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
Payment is preferred at time of booking through our secure website — 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 — we’re not involved in the transaction itself, just the legal transfer.
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. Check our current assault firearms transfer policy.
Schedule online — select the Private Party Transfer option. Both parties attend together, with the firearm, unloaded and cased.
Prepay your Inbound Transfer service fee online. Cash is also accepted at the time of your transfer appointment. This service fee is due regardless of ATF approval or 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.
Schedule a Transfer Appointment
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.
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 between immediate family members have historically been treated differently. Ask us if you’re unsure — we’ll point you to the current rules.
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 required by law, it is highly recommended that both parties complete a bill of sale. You can find a sample bill of sale here. Print and complete two copies – one for each party. This could act as documented proof that the firearm was lawfully transferred to the buyer, should its location ever need to be traced by law enforcement.
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
- Assault firearms and 15+ round magazines: Review our latest 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.
- Additional important information: All customers must read our Inbound FFL Transfer FAQs and agree to our FFL Transfer Terms and Conditions.
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 buyers local FFL for pickup.