Firearm (Gun) Bill of Sale Form

A firearm bill of sale provides proof of purchase of a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or another type of gun from a seller to a buyer. The seller agrees to transfer gun ownership to the buyer, and the document is used to record the transaction along with the personal information of both parties.

Proper documentation can protect you when you sell a gun if future legal or criminal issues occur involving the sold weapon. The forms and processes required for the sale might differ depending on the state. Check your local laws before buying or selling a privately owned gun.

Firearm Bill of Sale – By State

What Is a Federal Firearms License (FFL)?

A Federal Firearms License (FFL) enables a company or individual to import, manufacture, or deal ammunition and firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives issues it. The major types of FLLs are dealers, manufacturers, importers, and collectors. [1]

The United States government has required FFLs for people and companies engaging in the business of such activities since the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. [2]

An FFL is mandatory for the sale or transfer of firearms across state lines. This federal requirement ensures that transactions are conducted under regulated and standardized procedures. An FFL also permits holders to manufacture or repair firearms, contributing to the regulated production and maintenance of guns within the industry.

How to Apply for a Federal Firearms License

Individuals conducting private sales of firearms within the same state do not typically require an FFL, although local regulations may vary. It is essential to check state-specific laws for any additional requirements.

You can apply for an FFL by following these steps: [3]

1. Download and complete the Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL) – ATF Form 7/7CR and the Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL) – ATF Form 7/7CR – Part B Responsible Person Questionnaire Supplement. Each Responsible Person in your firearm or ammunition company must fill in Part B of the second application.
2. Send the completed application to Federal Firearms Licensing Center, PO Box 6200-20, Portland, OR 97228-6200. You must include the application fee along with the application. You can pay the application fee by check, money order, or credit card.
3. The Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) will review your application. The FFLC will perform a thorough review of your application. For all FFL types except type 3 (collectors), the FFLC will review the required supporting materials, including photograph(s) and fingerprint card(s). The FFLC will also run an electronic background check on every Responsible Person in your application.
4. An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will interview you in person. The IOI will discuss local, state, and federal requirements and ensure your application’s information is correct and current.

The IOI will then create a report of the interview and inspection and decide to approve or deny your application. Common reasons for denial include:

• Previous intentional violations of the Gun Control Act
• Failure to comply with local or state law
• Falsification of the FFL application

How to Register a Firearm

Firearms subject to the National Firearms Act (NFA) must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, regardless of where you live. Firearms subject to the NFA include:

• Short-barreled rifles and shotguns
• Machineguns
• Firearms designated as “any other weapons”
• Destructive devices

You can register a firearm subject to the NFA by completing and submitting ATF Form 1, Application to Make and Register a Firearm in duplicate.

Your application must include an FBI FD-258, Fingerprint Card in duplicate and payment of the $200 tax.

The registration process for non-NFA firearms depends on your state and area. Many states do not require firearm licensing or registration.

Contact your State Attorney General’s Office, State Bureau of Firearms, or State Police to learn about your area’s laws and registration process to ensure compliance with state and local firearm requirements. The state agency will tell you what forms you must complete to register your firearm, if applicable.

What Is Concealed Carry?

Also known as carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), concealed carry is carrying a gun on or close to one’s person or in public places that conceals or hides the weapon’s presence from others. The opposite of concealed carry is open carry, the practice of visibly carrying a firearm in public places.

Despite its name, open carry does not generally mean you can directly carry a gun in your arms, especially in combat or firing positions. Instead, you carry the firearm attached to a sling or in a holster.

The concealed and open carry laws vary significantly by state and sometimes by municipality or county. In some jurisdictions, civilians are required to get a CCW permit to own and carry a firearm legally. In others, civilians only need a CCW permit if they carry the gun in a concealed manner, such as carrying the weapon in their bag, purse, or trunk.

How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit

The process of getting a CCW permit varies by state. However, here are some general guidelines for the concealed carry permit application process.

