Legal Templates

Maine Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Create a Maine firearm bill of sale from our template so you can document a gun sale and transfer of ownership in the state.

Updated March 18, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Buying and selling a firearm in Maine is a relatively easy procedure. But, both parties should take certain precautions to minimize risk, including creating a bill of sale to document the transfer.

Table of Contents

What is a Maine Firearm Bill of Sale?

Private individuals should protect their rights in a gun sale and transfer by creating a Maine Firearm Bill of Sale in case they encounter legal issues after the transaction. 

A Maine firearm bill of sale is a document proving gun sale and ownership. It serves as a record of the transaction that helps mitigate risk.

There is no specific Maine firearm bill of sale form that must be used in the state, so you can use our document builder to create your form.

What Are The Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Maine?

Firearm dealers and gun shop owners must have a federal license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

Under federal and state law (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 25 § 2012), licensed firearm dealers are required to:

  • Include a firearm safety brochure with each sale
  • Offer to demonstrate a trigger-locking device
  • Post information regarding local firearms safety programs

Maine Law (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 15 § 455-A) requires each commercial retail sales outlet that sells firearms to conspicuously post at each purchase counter, the following warning:

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH

KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE 

KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP

USE TRIGGER LOCKS

Maine has no requirements regarding background checks or retention of information about purchasers of weapons or ammunition.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Maine

Maine has no restrictions on private parties selling firearms. One of the only laws in Maine (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A § 554-A) prohibits the sale of firearms to an underage individual.

A private party cannot sell a firearm to someone they know or have reason to believe may be under 18.

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

Maine does not require a firearm bill of sale, but the state does require a bill of sale for all high-value items transferred between individuals.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Maine

Maine’s prohibition on minors owning firearms does not apply to firearms passed by inheritance. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A § 554-B)

Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Maine

There are no required documents for a firearm bill of sale in Maine.

Sellers and buyers should have their driver’s licenses or other identification if they wish to create a record of the transaction.

Additional Maine Gun Laws

Maine has enacted extremely stringent laws preventing the possession of firearms by individuals who have been determined to be a danger to themselves or the community.

Maine keeps extensive records on those who have been involuntarily committed and those who have been determined to be unfit to stand trial due to mental incompetency. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 34-B, §§ 3862-A and 3863)

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Maine?

Maine laws (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 15 § 393) prohibit firearms sales to anyone who:

  • Has been convicted of committing, or found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity of committing, a state or federal crime with an imprisonment term of one year or greater or a crime with the use of a dangerous weapon
  • Has been involuntarily committed to a hospital on a finding of presenting a threat of “serious harm”, found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, or found not competent to stand trial
  • Is a fugitive from justice
  • Is an unlawful user of or is addicted to any controlled substance
  • Is an alien who is illegally or unlawfully in the U.S.
  • Has been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces
  • Has renounced that person’s U.S. citizenship

Does Maine Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Maine has no waiting period for any firearm sales.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Maine Without Registering It?

Maine does not require registration of firearms.

Does a Gun Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Maine?

A Maine bill of sale does not need to be notarized.

However, the parties should consider getting their signatures notarized to add a layer of legitimacy to the signatures.

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Maine?

Maine law prohibits keeping or maintaining any records of privately owned firearms and the owners of those firearms.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Maine

Anyone in Maine over 21 who is not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm, may open or concealed carry a handgun without a permit. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 25 § 2001-A)

Individuals between 18 and 21 years of age and not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm can carry if they work in law enforcement, are on active duty in the armed forces, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces.

How To Apply to Carry a Firearm in Maine

Individuals wishing to carry a firearm outside of Maine must apply for a concealed carry permit. 

Maine is a “shall-issue” state, meaning law enforcement will issue a permit to any otherwise qualified individual.

A person requesting a permit must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Complete a background check application (per federal law)
  • Not be otherwise disqualified (no felony convictions or history of domestic violence)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of handgun safety

Permits are valid for four years from the date of issuance.

Maine Firearm Reciprocity

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

Currently, these states have reciprocity with Maine:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Maine

A Maine firearm bill of sale is simply a record showing the transfer of ownership of a valuable item between parties.

The document memorializes the transaction and protects the rights of both parties in the event 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 must have 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

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

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

Both parties should sign upon transfer of the firearm. The signatures should be notarized if you want the bill of sale recognized in court.

Summary

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

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

Maine Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

maine firearm bill of sale