Legal Templates

Arizona Firearm Bill of Sale

Use our firearm bill of sale template to transfer gun ownership in a private-party sale in Arizona and protect your interests.

Updated March 10, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Selling a firearm as a private party in Arizona can be more stressful than selling other items if you are unfamiliar with the transaction’s laws.

Find out whether Arizona requires a bill of sale, how to create one, and other key information surrounding your gun sale.

Table of Contents

What is an Arizona Firearm Bill of Sale?

An Arizona firearm bill of sale is a document a gun seller uses to transfer firearm ownership to another person.

Since Arizona has relaxed gun laws, the state does not require individuals to complete paperwork to sell, buy, or carry.

But, it is usually a good idea to include a bill of sale form in this type of transaction.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Arizona

Before you sell a firearm in Arizona, it is important to understand the federal and state requirements accompanying this transaction.

Rules differ depending on whether you are a private party or a licensed firearm dealer.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Arizona

Arizona does not have permit, licensing or registration requirements for firearm sales between private parties.

Does the Law in Arizona Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

Arizona law does not require a firearm bill of sale for private parties. 

However, there are benefits to using an Arizona firearm transfer form.

The bill of sale enables you to prove the transfer of ownership.

Gun Inheritance Laws in Arizona

To legally inherit a firearm, you must be legally allowed to own and possess a firearm under federal and Arizona law.

The trustee in the inheritance process should ensure all other laws are abided by, including the necessary background checks.

Another option is to create an Arizona gun trust. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Arizona

An Arizona firearm bill of sale is optional and not mandatory.

However, if you do choose to incorporate an Arizona firearm bill of sale into your transaction, there are standard elements you should include.

The bill of sale should include the following details:

  • The buyer’s and seller’s names
  • Seller and buyer’s contact information and address
  • Seller and buyer’s driver’s license or state identification  
  • The specifications and condition of the firearm including serial number
  • Firearm payment details and sale price
  • Signatures of the seller and buyer and optional notary acknowledgment 

Additional Arizona Gun Laws

There are several Arizona firearm laws you should be aware of when selling a firearm.

These include laws about parties prohibited from owning firearms.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Arizona?

Federal law prohibits certain individuals from owning a firearm in Arizona.

Those prohibited from owning a firearm include the following:

  • Fugitives
  • Felons
  • Unlawful drug users
  • People determined to be “mentally defective”
  • Dishonorably discharged service members
  • Illegal or nonimmigrant aliens
  • Those who have renounced their U.S. citizenship
  • People with certain domestic violence restraining order
  • People convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes

Additionally, there are a few more rules about firearm purchase and possession, such as:

  • Children under 18 are generally not allowed to possess handguns
  • Individuals under 18 cannot be transferred a long gun and anyone under 21 cannot be transferred a handgun
  • Those under felony indictment cannot receive or transport a gun

It is illegal for you to transfer or give a firearm to someone who you should reasonably suspect to be prohibited from receiving a firearm. 

Does Arizona Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Arizona has no law specifying a waiting period before buying a firearm.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Arizona Without Registering It?

Arizona law does not require people to register their firearms.

It also forbids Arizona local jurisdictions from requiring licensing or registration of firearms and ammunition.

Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Arizona?

Technically, an Arizona firearm bill of sale is not required and therefore notarization is entirely optional.

However, those who use the bill of sale often opt to get it notarized, as it creates another layer of proof of the firearm’s transfer.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Arizona?

When you purchase a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer in Arizona, they must run a background check on you.

However, private sellers are not required to run this check under Federal or Arizona laws.

Since Arizona law does not require registration of the gun purchase if purchased from a private seller, Arizona law does not require the seller to report the firearm purchase to the police. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Arizona

As an Arizona gun owner, you may be interested in the state’s legal requirements for concealed and open carry permits.

Different states treat this matter differently, so it is important to check the laws of each state in which you plan to carry your firearm.

Be aware that the laws can differ between concealed and open carry requirements.

How To Apply to Carry a Firearm in Arizona

For those who wish to carry a firearm in Arizona, the state’s Concealed Weapons Permit Unit offers applications and information on the topic.

The unit operates under the following state laws: Arizona Administrative Rules and Arizona Revised Statutes.

To be eligible to carry a concealed firearm in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are an Arizona resident or a U.S. citizen
  • You are age 21 or older, or you are age 19 or older and active-duty military or honorably discharged 
  • You are free of felony offenses and felony indictments unless: 

    • Your conviction has been expunged, set aside or vacated and 
    • Your right to firearms has been restored, and 
    • You are not considered a prohibited possessor
  • You do not suffer from mental illness
  • You are not in the U.S. illegally
  • You complete a firearms training program or demonstrate competence with a firearm

Arizona Firearm Reciprocity

If you have a firearm permit from another U.S. state, Arizona generally grants reciprocity and recognizes your permit.

Your U.S. state permit is valid in Arizona as long as you meet the following conditions:

  • Your license or permit is valid in the issuing state
  • You are:

    • Legally present in Arizona, and
    • Not prohibited from having a firearm in Arizona
  • You are age 21 or older if you wish to carry a concealed firearm

The 13 states that do not grant reciprocity to those holding an Arizona concealed weapons permit include:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

You must verify the current reciprocity and recognition laws of any state you travel to before you carry concealed firearms within that state.

Directly contact the state before attempting to carry a concealed weapon within their jurisdiction.

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Arizona

Writing an Arizona firearm bill of sale can be done on your own if you follow these steps:

Step 1 – Local Laws

Conduct thorough research on Arizona firearm laws.

Step 2 – Buyer Meeting

Meet with your potential buyer.

Step 3 – Possession

Ensure the buyer is not a prohibited possessor.

Step 4 – License and Permit

Attach a copy of the buyer’s firearm license or permit if they have one.

Step 5 – Buyer and Seller Details

Fill in the buyer and seller details on your Arizona firearm bill of sale.

Step 6 – Other Information

Note any additional details relevant to your Arizona firearm transfer form

Step 7 – Signing

Complete and sign the bill of sale.

Step 8 – File

Safeguard your bill of sale in a file cabinet or on your computer.

Summary

Buying and selling Arizona firearms as a private party doesn’t need to be complicated.

However, it is important to understand what Arizona and federal law requires of you before the transaction.

You can create an Arizona firearm bill of sale or quickly access an Arizona firearm bill of sale form from Legal Templates to ensure all legal issues are covered. 

Arizona Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what an Arizona firearm bill of sale looks like.