Legal Templates

Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale

Create Firearm Bill of Sale that helps you record a gun’s sale and ownership transfer in Michigan.

Updated March 20, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale documents the sale or transfer of a firearm between two individuals or parties. Use it to minimize risk and prove that the transaction transpired.

Table of Contents

What Is a Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Michigan firearm bill of sale is a document proving the purchase and ownership transfer of a gun in the state.

The seller and buyer of a firearm sign this form to record the transaction and minimize risk.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Michigan?

Michigan has several legal requirements for selling firearms. 

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Michigan

Anyone legally allowed to own a firearm in Michigan can sell firearms in the state.

However, if the seller is not a federally licensed dealer, the buyer must have either a valid handgun purchase license or a license to carry a concealed handgun per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422a.

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

No, Michigan does not require you to use a firearm bill of sale. However, you should have one because it gives you and the other party proof of the sales transaction.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Michigan

According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422(8), anyone who has inherited a pistol must obtain a license within 30 days of taking physical possession of it.

The license can be signed by the deceased’s next of kin or the person authorized to dispose of property for the deceased. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Michigan

There are no required documents since a firearm bill of sale is not required in Michigan.

But if you decide to create a bill of sale for the transaction, then you should ask for a current Michigan driver’s license or state identification card from both parties.

Additional Michigan Firearm Laws

Keep the following Michigan firearm laws in mind when filling out a firearm bill of sale in Michigan:

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Michigan?

Per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422(3), the following individuals cannot purchase a firearm in Michigan:

  • Anyone under the age of 18
  • Anyone with a felony charge or other specified pending criminal charge against them
  • Anyone prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under Michigan law
  • Individuals who have been adjudged insane or legally incapacitated
  • Individuals who have been involuntarily committed due to mental illness

Does Michigan Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?

No, Michigan does not have a waiting period for gun sales. 

Can You Buy a Firearm in Michigan Without Registering It?

According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422, all private gun buyers in Michigan must have a license to purchase unless the firearm are “long guns” longer than 26 inches. 

A buyer can get a license to purchase by going to their local sheriff’s office, submitting to a background check, and passing a pistol safety exam.

They will then receive a license to purchase, which they must show when signing the bill of sale. 

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

Michigan law does not require notarization for a gun bill of sale.

However, you should consider notarizing the bill of sale to protect yourself from fraud.

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Michigan?

Yes. Per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422, all private buyers of firearms that are not long guns exceeding 26 inches must have a license to purchase from their local sheriff’s office.

This constitutes a record of firearms under Michigan law.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Michigan

Open carry is allowed in Michigan as long as the owner is age 18 or over, legally permitted to possess the firearm, and registered per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422.

However, you must obtain a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) for concealed carry.

How to Apply to Concealed Carry a Firearm in Michigan

You must be 21 years old, a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States, and a legal resident of Michigan for at least 6 months before the application to apply for a Michigan CPL.

Follow these steps to apply for one:

  1. Complete a required pistol safety training course.
  2. Download and complete the CPL application.
  3. File the completed form with the county clerk where you reside. Include a certificate stating that you have completed the required training course, a passport-quality photograph, and a $100.00 check payable to the county clerk. 
  4. Get your fingerprints taken by the state police, county clerk, local police agency, sheriff’s office, or other entity that provides fingerprinting services.
  5. The county clerk will deny or issue the CPL within 45 days of receiving your fingerprints.

Michigan Firearm Reciprocity

Michigan recognizes concealed carry permits from all other states. 

All states recognize Michigan CPLs except for:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Michigan

Now that you know Michigan’s firearm laws, follow these steps to write a firearm bill of sale in Michigan.

Step 1 – Do a Background Check

Current Michigan law only requires background checks for handgun sales. 

However, you should do a background check on the buyer even if you’re selling another type of firearm.

A background check will minimize the risk of selling your firearm to someone who is prohibited from owning a gun.

Step 2 – Arrange an In-Person Meeting with a Potential Buyer

Arrange an in-person meeting with a potential buyer to photocopy their ID and ensure they’re a Michigan resident.

You cannot sell a firearm to someone from another state without first sending it to a licensed firearm dealer.

The buyer must then pay a transfer fee to the licensed firearm dealer and undergo a background check.

3. Ask for a Michigan License

To minimize the chance of selling your firearm to someone who should not have a firearm, ask the buyer for a valid Michigan handgun purchase license or a CPL.

People with valid licenses are likelier to be trustworthy since they have already passed a required pistol safety training course and undergone state identity verification.

4. Complete a Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale

Finally, you must complete and sign a Michigan firearm bill of sale.

Make sure you’ve included all of the required information, including the full names of the seller and buyer, the date of purchase, a complete description of the firearm being sold, and how much money the buyer paid for the purchase.

Summary

Michigan does not require firearm owners to use a bill of sale for private firearm sales. However, firearm owners and buyers should use a firearm bill of sale to verify each others’ identities and record the transaction.

You can write a bill of sale from scratch but that can take time.

If you want to save the time and energy needed to draw one up yourself, use LegalTemplates’ firearm bill of sale builder or sample Michigan firearm transfer form to kickstart the process.

Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

michigan firearm bill of sale