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.
Indiana does not have a waiting period for firearms purchases.
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
No Indiana laws require a background check of the purchaser when the seller is not a licensed dealer.
Requirements
The state handgun restrictions regarding prohibited purchasers apply to all sellers, including private and retail sellers (Ind. Code § 35-47-2-8).
Restrictions
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.
Additionally, 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, per IC §§ 35-47-2-1 and 35-47-2-3, 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
- are described in IC 35–47–2–1.5 (without exception)
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Since 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.
Minors cannot legally receive any firearm bequeathed to a minor until the child reaches 18.
Registration
Indiana does not require registration or licensing for firearms.
Concealed Carry Permit
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
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
Step 1 – Complete Application
Complete a Handgun License application with the Indiana State Police.
Step 2 – Get Fingerprinted
Submit fingerprints through a registered fingerprinting location.
Step 3 – Pass Background Check
Passing a background check is a stipulation for a concealed carry permit.
Step 4 – Pay Fees
Within 90 days of submitting fingerprints, visit your local law enforcement agency to pay your application fee. (Online applications expire after 180 days if applicants do not visit the agency in person).
Gun Reciprocity
IC § 35-47-2-21 outlines Indiana gun reciprocity rules.
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
Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of an Indiana firearm bill of sale.