Selling Firearms on K-BID: Policies and Legal Requirements – Affiliate Knowledge Base

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Firearms can be valuable assets in auctions, especially for estate sales, business liquidations, and personal collections. However, firearms are among the most heavily regulated categories of assets, and strict compliance is required at both the federal and state levels.

This guide outlines the laws and K-BID’s specific policies related to the sale of firearms on our platform.

K-BID Policy on Firearm Sales

To ensure consistent legal compliance and platform-wide safety, all firearms sold on K-BID must be processed through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)—no exceptions.

Important Note: K-BID does not recognize the “estate sale exemption” that may be allowed under certain state laws. Even if an estate believes it is exempt from using an FFL, any firearm sold on K-BID must go through an FFL transfer, without exception.

Additional Policy Requirements:

Firearms must be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer listed in the auction terms.
A background check (NICS) is required for all firearm purchasers, including local buyers picking up in person.
Buyers must be legally eligible to own the firearm being purchased.
Firearms must never be shipped directly from seller to buyer—FFL to FFL transfers only.
A transfer fee (typically $30–$50) will be collected by the FFL and paid by the buyer.

Federal Law Overview

All interstate sales of firearms require FFL involvement.
Private party sales across state lines are prohibited unless transferred through an FFL.
Background checks (NICS) are required for all purchases made through an FFL, regardless of auction type.
Certain types of firearms, such as short-barreled rifles, silencers, or fully automatic weapons, are subject to NFA (National Firearms Act) regulations and are not allowed to be sold on K-BID.

State-Specific Firearm Regulations

Minnesota

Buyers must be 21+ for handguns and 18+ for rifles/shotguns.
A Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry is required for handguns and semi-automatic military-style rifles.
All sales must be processed through an FFL.
Background checks are mandatory.

North Dakota

No permit is required to purchase firearms.
Background checks are still required via the FFL.
FFL transfer required for all K-BID sales, even for local in-state buyers.

South Dakota

No permit required for private firearm purchases.
However, as all K-BID sales go through an FFL, buyers must pass the NICS background check.
No state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements.

Iowa

A Permit to Acquire Pistols/Revolvers or Permit to Carry is required for handgun purchases.
Long guns do not require a permit.
All K-BID sales go through FFLs with background checks regardless of state permit status.

Wisconsin

No permit required to purchase long guns or handguns.
Background check and FFL transfer are required under K-BID policy.
All purchases must comply with federal law and be completed through an FFL.

Best Practices for K-BID Firearm Listings

Use a local FFL: All auctions must include the FFL who will be responsible for transfer.
Clearly state the FFL information and transfer fee in your auction terms.
Do not ship firearms directly to buyers. All shipments must go FFL-to-FFL.
Do not list restricted items such as NFA-regulated weapons, bump stocks, or unserialized firearms (e.g., “ghost guns”).
Include a buyer notice such as:

“All firearms sold on this auction must be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL). A NICS background check is required. Buyer is responsible for any transfer fees charged by the FFL. No exceptions, including for estate or private party sales. Do not bid unless you are legally eligible to own a firearm.”

Final Reminder

Selling firearms comes with significant legal responsibility. Affiliates and sellers must take extra care to follow both K-BID policy and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

If you are unsure about how to handle a firearm listing, please contact K-BID support or consult with a local FFL before proceeding.