Legal Templates

Georgia Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a Georgia firearm bill of sale with our easy-to-use template so you can cleanly transfer gun ownership in Georgia.

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

A Georgia firearm bill of sale verifies the transfer of firearm ownership. This legal document includes the date of the transaction, information about the parties involved, and a firearm description.

You can write your firearm bill of sale with our easy-to-use template. 

Table of Contents

What is a Georgia Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Georgia firearm bill of sale is a document a gun seller uses to transfer firearm ownership to a buyer.

This form proves legal ownership of the firearm and details surrounding the sale.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Georgia?

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Georgia

Private sellers in Georgia are not subject to the same rules that licensed firearm dealers, manufacturers, or importers must follow.

As long as you are legally eligible to own a firearm, you are free to sell or gift a firearm to whomever you wish, with a few exceptions:

  1. Private sellers cannot knowingly sell or gift a firearm to someone prohibited under state or federal law from possessing or carrying a firearm.
  2. Private sellers cannot sell or gift a firearm to someone under 18 without written parental/guardian consent and only under certain circumstances (GA Code Sections 16-11-101.1 and 16-11-132).

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

Although Georgia doesn’t require a firearm bill of sale, it’s wise to have one to protect yourself.

State law makes it a felony crime to intentionally sell a firearm to someone who is a convicted felony or on probation as a felony first offender (GA Code Section 16-11-113(b)(1)).

Having a Georgia firearm bill of sale shows that you made the sale in good faith to someone you believed was legally eligible to buy it.

Gun Inheritance Laws in Georgia

You can gift a firearm to another person or family member who is otherwise eligible to possess or carry one in Georgia.

If the recipient is a minor, you need written permission from a parent or guardian.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Georgia

Although not required under Georgia law, it’s wise to ask a firearm purchaser for proof of age and residency.

You may also ask to see their Georgia-issued weapons carry license, although it’s not required, which can reassure you that the buyer is legally eligible to purchase the firearm.

Additional Georgia Gun Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Georgia?

Georgia does not issue weapons carry licenses to the following individuals (GA Code Section 16-11-129(b)(2):

  • Anyone under the age of 21 unless they provide proof that they are at least 18, have completed basic training in the United States military, and are actively serving in the armed forces or have been honorably discharged
  • Any person convicted of a felony in Georgia or any other state
  • Any person with pending felony charges against them
  • Fugitives from justice
  • Anyone prohibited from possessing or shipping a firearm in interstate commerce
  • Any person convicted of a drug-related offense involving the unlawful manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance or another dangerous drug
  • Anyone who has had a weapons carry license revoked in the past three years
  • Any person convicted of carrying a weapon without a weapons carry license or in an unauthorized location in violation of GA Code Section 16-11-127 and has not been free from probation within five years of the application date
  • Any person convicted of a misdemeanor involving the use or possession of a controlled substance and has not been free from probation of a second conviction for a minimum of five years before applying
  • Anyone who has been hospitalized or involuntarily committed as an inpatient at a mental hospital or alcohol and drug treatment facility in the past five years
  • Any person who has been found not mentally competent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Does Georgia Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Georgia does not have a waiting period for firearm sales.

However, it can take up to 40 days for a county probate court judge to approve or deny a weapons carry license application (GA Code Section 16-11-129(d)(1)(B)(4).

Can You Buy a Firearm in Georgia Without Registering It?

Yes, firearm registration is not required in Georgia.

The state also does not require a permit to purchase or possess a firearm.

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

Since Georgia doesn’t require a firearm bill of sale for private firearm transactions, you aren’t required to have it notarized.

It’s a good idea to have all signatures witnessed by a notary anyway in case the legality of the transfer is later questioned.

A notary can verify the identity and authenticate the signatures on the bill of sale and that you acted in good faith when you sold the firearm. 

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Georgia?

Georgia law prohibits any person or entity from creating or maintaining a database of information on persons who have been issued weapons carry licenses.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Georgia

How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Georgia

As of 2022, Georgia enacted legislation so that any “lawful weapons carrier” is generally allowed to carry handguns openly or concealed in most public spaces without a background check or permit. 

Georgia still issues weapons carry licenses to residents who want to carry a firearm in other states that require a license. County probate court judges are responsible for issuing licenses.

Find the location of your nearest county probate court. You will need to take the following documents with you when you apply:

  • A completed Georgia weapons carry license application (these vary by county)
  • Proof of identity and Georgia residency
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or INS number
  • Any applicable fees (these vary by county)
  • A self-addressed stamped envelope to have your license mailed to you (or you can pick it up in person) 

Take all documentation, the application, and fees to your county’s probate court. Submit to fingerprinting (GA Code Section 16-11-129(c)). The probate judge will request a background check to determine your eligibility for a license.

Weapons carry licenses in Georgia are good for five years.

Georgia Firearm Reciprocity

The state of Georgia recognizes firearm licenses issued in certain states.

Georgia weapons license holders should check the specific laws in any state they plan to visit to determine whether or not their Georgia firearm license will be recognized.

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Georgia

Step 1- Local Laws

Research your local gun laws.

Step 2 – Buyer Meeting

Meet with the potential buyer.

You may ask to see a potential buyer’s state identification to verify their age and proof of Georgia residency, or to request proof of written parental permission if they are under 18.

Step 3 – In-Person Exchange

You should meet in person to ensure that you are legally selling your firearm and fill out the firearm bill of sale.

Step 4 – Firearm Bill of Sale

Include the names and contact information of the seller and buyer, the date of the sale, the make, model, and caliber of the firearm, the firearm’s serial number, the purchase price, a description of the condition of the firearm, and any other conditions of the sales agreement.

Summary

Georgia doesn’t require a firearms bill of sale for private firearm sales.

However, having one protects you by showing that you believed you were lawfully selling the firearm and that ownership changed hands.

Use our Georgia firearm bill of sale document builder to help you get started today.

Georgia Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

georgia firearm bill of sale