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.
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. Additionally, 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.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Georgia
Minimum Age to Purchase
In Georgia, the minimum age to purchase a firearm depends on the type: individuals must be 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, but only 18 to purchase a rifle or shotgun.
Permit for Purchase
In Georgia, no permit is required to purchase or possess a firearm, whether it’s a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.
Register a Gun
Firearm registration is not required in Georgia. Additionally, the state also does not require a permit to purchase or possess a firearm.
Georgia law prohibits any person or entity from creating or maintaining a database of information on persons who have been issued weapons carry licenses.
Open Carry Permit
Georgia is a permitless carry state, allowing anyone 21 or older, or those 18 and older who are active military or honorably discharged veterans, to carry firearms in places where permit holders can.
Concealed Carry Permit
As of 2022, Georgia enacted legislation modifying Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated [1] 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.
How to Apply
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.
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Step 1 – Fill Out Application: 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).
- Step 2 – Get Fingerprinted: Submit to fingerprinting. [2]
- Step 3 – Pass Background Check: The probate judge will request a background check to determine your eligibility for a license.
- Step 4 – Get Approved or Denied: Weapons carry licenses in Georgia are good for five years.
Gun Reciprocity
The state recognizes firearm licenses issued in certain states. [3]
The following states do not have reciprocity with Georgia:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
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.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Georgia does not issue weapons carry licenses to the following individuals: [4]
- 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 [5] 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.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
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.
