An Arkansas firearm bill of sale is a form a gun owner uses to transfer firearm ownership to another individual.
This document proves the firearm transfer from the seller to the buyer.
Privately Selling a Firearm in Arkansas
You do not need a state permit to sell or purchase firearms in Arkansas (Art. II, § 5, enacted 1868, art. I, § 5), and you do not need to register your firearm.
The law requires any firearm dealer selling regularly to have the proper license and that anyone selling a gun only does so to people who are not prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm. Background checks are a requirement under federal law for licensed dealers.
Do I Need a Firearm Bill of Sale?
No, you do not need a bill of sale to sell a firearm in Arkansas. Still, creating one for every transaction is a good idea because you may need proof later for legal reasons.
If you decide to create an Arkansas firearm bill of sale, you do not have to get the signatures notarized. However, if you have any concerns about the transaction, notarizing your signatures on the form may be a good idea.
Arkansas Gun Laws
Here is an overview of the laws regulating the purchase, possession, and carrying of firearms in Arkansas.
Permit to Purchase
One of the most important things to know when selling a firearm is the list of people prohibited from owning one. You could face legal issues if you sell a firearm to a prohibited owner.
Arkansas Code Section § 5-73-101 outlines who cannot own firearms, which include:
- Minors (under the age of 18)
- Any person convicted of a felony
- People with a judgment of mental illness or who have been treated in a mental institution
A person can regain their rights. If this is the case, they should be able to present you with documentation that you will want to attach to the Arkansas firearm bill of sale.
Gun Inheritance Laws
Arkansas does not have any specific inheritance laws about firearms.
You need to follow the general rules about prohibited owners. Having a formal account of the transfer is a good idea, such as with a will or a gun trust.
Concealed Carry Laws
While you do not need a license to own a firearm in Arkansas, you must secure a license to carry a concealed handgun, according to Arkansas law §5-73-301. You will need to go through the state police to get the permit.
How to Apply to Carry a Concealed Handgun
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Arkansas resident for at least 90 days
- Be a US citizen
- Be at least 21 years old or 18 if you are a member of the US armed forces
- Be free of mental illness
- Be free of physical issues that would prevent you from safely handling a gun
- Have no felony convictions or active warrants
- Not be federally prohibited from possessing a firearm
- Be free of substance addiction
- Swear that carrying is for your personal defense
You must complete an application and background check process, including paying fees. The state police will issue the license once it processes and approves your application.
Firearm Reciprocity Agreements
Under Arkansas law §5-73-321, all concealed handgun carry permits issued from other states are recognized. However, you must follow all laws in the state for carrying.
Other states may honor an Arkansas license, subject to each state’s laws.
Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale
When creating an Arkansas firearm bill of sale, you will want to ensure you have the following information and documentation:
- State Identification card for the buyer. You may want to copy it and attach it to the form
- Any firearm documentation and details, such as make, model, and serial number
- Payment terms and a receipt for the collection of payment
- Any warranty details or notice of as-is sale
Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of an Arkansas firearm bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arkansas Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?
There is no waiting period between the time of the sale and the actual transfer of the firearm for private sales in Arkansas.
There may be waiting periods for sales through licensed dealers as they must follow federal law.
Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Arkansas?
There is no requirement to alert police that you have sold or purchased a firearm in Arkansas.