Legal Templates

Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Use our attorney-drafted Colorado firearm bill of sale form to transfer gun ownership from a seller to a buyer in Colorado.

Updated March 14, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Colorado firearm laws are varied. The state is lenient in some areas, but it also has some strict rules regarding selling firearms.

If you wish to sell within the state, you must understand how the process works and ensure you get the proper Colorado firearm bill of sale in place. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Colorado firearm bill of sale is a document proving the legal sale of a gun between two parties in Colorado.

It records transaction details and evidences the transfer of ownership of a firearm.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Colorado?

Colorado law is incredibly stringent about background checks for almost all firearm sales.

The state only offers leniency in one particular situation. 

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Colorado

You can privately sell firearms in the state, but if you are not selling to an immediate family member, you must go through a licensed firearm dealer to conduct a background check (C.R.S. Section 18-12-112).

The state defines immediate family members as parents, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.

Relationships by marriage do not qualify as an immediate family except for a spouse. Even if you sell to a family member, you must ensure that the person is legally eligible to own a firearm in the state. 

Other exceptions from the licensed dealer and background check requirement include selling certain types of guns.

Antique firearms or those 50 years old or older do not require the check regardless of the recipient. 

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

Colorado does not require a firearm bill of sale.

However, because most transactions will go through a licensed dealer, there will be a record created, which will generate a sales receipt. 

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Colorado

As mentioned, sales or transfers to immediate family are allowed through private transactions. You are allowed to leave firearms to heirs when you die.

To ensure there are no issues, you should be certain you have noted the transfer in your will or conducted it through a gun trust. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Colorado

When going through a licensed dealer or selling privately to a family member, you should gather the following information:

  • Driver’s license or state identification card for each person
  • Firearm information including the make, model, features, and serial number
  • Completed background check or signed statement from the buyer that they are not prohibited from owning a firearm
  • Purchase details including sale price and terms

Additional Colorado Gun Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Colorado?

To buy any firearm within the state, a person must be at least 18 years old. Colorado law prohibits anyone with a felony conviction (C.R.S. Section 18-12-108).

Federal laws also apply, preventing individuals who are fugitives, have a substance addiction, have a court-recognized mental illness, are in the U.S. illegally, have a restraining order against them, face current criminal charges, or have been dishonorably discharged from the military from buying firearms. 

Does Colorado Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

The state does not impose a waiting period for purchases.

However, the background check process can delay the purchase because the sale cannot go through until completion. 

Can You Buy a Firearm in Colorado Without Registering It?

Colorado law prohibits the collection of information about firearm owners and the creation of any type of registry (C.R.S. Section 29-11.7-102).

Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have To Be Notarized in Colorado?

You do not have to create a Colorado firearm bill of sale. If you do, there is no requirement to notarize it.

Although, you should note that notarization may be beneficial to protecting you once the sale is final, especially if you are conducting the transaction with a family member and not involving a licensed dealer. 

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Colorado?

State law does not allow police to maintain a list or record of firearm ownership (C.R.S. Section 29-11.7-102).

However, authorities will know about the purchase due to the background check requirement for most sales. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Colorado

How to Apply To Carry a Firearm in Colorado

Open carry is not illegal in the state because there are no laws addressing the matter either way. 

If you wish to carry a firearm concealed on your body, you must secure a permit. You have the right to carry in your home, vehicle, and place of business without a permit (C.R.S. Section 18-12-105).

But to carry a concealed firearm in public, you do need to secure a permit from your county sheriff (C.R.S. Section 18-12-203). 

You must be at least 21 years old and complete the application process, which includes paying all related fees. You must undergo a background check and provide documentation showing your residency.

You will also need to supply evidence that you have competency with firearms, such as a training course or proof of prior military service. 

Colorado Firearm Reciprocity

Colorado does recognize permits issued in other states under certain circumstances (C.R.S. Section 18-12-213).

The state honors permits from the states listed below, provided that the permit holder:

  • Is a resident of that state
  • Is at least 21 years old
  • Has valid identification showing up-to-date information 

States with which Colorado has established reciprocity include:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Colorado

When selling to a family member, you won’t need to go through the formal process with a licensed dealer, but you should complete a Colorado firearm transfer form to have a record of the transaction.

When completing the form, follow these steps. 

Step 1 – Research

Research local gun laws to be sure this sale is legal.

Step 2 – Background Check

Conduct a background check. If transferring to a family member, get your relative to state they are not a prohibited purchaser. 

Step 3 – Buyer Meeting

Meet with the buyer in person.

Step 4 – Permits

Ask for documentation of permits.

Step 5 – Completion

Complete the Colorado firearm bill of sale form, including information for the buyer and seller and details of the firearm such as make, model, serial number, and features. 

Summary

Colorado has some relaxed firearm laws regarding registration and permits, but sales are a highly regulated area.

Unless you sell to an immediate family member, you must go through a licensed dealer to complete any transactions. However, if you sell to family, you should still create a Colorado firearm bill of sale to protect yourself.

Check out the easy-to-use form from Legal Templates. 

Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

colorado firearm bill of sale