Firearm owners in Alabama can sell their guns in a private transaction. Discover how to create an Alabama firearm bill of sale and the relevant laws surrounding firearm transactions.
- What is an Alabama Firearm Bil of Sale?
- What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Alabama
- Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alabama
- Additional Alabama Gun Laws
- Concealed and Open-Carry Laws in Alabama
- Alabama Gun Reciprocity
- How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alabama
- Summary
- Alabama Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
What is an Alabama Firearm Bil of Sale?
An Alabama firearm bill of sale helps prove the transfer of a gun between two parties.
This process is rather straightforward, but it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the federal, state, and local firearm laws.
It can also protect a firearm seller’s liability if the gun is later involved in illegal activity.
What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Alabama
You should clearly understand the federal and state laws surrounding gun sales in Alabama before you begin a firearm transaction.
The laws differ between states and whether you are a licensed firearm dealer or a private party.
Alabama generally follows federal law regarding in-state gun sales and does not further restrict the process.
Private Parties Selling Firearms in Alabama
As a private party who wishes to sell firearms in Alabama, Alabama law states that you may do so if you are a legal state resident.
You are not legally required to conduct a background check on your buyer. However, you might consider running a check as there are penalties for selling a firearm to an ineligible person.
Does the Law in Alabama Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?
Alabama law does not require a firearm bill of sale for the sale of a firearm between private parties.
However, many Alabama residents use a bill of sale when transferring firearm ownership.
Firearm Inheritance Laws in Alabama
Alabama does not have a law prohibiting the gifting of firearms. However, if you wish to pass on your firearm as a family heirloom in an inheritance, Alabama does have laws that may affect your gift.
For your gift to be valid, the recipient must be legally allowed to own a firearm in Alabama. If Alabama prohibits the recipient from owning a firearm, they will not be able to inherit the firearm.
This could occur if the recipient is too young to own a firearm or for several other reasons.
One way around this issue is to consider a gun trust.
This mechanism allows the Alabama firearm to pass through to your intended beneficiary and could also protect your firearm asset if the beneficiary is ineligible under Alabama law to possess guns.
Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alabama
An Alabama firearm bill of sale is not mandatory when private parties conduct a firearm sale.
However, many residents of Alabama choose to utilize a bill of sale, as it can provide documentation regarding the firearm transaction.
If you choose to use an Alabama firearm bill of sale, there are standard elements it should include, such as:
- Names of the buyer and seller
- Buyer and seller’s contact details
- Both parties’ state IDs or driver’s licenses
- Information regarding the firearm’s condition, specifications, and serial number
- Any additional details about the firearm
- Payment details, sale price, and date of sale
- Both parties’ signatures
- Optional notary acknowledgment
Additional Alabama Gun Laws
Before you engage in a private Alabama firearm transfer, there are other Alabama firearm laws you should be aware of.
These include state laws regarding prohibited firearm ownership and firearm sales waiting periods.
Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, people are prohibited from having a firearm if they have the following:
- 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
Other limitations to firearm ownership with exceptions include people who are:
- Under 18 years old
- Addicted to drugs
- Habitually drunk
Does Alabama Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?
Alabama does not impose a legal waiting period for firearm sales.
Can You Buy a Firearm in Alabama Without Registering It?
Alabama law does not require registering firearms in a private firearm sale.
Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Alabama?
For a private party firearm sale in Alabama, the decision to use a bill of sale and notarize it is personal.
However, if you use an Alabama firearm transfer form, notarization can add another layer of liability protection but it is not mandatory.
Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Alabama?
Alabama does not have a law requiring firearm registration and no requirement to notify the police.
Concealed and Open-Carry Laws in Alabama
Alabama gun owners may be interested in the state’s requirements for concealed and open-carry permits.
Since the beginning of 2023, Alabama law has allowed eligible individuals to engage in permitless carry.
This means that eligible individuals can carry a concealed handgun without the following:
- Safety training
- Background check
- Permit
To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older and not prohibited from carrying a handgun under federal or state law.
How To Apply to Carry a Firearm in Alabama
So long as you are over 18 and eligible to carry a handgun in Alabama, you do not need to apply to carry your firearm.
Alabama Gun Reciprocity
Alabama currently does not issue concealed carry permits to out-of-state residents.
However, state law recognizes the concealed carry permits of all other U.S. states.
States which fully recognize Alabama’s concealed-carry permits include:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
This information is current as of June 2022 and can change. You must directly verify each state’s reciprocity laws before you carry a concealed weapon in that state.
How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alabama
You can create your own Alabama firearm transfer document if you follow these measures:
Step 1 – Local Laws
Research Alabama firearm laws thoroughly
Step 2 – Buyer Meeting
Meet with your buyer
Step 3 – Possession
Make sure your buyer is allowed to possess firearms
Step 4 – License and Permit
Attach a copy of your buyer’s firearm license or permit if they have one
Step 5 – Buyer and Seller Details
Complete the buyer and seller’s information on your Alabama firearm bill of sale
Step 6 – Other Details
Note any other details important to your Alabama firearm bill of sale
Step 7 – Signing
Complete and sign the document
Step 8 – File
Keep your bill of sale safe
Summary
Alabama recognizes the rights of its residents to buy and sell firearms in private transactions.
These dealings don’t need to be complicated. Understanding federal and Alabama firearm laws can help you protect your liability throughout the firearm sale.
You can create an Alabama firearm bill of sale or access a ready-made template from Legal Templates to ensure all the necessary issues are covered.
Alabama Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what an Alabama firearm bill of sale looks like.
