Legal Templates

Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a customized Indiana firearm bill of sale to transfer gun ownership in the state of Indiana.

Updated March 16, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Indiana does not require a firearm bill of sale form for sales and transfers.

But a bill of sale will provide proof of the sale and purchase of the firearm in court or in other legal matters.

Whether you’re buying or selling a firearm, protect your rights with an Indiana firearm bill of sale.

Table of Contents

What is an Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale?

An Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that proves a gun sale took place. It has the signatures of the seller and buyer along with witnesses to the sale.

An Indiana firearm bill of sale is a receipt showing the transfer of the firearm. It’s not required in the state, but it can be used to protect the legal rights of both parties.

What Are The Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Indiana?

Indiana law requires a retail dealer who sells or trades handguns to have a retail handgun dealer’s license and to display it at all times (Ind. Code § 35-47-2-14).

The license is issued by the county sheriff and is based on the applicant’s “character and reputation.”

People with good character and reputation are defined as those who have not been convicted of a felony or other serious criminal offense and who have no history of psychiatric hospitalization.

A dealer may not sell, rent, or transfer a handgun to anyone without a license until the dealer has:

  • Obtained the completed and signed transfer form 4473 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
  • Contacted the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for a background check and received authorization for the transfer
  • Recorded the NICS transaction number on the 4473 form

The ATF form must be retained for auditing purposes according to Ind. Code § 35-47-2.5-4.

No state law requires a background check for the sale or transfer of long guns. However, licensed firearms dealers must perform a background check according to federal laws.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Indiana

There are no Indiana laws requiring a background check of the purchaser when the seller is not a licensed dealer.

However, the state handgun restrictions regarding prohibited purchasers apply to all sellers, including private and retail sellers (Ind. Code § 35-47-2-8).

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

There are no requirements for firearm sales records in Indiana, so bills of sale are not required.

Sellers and purchasers should keep receipts of their transactions for their records and personal protection. 

Gun Inheritance Laws in Indiana

Indiana has no laws requiring the registration or licensing of firearms. Any firearm passed by gift or bequest may be accepted if the recipient is otherwise qualified to own it.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-7 prohibits the sale or transfer of a firearm to an individual under 18 unless they’re supervised and at their residence or on property owned by a parent or guardian.

This means that any firearm bequeathed to a minor cannot be legally received by the minor until the child reaches 18.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Indiana

Since Indiana does not require a bill of sale, no documentation is necessary.

Additional Indiana Gun Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Indiana?

Indiana has relaxed firearm possession laws and uses the federal standards as their baseline for those who may not purchase firearms.

You cannot purchase a firearm in Indiana if you:

  • Have been convicted of a serious felony or domestic battery
  • Have been found dangerous by a court determination to yourself or others (Ind. Code § 35-47-4-6.5)
  • Are unlawfully present in the US

Individuals under 18 may not possess firearms without the permission and supervision of a parent or guardian.

Does Indiana Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?

Indiana does not have a waiting period for firearms purchases.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Indiana Without Registering It?

Indiana does not require registration or licensing for firearms.

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

There is no specific requirement for notarization, and Indiana does not require a bill of sale for firearm sales.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Indiana?

Indiana does not require any record-keeping or background checks for firearms sales.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Indiana

Indiana does not require a permit (Ind. Code § 35-47-2-3) for open or concealed carry within the state.

Residents may apply for a permit to carry their Indiana firearm in other states with reciprocity with Indiana.

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in Indiana

Indiana is a “shall-issue” state. This means that the state will issue a permit to anyone otherwise qualified.  

An Indiana resident is qualified if they:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under Indiana or federal law
  • Are not a fugitive from justice
  • Have not been convicted of domestic violence, and are not under a domestic violence restraining order

Applicants may apply at the Indiana State Police website. Once the application has been completed, applicants have only 180 days to complete their fingerprint application.

Indiana Firearm Reciprocity

Eleven states currently have unrestricted concealed carry reciprocity with Indiana:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont

Twenty-one states currently have restricted reciprocity with Indiana:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Indiana

If you use the Indiana bill of sale template from LegalTemplates, completing the form is as simple as following these steps.

Step 1 – Fill In All Parties to the Sale

The bill of sale should include the identities of both parties, including each person’s:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Contact information (phone number and email)
  • Driver’s license number

Step 2 – Describe the Firearm(s) Being Sold

Include a detailed description of the weapon(s) being sold.

The description should include the following for each firearm:

  • Serial number
  • Make and model
  • Caliber
  • Accessories and customizations
  • Present condition

If the weapon is being sold “as is,” you should note that on the bill of sale.

Step 3 – Add the Details of the Sale

Note the specifics of the transfer, including:

  • The date of purchase
  • The sale price
  • The payment agreement (paid in full, down payment, installment payments)
  • The date of transfer, if different than the date of purchase

Step 4 – Sign the Document and Have It Notarized

Both parties should sign the bill of sale.

If this document is used for court or other legal purposes, the parties may want it notarized.

Summary

Our free online template will help you create an Indiana firearm bill of sale so you can easily document your transaction without worrying if you forgot any important details.

Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

indiana firearm bill of sale