Legal Templates

Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a firearm bill of sale to prove the sale and ownership of a gun in Louisiana.

Updated March 17, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

No specific Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale or firearm transfer form document is required for private transactions.

In Louisiana, the only restrictions are placed on licensed gun shop owners. 

Table of Contents

What is a Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale Form?

A Louisiana firearm bill of sale is a document proving the sale and transfer of a gun in the state. It identifies details about the gun seller and buyer and helps mitigate risks involved in the sale and transfer.

Buyers and sellers may want to use a firearm bill of sale to record the sale transaction to protect themselves from a myriad of future legal issues. 

What Are The Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Louisiana?

Louisiana defaults to federal firearms requirements for licensed firearm dealers.

All firearm dealers and gun shop owners must obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and comply with any federal background check (National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)) and reporting requirements.

La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.1.3(E)) requires licensed firearm dealers to report ineligible purchase background check denials from the NICS to local sheriffs and the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Louisiana

There are no restrictions on private sales in Louisiana.

Louisiana does make it a crime to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to a minor, to a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm (La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.1.1), or to a patient in a treatment facility (La. Rev. Stat. § 28:183).

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

Louisiana does not require a bill of sale to purchase a firearm.

However, using a bill of sale to document the names and details of the firearm seller and buyer is a good idea.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Louisiana

In Louisiana, minors under 18 may not own a handgun.

The law is silent as to inheritance, but minors may possess and carry handguns with the written permission of their parents or guardians. (La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.8)

Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Louisiana

There are no documents needed for a gun sale in Louisiana.

Additional Louisiana Gun Laws

Louisiana has few laws restricting firearm ownership or transfer.

Louisiana allows subjects of domestic violence restraining orders to transfer their firearms to a third party residing outside the home for the duration of the order (La. Code Crim. Proc. § Art.1002) subject to the approval of the parish Sheriff.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Louisiana?

Louisiana defaults to federal law concerning those who may not own or purchase firearms. In general, firearms may not be purchased by anyone who has:

  • Been convicted of violent felonies or domestic violence
  • Been found not guilty by reason of insanity for certain crimes

Does Louisiana Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Louisiana has no waiting period for any firearm sales.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Louisiana Without Registering It?

Louisiana does not require firearm registration.

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

Louisiana does not require a bill of sale for weapons purchases.

Buyers and sellers of firearms, especially collector’s items or antique weapons, may want to have such a document notarized for their protection.

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Louisiana?

Louisiana has no general laws regarding the retention of firearms sales records. Background check denials must be reported to local sheriffs and the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System under state law.

Transactions involving modified shotguns, machine guns, and accessories such as silencers must be recorded (La. Rev. Stat. §§ 40:1781, 40:1789).

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana permits open carry of any firearm for any Louisiana resident over 18 who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm.

A Louisiana resident over 21 may conceal carry with a valid Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit.

How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Louisiana

Louisiana is a “shall-issue” state, meaning a permit will be issued to any otherwise qualified individual who is:

  • A Louisiana resident
  • 21 years of age or over
  • Eligible to possess a firearm under federal law
  • Mentally competent
  • Not a prior felon
  • Not convicted of any domestic battery or other domestic violence charges

Applications for a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit can be filed online with the Louisiana State Police.

People applying for a concealed carry permit must demonstrate a basic competency with a handgun, usually by taking a course before the application.

However, Louisiana allows individuals with a domestic abuse restraining order to receive a 45-day temporary concealed-carry permit without such a training course.

Louisiana Firearm Reciprocity

Louisiana has concealed-carry reciprocity with states that recognize Louisiana concealed-carry permits.

Currently, these states have reciprocity with Louisiana:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming   

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Louisiana

A firearm bill of sale ensures that the rights of both parties will be protected in a gun sale, in case either party challenges the sale later.

To write your firearm bill of sale:

Step 1 – Fill in All Parties to the Sale

The bill of sale should include the identities of both parties:

  • Names
  • Addresses
  • Contact information (phone number and email)
  • Driver’s license or state ID numbers

Step 2 – Describe the Firearm(s) Being Sold

Include a detailed description of the weapon being sold. The description should include the following:

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

Private sales are made “as-is.” The description should include the provenance information if the firearm is an antique or collector’s item.

Be aware of any federal or state-prohibited modifications or accessories.

Step 3 – Details of the Sale

If there are any delivery or payment agreements, include them in your bill of sale:

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

Step 4 – Signatures and Notarization

If the parties are using the bill of sale to document the transfer for legal purposes, both parties sign the bill of sale and should consider having it notarized.

This preserves the bill of sale as a legal document if either party needs to produce it in court.

Summary

Louisiana does not require a bill of sale for firearms, but sellers and buyers should have one before completing a Louisiana firearm transfer.

This template will let you easily create a Louisiana firearms bill of sale for any purpose.

Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

louisiana firearm bill of sale