Selling Ammunition on K-BID: What Affiliates Need to Know – Affiliate Knowledge Base

Ammunition is a common asset category in sporting goods and estate auctions, but its sale is heavily regulated. If you’re considering listing ammunition on K-BID, you must understand the legal framework surrounding its sale, shipping, and buyer eligibility—especially across state lines.

This article outlines what you need to know to stay compliant, with a focus on Minnesota and nearby states.

Federal Regulations

Under federal law:

Ammunition sales are legal, but sellers must not sell to individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, such as:
- Felons
- Individuals under felony indictment
- Those with restraining orders or a history of domestic violence
- Individuals adjudicated as mentally ill
You must be 18+ to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition and 21+ for handgun ammunition.
The sale of armor-piercing ammunition is heavily restricted.
Ammunition cannot be shipped through USPS unless you're a licensed dealer. Use UPS or FedEx Ground with appropriate labeling and packaging.
Ammunition sales do not require a federal background check unless state law requires one.

State-Specific Guidance

Minnesota

Ammunition sales are legal to adults.
No license or registration is required to sell or possess.
Shipping is legal, but carriers like UPS/FedEx must be used and labeled properly (ORM-D or “Cartridges, Small Arms” under 49 CFR regulations).
There are no additional state-specific background check requirements for ammo.
Armor-piercing and tracer ammunition are restricted under Minnesota law.

North Dakota

Ammunition sales are largely unrestricted to individuals 18 or older.
There is no state permit or background check required.
Shipping is allowed, following federal transportation rules.

South Dakota

No state-specific restrictions beyond federal law.
Buyers must be at least 18.
No permit or background check required to purchase ammo.
Shipping is allowed under federal compliance.

Iowa

Ammunition can only be sold to individuals 21 or older.
No background checks are required for ammunition purchases.
Certain types of explosive or incendiary ammo may be prohibited.
Shipping is permitted under federal guidelines.

Wisconsin

Buyers must be 18+ for long gun ammo and 21+ for handgun ammo.
No permit or registration is required for sales.
Sellers must not knowingly sell to prohibited individuals.
No statewide ban on shipping, but all federal shipping rules apply.

Best Practices for K-BID Affiliates Selling Ammunition

To ensure full compliance when listing ammunition on K-BID:

Verify buyer eligibility
- Include a disclaimer such as:
  
  “Buyer must be of legal age and eligible under federal, state, and local law to purchase and possess ammunition.”
Age requirement disclosure
- Require bidders to certify they are 18 or older for rifle/shotgun ammo or 21 or older for handgun ammo.
Use proper shipping procedures
- Ship only via UPS or FedEx Ground with proper packaging and hazardous materials labeling.
- Do not ship ammunition through USPS.
Do not sell or ship internationally.
- U.S. export laws prohibit the sale or shipment of ammunition outside the United States without specific licenses.
Restrict prohibited ammunition types
- Do not list armor-piercing, explosive, tracer, or incendiary ammunition unless you have verified it is legal in your state and for the intended buyer.

Listing Template Language (Recommended)

Include the following in all ammunition listings:

NOTICE: Buyer must be of legal age to purchase and possess ammunition. By placing a bid, you confirm that you are not prohibited from owning ammunition under federal, state, or local law. Ammunition will only be shipped via UPS or FedEx Ground to eligible buyers. No international or USPS shipping is permitted. Buyer is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.

Final Note

Unlike most auction categories, selling ammunition carries legal risk if improperly handled. Affiliates must ensure that only eligible buyers participate and that all shipping complies with federal DOT and carrier requirements.

If you are ever uncertain about the legality of a listing or need assistance verifying compliance, please contact K-BID support.