Private Party Transaction
FFL Transfers
Selling or Buying a Firearm from Another Individual?
As of July 1, 2026, Virginia law once again requires that private firearm sales between individuals be facilitated through a licensed dealer (FFL), with a Virginia State Police (VSP) background check completed on the buyer before the sale is finalized. If you’ve heard the law was struck down — it was, in October 2025, but it has since been reinstated. Read the full history here.
K3 Armory makes complying quick and painless. One short appointment with both parties, and your sale is done legally and documented properly. Most appointments take 30 minutes or less, and most background checks return within minutes.
Private Party Transfer Fees
FFL Transfer services for firearm transactions between two private party individuals who are Virginia residents.
Virginia Residents Only
Handguns, Long Guns and Others
- All required paperwork and ATF records completed
- Virginia State Police (VSP) background check on buyer
- By appointment, on your schedule
- Convenient weekday, evening and weekend service hours
- Easy online booking and digital payment
- Full-service FFL Dealer (Type 01) and SOT (Class 3)
- Comfortable home-based location in Midlothian, VA
- Friendly and personal customer service
- Dozens of 5-star rated reviews
Click “Get Started” to book your appointment. Payment is preferred online at time of booking or by cash at your appointment.
How Private Gun Transfers work
The price and terms of the sale are entirely between you and the other party — K3 Armory is NOT involved in the transaction itself, just the legal transfer and paperwork.
While not legally required, we strongly recommend creating a simple Bill of Sale documenting the transfer. It should include:
- Both parties’ names and contact information
- The firearm’s make, model, and caliber
- The firearm’s serial number
- Purchase price
Keeping this record protects both parties if the firearm’s history is ever in question. You can find free Bill of Sale examples here and here.
Buyers under 21 cannot purchase handguns or assault firearms. Virginia raised the purchase age from 18 to 21 in 2026. Is your firearm an “assault firearm” under Virginia’s law effective July 1, 2026? Contact us for our current assault firearms transfer policy.
All private party firearm sales and transactions must be processed through a licensed FFL dealer.
Schedule online — select the Private Party Transfer option. Both parties attend together, with the firearm, unloaded and cased. Can’t find a time to meet the other party here? Contact us for additional arrangements.
Prepay your Private Party Transfer service fee online. Cash is also accepted at the time of your transfer appointment. This service fee is due regardless of background check results.
The seller needs to present a valid government-issued photo ID with their current Virginia address so we can record the required seller information when logging the firearm into our ATF records. The buyer then completes the required forms and presents valid government-issued photo ID showing their current Virginia address (must be issued at least 30 days before your appointment). We submit the Virginia State Police (VSP) background check.
Once the check comes back approved, the buyer takes lawful possession. Payment for the firearm is handled directly between buyer and seller; our service fee is due at the appointment.
What if the check is delayed or denied? Delayed checks happen occasionally and usually resolve within an hour to a few days — the firearm stays with the seller or K3 Armory until approval. If the buyer is denied, the sale cannot legally proceed. Your Private Party FFL Transfer fee is due regardless of background check results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the seller brings the firearm, the buyer completes the background check, and both parties leave with the sale properly documented. It protects both of you. If you can’t find a time to meet here together, let us know and we can discuss additional options.
Valid government-issued photo ID that is at least 30 days old with their current Virginia address. If your ID doesn’t show your current address, contact us before your appointment and we’ll explain what supplemental documents work.
The firearm, unloaded and preferably cased. If you have the original box, paperwork or other accessories, bring them along for the buyer. Seller also needs to present a valid government-issued photo ID that is at least 30 days old with their current Virginia address.
The law applies to sales; certain transfers such as gifts have historically been treated differently. Ask us if you’re unsure — we’ll point you to the current rules. Read more about gifting a firearm in Virginia.
Yes, but differently — interstate transfers must go through a dealer in the buyer’s state. Use our Outbound FFL Shipping Service and we’ll pack, document, and ship your firearm to their local FFL for pickup.
There are no documents provided to the buyer or seller as part of the FFL transfer process.
While not legally required, we strongly recommend creating a simple Bill of Sale documenting the transfer. It should include:
- Both parties’ names and contact information
- The firearm’s make, model, and caliber
- The firearm’s serial number
- Purchase price
Keeping this record protects both parties if the firearm’s history is ever in question. You can find free Bill of Sale examples here and here.
Absolutely — beyond being required by law, it’s your protection too. You get confirmation the sale is documented and lawful, and the seller gets proof the firearm is no longer their responsibility.
Important restrictions
- Background checks: As of July 1, 2026, all private party firearm sales must once again be processed through a licensed dealer like K3 Armory.
- Assault firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds: Review our latest FFL Transfer Policy concerning incoming transfers of “assault firearms” and “high capacity magazines” covered under Virginia HB217/SB749.
- Under 21? As of July 1, 2026, Virginia law prohibits handgun and assault firearm purchases by anyone under 21.
- Out-of-state residents: Federal law allows us to transfer long guns only to non-Virginia residents. Sales to out-of-state residents can be done with our Outbound Firearm Shipping service.
- Additional important information: All customers must read our Private Party FFL Transfer FAQs on this page and agree to our FFL Transfer Policy.
Selling to a buyer in another state?
We can help! Interstate transfers must go through a dealer in the buyer’s state. Use our Outbound FFL Shipping Service and we’ll pack, document, and ship your firearm to your buyer’s local FFL for pickup.