Update – Oct 29 2025
Thanks to a lawsuit by the VCDL and GOA, Virginias universal background check law requiring an FFL for private transfers has been struck. There is now a permanent injunction for all ages. We will no longer be performing background checks for private transfers.
This is not legal advice. All opinions and facts presented below should be verified, as we may be incorrect and/or laws may change. Contact us if you believe any of this information should be amended.
As of June 1 2020, Virginia legislature has passed a number of new firearms regulations. One of which was a requirement for background checks on all firearms transactions including private sales. There are some exemptions to these laws.
- Nothing of value is exchanged for the firearm. An example of this is a Christmas gift to a family member or friend.
- The firearm is sold as part of a government buyback program. Please don’t do this. If the firearm is in decent condition, we will likely offer you more for it than VA. Contact Us.
- The firearm is sold at a gun show after getting a background check directly from the state police. This is essentially the same thing as having an FFL initiate the check.
- You don’t mind risking both the buyer and seller being found guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. We don’t recommend this one, but we’re also not about to tell you what to do.
The regulations also include a maximum price of $15 in addition to the cost of the background check ($2 resident, $5 non-resident). At Stern FFL, we will be charging a flat $15, subject to change or discount for repeat customers.