• Step 1 – Do Your Research: Verify that you meet your state’s CCW permit requirements, such as age, residency, and any necessary training or background checks. Understand the permit types and note that in “may-issue” states, permits can be denied even if you meet all the requirements since decisions are made individually, while “shall-issue” states will issue a permit if you meet all the requirements.
• Step 2 – Take a Concealed Carry Course: Not all states require CCW applicants to take a concealed carry course. However, you should take concealed carry classes to learn how to safely and legally handle a firearm.
• Step 3 – Fill Out the CCW Application: After finishing your concealed carry course, complete your CCW application and submit it with the required documents and fees. Processing times vary from a week to several months. Only carry a concealed weapon once you receive your CCW permit.
• Step 4 – Keep Your License and Training Up-to-Date: Once you receive your CCW permit, you can carry a concealed weapon. Remember to renew your permit and keep your training current — carrying a concealed firearm or weapon without a valid permit is a punishable offense.

How to Sell a Gun

If you’re selling a gun in a state that allows private firearm sales, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Step 1 – Check State Laws on Private Gun Sales

While you may not need a firearm bill of sale to sell a gun, knowing the local and state laws regarding private firearm sales will protect you from legal issues. Private firearm sales to unlicensed individuals like a friend have certain restrictions in some states, while others don’t allow them at all.

Additionally, some states have restrictions such as mandatory background checks on sales between unlicensed individuals, while others have few or no regulations.

If the law seems complex or unclear, your safest bet is to contact your local Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) office and ask for information. [4]

Step 2 – Do a Background Check

Although not always required in private sales, it’s a good practice to conduct a background check to ensure the buyer is legally eligible to own a firearm. Requirements for private gun sales vary across states. [5] For example, only 13 states and Washington, DC require background checks for all gun sales, even if they are private transactions.

It’s essential to determine if you need to conduct a background check through a licensed dealer or government agency before selling to the buyer.

Step 3 – Ask for a Gun License or Permit

To limit the risk of selling to someone who shouldn’t have a gun, ask the buyer if they currently have a license to carry, a concealed carry permit, or other such documentation. If they don’t, consider asking them to get one before selling the gun.

While it’s not required, it offers a certain level of security, as getting one often involves a background check and basic gun training. Certain states require a permit or license before buyers can purchase or carry a firearm.

Step 4 – Arrange an In-Person Exchange

Meeting with the buyer allows you to check their ID and verify that they’re from the same state where the private gun sale occurs.

You can’t send or sell a gun across state lines without first sending the weapon to a licensed firearm dealer for a state background check.

Step 5 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

To protect yourself from future liabilities, you and the buyer should fill out a firearm bill of sale to finalize the sale of the gun. The document will have your information in case legal authorities need to contact you, and the buyer’s information will let officials trace the gun’s ownership.

Selling a gun privately might differ in process among states, but a firearm bill of sale generally includes the following details:

• Seller: The personal information of the individual transferring the gun to the buyer.
• Buyer: The personal information of the individual buying or receiving the gun from the seller.
• Property: A complete description of the gun sold and its current condition.
• Payment Terms: A record of the amount of money paid or “value received” for the transaction.
• Warranty: A note of whether the weapon is being sold “as is” or if there are any guarantees on the item.
• Date: A record of when the firearm was sold.

Because this form is an official record of a gun sale, it should be signed by both parties.

Gun Laws by State

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale

Step 1 – Fill In the Parties Involved in the Firearm Sale

A firearm bill of sale records the gun’s ownership transfer and ensures that the seller is the legal owner of the firearm, so it should include the buyer and seller’s:

• Names
• Addresses
• Contact information
• Valid identification numbers

Step 2 – Write the Descriptions of the Firearm

Describe the firearm as clearly as possible so the gun is easier to identify if necessary. This includes:

• Serial number
• Make and model, and
• Features such as caliber, color, accessories, customizations, and materials

Step 3 – Describe the Condition of the Firearm

The state of the gun at the time of the sale should be noted to avoid future disputes or legal issues with the gun’s condition.

Usually, the firearm is “sold as is” or as the seller advertised unless you have agreed to something else.

Step 4 – Note the Details of the Firearm Sale

As a receipt that documents the terms agreed upon by both the buyer and seller, the firearm bill of sale should include the following:

• Date of purchase
• Sale price
• Payment arrangement (i.e., paid in full, initial down payment, or installments)

Step 5 – Sign the Document

The seller and buyer should sign and date the form to make it official. Each person should keep a copy of the signed form to protect themselves if there are any legal problems in the future.

Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Frequently Asked Questions