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Legally Sell Guns in New England

  • Writer: CaliberSwap
    CaliberSwap
  • Jan 19, 2020
  • 5 min read

In most states, private individuals do not need an FFL to make a private sale. You still need to abide by state and federal regulations regarding how to legally sell guns in the NorthEast.


The locations where you can sell guns and rules around gun sales are different for each state. Some states require paperwork and a full background check, while others do not. Knowing how to legally sell guns means knowing the law.


Read here to learn everything you need to know about the laws for selling guns in New England states.


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HOW TO LEGALLY SELL GUNS IN THE NORTHEAST


New England comprises five states–each with gun regulation as different as the next.


New Englanders can use this article to check that your gun sale is within the boundaries of the law.   


Gun sale law starts with the federal government and state regulations. For gun owner safety, the federal government puts restrictions on private and commercial gun sales. 

Commercial dealers selling rifles, long guns, and shotguns must abide by Federal Firearms Licensing restrictions. Also, you have to be 21 to buy or sell a handgun in any state. All licensed dealers must perform a background check to legally sell guns in the United States. 


Furthermore, you cannot sell a gun to an illegal alien, felon, or person with a history of mental illness.


New England makes up Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont. The laws of each state deal differently with where and how to legally sell guns.  


Selling Guns in Maine


Maine has the least legal restrictions on gun ownership and how to sell guns out of all the NorthEastern states. The state observes a fairly unrestricted gun policy, defaulting to federal firearms regulations.


Residents of Maine can open carry without a permit or gun registration. There is no restriction on the magazine size of a gun or type of gun you can own. 


When making a private gun sale in Maine you do not need to perform a background check on the buyer. If you wish, the Department of Public Safety assists nonlicensed dealers to conduct background checks.


Private gun sellers in Maine must have the buyer sign the states Basic Firearms Safety document in order to legally transfer ownership.   


Selling Guns in Massachusetts


Massachusetts has strict regulations for private gun sales. In Massachusetts, gun owners must have a valid Firearm Identification Card (FID) to buy, sell, or own guns. Your FID serves as, both, your Massachusets gun license and state gun permit. 


FIDs are issued by your local police station. Background checks are required for anyone purchasing a gun in Massachusets. Before purchasing a gun, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services must verify that the buyer possesses a valid FID.


The law does not require firearm registration in Massachusets, but gun transfers must enter into the record with the States Executive Office of Safety and Security (EOPSS). 


For in-state sales, the seller is responsible for contacting EOPSS. For out-of-state gun sales, the buyer is responsible for contacting EOPSS to complete the transfer of ownership. 


How to Sell Guns in Connecticut


Connecticut requires a background check before the sale of any gun is complete. Private sellers must submit the buyer’s information to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. 


Private handgun sales are only allowed if the prospective buyer possesses a pistol permit and passes the states background check. The buyer must complete a DPS3 form on-the-spot before the background check is performed. 


Connecticut restricts private gun sales to anyone who has a major juvenile offense or conviction – or who is otherwise federally prohibited from owning a firearm. If you knowingly sell a firearm to anyone restricted by law, the state of Connecticut holds the seller responsible for any repercussions.


Legally Sell Guns in Vermont


In Vermont, you must have a valid firearms license in order to sell, transfer, or gift ownership of a gun. The only exceptions exist in transferring gun ownership to a direct family member or law enforcement. 


To purchase a gun in a private sale in Vermont, buyers must pass a background check. As of Aprill 11, 2018, no one under the age of 21 in Vermont is allowed to own, buy, or sell a firearm. There are exceptions, however, including members of law enforcement, the armed services, and those with a valid hunting certification. 


Selling Guns in Rhode Island


Rhode Island requires background checks on all prospective gun purchasers before the sale. If, however, you have a license to conceal and carry, you do not need to go through a background check.


Selling Guns in New Hampshire


New Hampshire law observes a liberal stance on the sale, possession, and carrying of guns. The State adheres to Federal law concerning gun sales, transfers, and purchases. Outside of Federal law, however, New Hampshire places little restrictions on firearms. 

In the state of New Hampshire, you do not need a state permit, registration, or license for long guns or handguns. The state does not have any legal restriction on assault weapons apart from Federal regulation. There are no restrictions on magazine capacity, and no additional restrictions on Federally regulated firearms, as described in the NFA.

New Hampshire law restricts driving a motor vehicle with a loaded firearm. Other than that, the state does not take an interest in private gun sales. 


Using CaliberSwap as an Alternative to Private Party


Staying in compliance with various gun laws can be difficult even when you attempt to do so to the fullest degree. There is no reason for you to endure the hassle of navigating your way through your states gun laws. You can sell your gun to CaliberSwap.com and turn that headache into cash.


CaliberSwap makes the burden of selling a gun simple and fair. Whether you’re looking to downsize a private collection, you inherited unwanted firearms, you plan to move to a more restrictive state or any other reason, we would be honored if you would consider selling your firearm to us.

Our process is fast, legal and it delivers the best bang for your buck. Some online gun selling companies take days or weeks to get back to you. We measure the response time of our gun experts to our customers in minutes and hours, not days and weeks and we’re always available to address your questions via email. We professionally appraise every firearm that comes to us. We can also help you identify the gun or guns in your collection if you’re unsure of their makes and models. Our gun appraisals follow strict guidelines based on: make, model, metal finish, wood & composite finish, overall condition & functionality, rarity, and the open market. Our appraisals are always fair, and we are always willing to explain our value assessment upon request.

We pay for the shipping and transaction costs associated with selling a gun or gun collection. Our firearm transfer methods are approved by the ATF and major shipping carriers. By using CaliberSwap, you save money in fees, not to mention the time and resources needed to sell a gun collection to a private party.

We allow you to track your gun shipment during the entire process. You can feel safe knowing that your firearm collection will arrive at our warehouse quickly, safely and most importantly that you get paid.

Once your gun or gun collection has been received, we send you a check for an agreed-to value. Not ready to ditch your whole collection? No problem! Dip your toes and explore our process by starting with the sale of one gun. If you like the process that's great and we'll work with you on the rest of your collection. If not, no worries, we will still be available as a resource to guide you through alternatives.

Begin our safe, discrete and legal 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. CaliberSwap.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 on 01/23/20.”





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