Prepare your gun for transport by removing the clip and clearing the chamber, if possible. Next, put it in a gun case or other container that you can lock for security.

You can then bring this container to the store and let the clerk take out the gun himself for appraisal.

3. Accept the Offer or Negotiate

Most gun stores allow you to haggle, so you can negotiate if you’re dissatisfied with the clerk’s first offer. You can also just note down the offer, then visit other gun stores first to get more offers for comparison.

4. Finalize the Sale

Once you’re happy with the price being offered, finalize the deal. Stores will usually walk you through whatever they need at this stage, like a firearm bill of sale.

Method 3: Sell It to a Pawn Shop

Selling to a pawn shop is almost exactly the same as selling to a gun store in Raleigh. The key difference is that pawn shops will pay even less (around 40-60% of a gun’s market value).

1. Call Ahead and Check That the Pawn Shop Has a Type 02 FFL

Not all pawn shops buy guns because some don't have a license (known as a Type 02 FFL) for it. Call ahead to ask the pawn shop if it has that. You can also check the validity of the FFL on the ATF’s official online tool.

2. Bring the Unloaded, Secured Gun to the Shop

Use the same process as in our steps for selling to gun stores.

3. Accept the Offer or Negotiate

Use the same process as in our guide for selling to gun stores again. Because pawn shops offer such low rates, we also recommend that you get offers from non-pawnbrokers for comparison.

4. Finalize the Sale

Once you’re happy with the price being offered, finalize the deal.

Method 4: Sell It to a Private Buyer

Private buyers are people who buy firearms directly from other individuals. This approach can lead to good prices through negotiation and gives you control over the terms of the sale. Yet, it also demands the most time and effort.

1. Check Buyer Eligibility

While you don’t need to run a background check on private gun buyers in Raleigh, you should know which people you can’t sell to. Check that your buyer doesn’t belong to the prohibited categories we listed earlier in our section on the “Federal Laws on Gun Sales”.

2. Meet the Buyer

If your buyer wants to meet in person to see the gun, choose public places in daylight. This will deter thieves from seizing the gun without payment. Your local gun shop, pawn shop, or firing range may even allow you to complete the transaction on their premises if you ask.

3. Negotiate with the Buyer

This can be rewarding, but it can also take a lot of time and back-and-forth. To try and save yourself time, set a hard limit in advance for how low you can go. This will also let you narrow down your list of buyers quickly.

4. Finalize the Sale

Once you settle details like pricing, payment methods, and where to do the official handover, you can carry out the sale. No special permits are necessary for this in North Carolina.