Legal Templates

Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Create a Hawaii firearm bill of sale form to transfer gun ownership in the state of Hawaii.

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

A Hawaii firearm bill of sale shows that the sale, purchase, or exchange of a firearm was done legally and ownership changed hands.

It includes identifying information for the seller and buyer, the sale date, and a firearm description.

Table of Contents

What Is a Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Hawaii firearm bill of sale is a form that shows proof of a gun sale or trade.

It documents formal ownership change and helps mitigate risk in a highly regulated transaction.

You can write your firearm bill of sale using our customizable template. 

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Hawaii?

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Hawaii

Anyone who purchases a firearm for the first time in Hawaii must obtain a permit from the chief of police of the county of the buyer’s place of business or residence before taking possession of the firearm.

A private party seller must ask a potential buyer for their permit to acquire before selling or transferring ownership of the firearm. 

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

A Hawaii firearm transfer form provides the information required to register the firearm with the state.

It’s illegal to possess an unregistered firearm in Hawaii.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Hawaii

If you inherit or are gifted a firearm in Hawaii, you must apply for a permit to acquire and register the firearm before taking ownership (HI Rev. Stat. Chapter 134).

All firearms in Hawaii must be registered with a Hawaii police department within five days of purchase or acquisition.

Assault pistols are prohibited under state law. If you inherit one, you must render it inoperable, sell or transfer it to a licensed firearms dealer, or turn it in to Hawaii police within 90 days.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Hawaii

For handgun (handgun, shotgun, or rifle) sales, you must obtain the buyer’s permit to acquire the firearm they are purchasing. Sign the permit in ink and submit it to a Hawaii police station within 48 hours of the transaction.

For the sale or transfer of rifles and shotguns, the seller has to submit a Sale/Transfer of Rifle/Shotgun Form and return it to Hawaii police within 48 hours.

Any bill of sale should include identifying information for the buyer and seller and a description of the firearm being sold, purchased, traded, or gifted.

Additional Hawaii Gun Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Hawaii?

The following individuals cannot purchase a firearm in Hawaii (HI Rev. Stat. Section 134-7):

  • Persons under 21 years of age.
  • Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. If you weren’t born in the United States, you must provide proof of citizenship.
  • Fugitives from justice.
  • Persons prohibited from possession of firearms under federal law.
  • Any persons under indictment or who waived indictment or have been bound to the court on felony charges, for any crime of violence or illegal sale of a controlled substance.
  • Persons convicted of a felony, violent crime, or the illegal sale of a controlled substance.
  • Anyone who is or has been under treatment for an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
  • Persons acquitted of a crime on the grounds of mental disease or disorder.
  • Any person diagnosed with significant behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders or receiving treatment for organic brain syndromes.
  • Persons under 25 years of age who have been found guilty in a family court of a felony, two or more violent crimes, or the illegal sale of a controlled substance.
  • Individuals named in a restraining order that prohibits them from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing another person.

Does Hawaii Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

The minimum waiting period to purchase a firearm in Hawaii is 14 calendar days from the time of permit application to when the permit can be granted.

This provides police adequate time to conduct a background check.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Hawaii Without Registering It?

No, but once you’ve registered a firearm with Hawaii, the registration is valid until you sell or dispose of the firearm.

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

Although Hawaii doesn’t require notarization for firearm bills of sale, it’s a good idea to use the services of a notary in case a dispute ever arises regarding the validity of the document or the authenticity of the signatures.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Hawaii?

Yes. All firearms must be registered with state police.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Hawaii

How to Apply To Carry a Firearm in Hawaii

To legally carry a firearm in Hawaii, you must apply for a License to Carry Concealed Firearm or a License to Carry Unconcealed Firearm.

To be eligible, you must be over 21 and have a Hawaii mailing address.

Take the following documentation with you to apply:

Hawaii Firearm Reciprocity

Hawaii does not recognize any other state’s issued firearms permits or licenses.

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Hawaii

Step 1 – Local Firearm Laws

Research and understand Hawaii’s firearm laws.

Step 2 – Meeting with Potential Buyer  

Ask for a potential buyer’s permit to acquire and personal identification to verify their age and eligibility to purchase the firearm.

You will need the permit to register the firearm with state police.

Step 3 – In-Person Exchange

You should meet in person to ensure that you are legally selling your firearm to the person who submitted the permit to acquire to you and to fill out the Hawaii firearms 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.

Step 5 – Permit To Acquire

Sign the permit to acquire in ink and return it to your local sheriff’s office within the mandated time frame.

Summary

Hawaii has strict laws surrounding the sale and transfer of firearms. A firearm bill of sale protects you by showing that you believed you were lawfully selling the weapon and that ownership changed hands.

It also serves as a way to register the firearm with the state.

Use our Hawaii firearm bill of sale, available in Word and PDF formats, to help you get started today.

Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

hawaii firearm bill of sale