Free Firearm Bill of Sale

Table of Contents

1. Download a Free Firearm Bill of Sale Template
2. What is a Firearm Bill of Sale?
   • Firearm Bill of Sale PDF Sample
3. When a Gun Bill of Sale is Needed
4. Consequences of Not Using a Firearm Bill of Sale
5. Most Common Situations
6. What Should be Included?

1. Download a Free Firearm Bill of Sale Template

Your Free Firearm Bill of Sale Template

2. What is a Firearm Bill of Sale?

A firearm bill of sale is a legal document that memorializes the sale of a handgun, rifle, or shotgun between two parties — a seller and a purchaser.

In exchange for a certain amount of money, the seller agrees to transfer ownership of a firearm to the purchaser.

A simple firearm bill of sale serves as proof of purchase and will include the following elements:

• The “Seller” or “Grantor”: the person who currently owns the gun being sold

• The “Purchaser” or “Grantee”: the person buying the gun or becoming the new owner

• The “Property”: a complete description of the gun being sold and its current condition

• The “Payment Terms”: amount of money paid or “value received” by the Purchaser

• The “Warranty”: whether the weapon is being sold “as is” or if there are any guarantees

• The “Date”: when the firearm was sold by the Seller to the Purchaser

As a reference, people often call this document by other names:

• Firearms Bill of Sale
• Firearm Sale Receipt
• Handgun Bill of Sale
• Rifle Bill of Sale
• Gun Bill of Sale
• Firearm Purchase Agreement
• Firearm Purchase Receipt
• Firearm Sale Agreement Form
• Firearm Sale Contract
• Firearm Sale Document
• Private Firearm Bill of Sale
• Used Firearm Bill of Sale

Firearm Bill of Sale PDF Sample

The sample firearm bill of sale below details an agreement between the seller, ‘Anita E Blair’ and the purchaser, ‘Bobby C Leonard.’ Anita E Blair agrees to sell a .22 Remington to Bobby C Leonard under the conditions specified.

Firearm Bill of Sale

3. When a Gun Bill of Sale is Needed

Why do I need a firearm bill of sale?

Technically, you are not legally required to compose a firearm bill of sale when selling (or purchasing) a gun. However, doing so does protect you in important ways. A gun bill of sale provides written proof of the following:

• a transaction actually occurred, meaning the other party cannot claim theft or that they never received the gun
• the firearm, to the best of your knowledge, truly belonged to the Seller and was not stolen
• the Seller intended to transfer ownership of the gun to the Purchaser
• which gun was transferred (i.e. year, model, make, serial number, unique markings)
• the Seller made promises and assurances as to the condition of the firearm or sold it “as is”

In short, this document protects you from liability or fraud, whether you are the seller or purchaser.

Further, there are generally two types of bill of sales.

1. A “conditional” bill of sale

With a conditional bill of sale, ownership of the gun transfers to the purchaser only after they have paid the complete amount owed to the seller.

For example, a gun bill of sale is first used to document that both the seller and purchaser agree to transfer ownership of an item like a firearm if certain conditions are fulfilled, e.g., the purchaser must complete all stipulated payment installments in a timely fashion. Then, a promissory note is used to record how the purchaser will pay the seller over time.

2. An “absolute” bill of sale

An absolute bill of sale proves a transaction took place and that ownership has been completely transferred to the purchaser without any restrictions.

In contrast to a conditional bill of sale, an absolute bill of sale is used when the purchaser is able to pay the entire amount for a firearm immediately. Unlike a conditional bill of sale, the seller no longer has ownership claims to the gun in an absolute bill of sale.

This form of bill of sale is more common for firearms as most purchases happen in full.

4. Consequences of Not Using a Firearm Bill of Sale

How could a gun bill of sale help me?

A simple bill of sale could ward off some of these preventable consequences:

Seller	Purchaser
1. Lost time	1. Lost time
Appearing before court to clarify ownership and date sold	Appearing before court to clarify ownership and date purchased
Difficult to clear your name, especially if it has been used in a crime	Difficult to clear your name, especially if it has been used in a crime
2. Legal issues	2. Legal issues
Liability for not knowing purchaser was ineligible for firearm ownership	Face difficult to disprove accusations
3. Lost money	3. Lost money
Liable for fees and violations	Unfair seizure of illegal item
Penalties for improper sale	Bought a non-functioning firearm
4. Personal safety	4. Personal safety
Disgruntled or shady anonymous purchaser could take advantage	Faulty or defective firearm is a threat to public safety and your well being

What happens if I do not have one?

A firearm bill of sale is one piece of evidence used to document or transfer ownership. While gun rights advocates have successfully lobbied against a gun registry, thus removing the need for gun title of ownership, not having a firearm bill of sale could make you vulnerable to the consequences outlined in the above table.

 

 

 

Without a firearm bill of sale to demarcate the transaction, the seller may initially be seen as liable for any fees, violations, fines, or criminal behavior the new owner (i.e. the “purchaser”) might incur while using the item. While you would likely be able to prove your innocence in court, avoid letting things get to that point with a gun bill of sale.

5. Most Common Situations

Who needs this document?

A bill of sale could be used in any number of transactions.

Here are just a few people who could commonly benefit from a simple bill of sale:

Possible Sellers and Purchasers

• Individuals
  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Users of Craigslist or online gun forums
• Organizations
  • Firearm Dealers

6. What Should be Included?

A simple firearm bill of sale should include the following basics:
1. Parties to the Sale

• Names and Addresses of Seller and Purchaser
• Signatures of Seller and Purchaser

2. Description of the Gun

• Serial number
• Make and model
• Color, accessories, customizations, materials made from

3. Condition of the Item

• “Sold As Is” unless you have agreed to something else
• Certifies that the Seller is the legal owner

4. Details of the Sale

• Date of Purchase
• Sale Price
• Payment Arrangement (i.e. paid in full, initial down payment, or installments)

5. Delivery of the Items

• Available immediately
• Pick up at a later time from a specific address
• Delivery at a later time (additional charge for delivery may apply)

 

Which states require background checks on private gun sales?

We have created a map that gives basic information about whether or not your state requires your private gun sale to go through a licensed dealer. In many cases, the law is complex or opaque, so your safest bet is to contact your local Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) office and ask for information.

Hover the mouse over your state or the legend to learn more about state-specific information.

If you are looking for a Bill of Sale that isn’t related to firearms, check out a standard Bill of Sale template.

This article was written by Adam Hatch.