Highlights
- Private sales are legal in Tennessee. There are no background checks as well.
- No permits are required to sell a gun in Tennessee, and there’s no gun registration system in place.
- While Tennessee recently became a constitutional carry state in 2021, it still offers advanced permits.
- If you want to sell your gun as quickly as possible at a fair price, sell it to Cash for Arms.
State Laws for Private Gun Sales in Tennessee
Here’s a summary of the applicable gun laws in Tennessee that you should keep note of:
Preemption laws
Tennessee's strong preemption law stops local gun regulations. This ensures uniformity in gun laws across the state.
Private sales legality
Private gun sales are legal in Tennessee.
Background checks
Private sellers are not required to conduct background checks. This can be a loophole that lets people buy guns from private sellers.
Risks:
- Legal responsibility. The seller must ensure the buyer is legally allowed to possess a gun.
- Safety concerns. Meeting a stranger for a gun sale can be dangerous. Best practices include meeting at a gun shop or range or bringing someone with you. Always call the shop ahead of time to ask permission.
- Record keeping. Keeping a sale record, including the buyer’s name, address, and ID information, is advisable to protect yourself if the gun is later used in a crime. This is called a bill of sale.
Permit to possess
No permit is required to possess rifles, shotguns, or handguns.
Permit to carry
As of July 1, 2021, Tennessee allowed permitless carry for handguns. This means individuals 21 or older (18 if in military service) can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.
Licensing
While permits are not required, the state still issues Enhanced and Concealed Handgun Carry Permits. They’re for residents who wish to carry in other states that recognize Tennessee's permits.
Waiting period
Tennessee has no mandatory waiting period to buy guns.
ID requirements
Buyers must present valid identification, such as a driver's license or state ID. This allows you to check if they’re eligible to own a gun.
Transaction limits
Tennessee doesn’t restrict the number of guns purchased or sold within a certain time frame.
However, if you want to sell a bulk amount of guns, consider using our liquidation services in Tennessee. Our team of experts will help you with every step of the process and ensure legal compliance.
Safety devices
Tennessee doesn’t require a locking device to accompany the gun sale.
Red Flag Laws
Tennessee doesn’t have a statewide red flag law. However, there are proposed laws, like HB 1574, that aim to create risk protection orders. If this is passed, make sure you’re not selling a gun to an individual with an Extreme Risk Protection Order Model (ERPO).
[[card_start]]
Get the best price in Tennessee!
Your firearms could be worth more than you think. Click ‘Get my Cash Offer’ now for a fair, no-obligation cash offer and enjoy the benefit of quick payment.
[[card_end]]
Top Strategies for Selling Your Gun Privately
- Research current market values. Before listing your gun for sale, research its current market value. Check online marketplaces, gun forums, and local gun shops to understand what similar guns sell for. This will help you set a competitive price.
Pro Tip: Cash for Arms offers free gun appraisals if you choose to sell to us.
- Clean and maintain your gun. A well-maintained gun will fetch a higher price. Clean your gun thoroughly, oil it properly, and fix any minor issues before selling it. Consider including any maintenance records or receipts for upgrades.
- Provide detailed information. When listing your gun, include as much information as possible. It should cover the make, model, caliber, condition, modifications, and accessories. Also, it needs clear, high-quality photos from multiple angles.
- Consider timing. Certain times of the year may be better for selling guns. For example, hunting season often sees increased demand for rifles and shotguns. Stay aware of current events or legislation that might affect gun sales.
- Have a bill of sale. While not required by law in Tennessee, providing a bill of sale can give both you and the buyer peace of mind. It serves as a transaction record and can protect you legally if the gun is later used in a crime.
- Meet in a safe location. When meeting a potential buyer, choose a safe, public location. Many police stations offer parking lots as safe exchange zones for online transactions. Alternatively, consider meeting at a local gun shop or range.
Pro Tip: When meeting at a police station, don’t just pull your gun from your trunk. Inform the officers about your appointment so they know what your intent is.
- Be prepared to negotiate. Most buyers will try to negotiate the price. Decide on your bottom line beforehand, but be open to reasonable offers.
- Consider consignment. If you're not comfortable handling the sale yourself, consider consigning your gun to a local gun shop. They'll handle the sale for a percentage of the final price.
Pro Tip: Cash for Arms offers a consignment service via PrimeConsign™.
- Verify the buyer's eligibility. While not legally required for private sales in Tennessee, it's wise to ensure the buyer can legally own a gun. You can ask to see their Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit or Concealed Handgun Carry Permit as evidence of their eligibility as well.
- Use online platforms wisely. If selling online, use reputable platforms that cater to gun sales. Be cautious of scams and always complete the transaction in person.
Pro Tip: If you want your gun to be sold online immediately, sell to Cash for Arms. Our online platform is user-friendly, and you can get an offer as soon as possible after submitting your gun details.
Where to Sell Your Gun in Tennessee
There are also other avenues where you can sell your gun aside from private sales.
Cash for Arms
Cash for Arms offers a quick and convenient way to sell your gun. Our services often offer instant cash, and we always beat other offers you may get from other shops.
Our selling process only includes three steps:
- Visit our website and submit your gun details.
- Accept our offer and ship your gun via our free shipping label.
- Get paid after your gun passes inspection.
Tennessee Gun Shops
Local gun shops can be excellent venues for selling guns, offering expertise and a built-in customer base. Many shops also offer consignment services, handling the sale process for a percentage of the final price.
Consider visiting multiple shops to compare offers and terms, as prices and consignment fees can vary.
Pro Tip: Call the shops before driving to them since some may not buy used guns. It’ll greatly save you time and resources.
Tennessee Pawn Shops
Pawn shops provide a quick and easy option for selling your gun, often with same-day payment. However, they typically offer lower prices than other venues, typically around 40-60% of your gun’s market value.
If you choose this option, visit multiple pawn shops to compare offers and negotiate for the best price.
Pro Tip: Only choose pawn shops as your last resort, like if you really need the money right away and the nearest place you can sell your gun to is a pawn shop.
[[card_start]]
Get a fair offer, fast!
Interested in selling your gun in Tennessee? Get a fair market valuation from licensed dealers. Click 'Request a Quote' for a no-obligation estimate.
[[card_end]]
Conclusion
While the state has lax laws regarding gun sales, still do your utmost diligence in following every single regulation. The ones listed above are what you must remember.
If keeping track of the law or visiting physical shops seems like a hike to you, why not try Cash for Arms? You can sell your gun online with us, which means you can do it from home without stepping outside of your home (maybe for shipping your gun only).
If you’re interested, you can call us at (904) 977-5477.