An Alabama firearm bill of sale is a document that helps prove the transfer of a gun between two parties. The gun transfer process in the state is rather straightforward since there are no gun sale restrictions here. The document may prove helpful in establishing gun ownership in many scenarios, such as when you want to apply for a concealed carry permit.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Alabama
Minimum Age to Purchase
Alabama does not have state laws with age restrictions more stringent than federal law for purchasing firearms, so federal regulations apply. You must be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer and 18 or older to purchase a rifle or shotgun.
Permit for Purchase
No permits are required to purchase a firearm in Alabama.
Register a Gun
Alabama residents who want to own a pistol do not have to get a background check, permit, or registration.
Open Carry Permit
As an “open carry” state, Alabama permits residents to carry firearms openly in public without the need for a permit.
Concealed Carry Permit
Since the beginning of 2023, Alabama law has allowed eligible individuals to engage in permitless carry. [1] However, gun owners in the state may benefit from applying for a concealed carry permit if they want to carry in another state.
How to Apply
To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older and not prohibited from carrying a handgun under federal or state law:
- Step 1 – Apply with Your Local Sheriff’s Office: You can either apply online or in person. Agreeing to a background check is part of the permitting process.
- Step 2 – Pay Fees: They vary depending on your county of residence.
- Step 3 – Wait: You may have to wait up to 30 days for the sheriff’s office to approve your permit.
- Step 4 – Pick Up Your Permit: Your local sheriff may require you to pick up your permit in person.
Gun Reciprocity
Alabama currently does not issue out-of-state permits for concealed carry. [2] However, the Alabama Criminal Code recognizes the concealed carry permits of all other U.S. states. [3]
States that recognize Alabama’s concealed-carry permits include:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
Since this information can change, you must directly verify each state’s reciprocity laws before you carry a concealed weapon in that state.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Under Alabama law, people are prohibited from having a firearm if they have the following: [4]
- A conviction of a crime of violence or violent offense.
- A misdemeanor domestic violence offense.
- A valid domestic abuse protection order against them.
- A diagnosis of mental instability.
- A habit of being drunk.
- Addiction to drug use.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
If you wish to give your firearm as a family heirloom in an inheritance, you may do so as long as the recipient can legally own a firearm in Alabama.
