Buying a Gun in Nebraska
The age to buy a gun in Nebraska, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: Handguns: a person must obtain a handgun purchase certificate (or hold a concealed handgun permit) to buy, lease, rent or receive a handgun, and 'An applicant shall receive a certificate if he or she is twenty-one years of age or older' and not federally prohibited. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-2403, 69-2404, 28-1204, 28-1204.01, 28-1201
| Age to buy a gun | Handguns: a person must obtain a handgun purchase certificate (or hold a concealed handgun permit) to buy, lease, rent or receive a handgun, and 'An applicant shall receive a certificate if he or she is twenty-one years of age or older' and not federally prohibited. Any person under eighteen who possesses a handgun commits a Class I misdemeanor (exceptions for military/ROTC on duty and supervised instruction). Transferring any firearm to a juvenile (under 18) is a Class III felony, except that non-handgun firearms may be transferred by a close relative with parental permission, for lawful sporting purposes, or under adult supervision in an educational program. |
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| Background checks and private sales | Handguns only: a person may not buy, lease, rent or receive a handgun without a certificate, and may not sell or transfer a handgun to someone who lacks one, including in private sales. The certificate is obtained from the chief of police or sheriff where the buyer lives, includes a criminal history record check ($5 fee), is valid for three years and covers any number of handguns. Not required for: transfers to licensed dealers; antique handguns; law enforcement; temporary transfers within line of sight or at a shooting range; transfers between spouses, siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews or grandparents; holders of a valid Nebraska concealed handgun permit; and peace officers. No state certificate or check is required for private sales of long guns. The long-gun statement reflects that §§ 69-2403 to 69-2404 apply only to handguns. |
| Waiting period | Nebraska has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery. A handgun buyer must hold a handgun certificate or concealed handgun permit (or meet a listed exception) before a handgun transfer. Reviewed Neb. Rev. Stat. chapter 28, article 12 (Weapons, §§28-1201 to 28-1256) and chapter 69, article 24 (handgun certificates, §§69-2401 to 69-2426; Concealed Handgun Permit Act, §§69-2427 to 69-2449) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | Nebraska has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits. Knowingly possessing, receiving, selling or leasing a firearm whose manufacturer's identification mark or serial number has been removed, defaced, altered or destroyed is a Class III felony, and defacing a firearm is also a crime. Reviewed Neb. Rev. Stat. chapter 28, article 12 (Weapons, §§28-1201 to 28-1256) and chapter 69, article 24 (handgun certificates, §§69-2401 to 69-2426; Concealed Handgun Permit Act, §§69-2427 to 69-2449) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More Nebraska gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Nebraska
- Open Carry in Nebraska
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Nebraska
- All Nebraska gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Nebraska?
Handguns: a person must obtain a handgun purchase certificate (or hold a concealed handgun permit) to buy, lease, rent or receive a handgun, and 'An applicant shall receive a certificate if he or she is twenty-one years of age or older' and not federally prohibited. Any person under eighteen who possesses a handgun commits a Class I misdemeanor (exceptions for military/ROTC on duty and supervised instruction). Transferring any firearm to a juvenile (under 18) is a Class III felony, except that non-handgun firearms may be transferred by a close relative with parental permission, for lawful sporting purposes, or under adult supervision in an educational program.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Nebraska?
Handguns only: a person may not buy, lease, rent or receive a handgun without a certificate, and may not sell or transfer a handgun to someone who lacks one, including in private sales. The certificate is obtained from the chief of police or sheriff where the buyer lives, includes a criminal history record check ($5 fee), is valid for three years and covers any number of handguns. Not required for: transfers to licensed dealers; antique handguns; law enforcement; temporary transfers within line of sight or at a shooting range; transfers between spouses, siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews or grandparents; holders of a valid Nebraska concealed handgun permit; and peace officers. No state certificate or check is required for private sales of long guns.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Nebraska?
Nebraska has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery. A handgun buyer must hold a handgun certificate or concealed handgun permit (or meet a listed exception) before a handgun transfer.
Are ghost guns legal in Nebraska?
Nebraska has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits. Knowingly possessing, receiving, selling or leasing a firearm whose manufacturer's identification mark or serial number has been removed, defaced, altered or destroyed is a Class III felony, and defacing a firearm is also a crime.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.