Legal Templates

Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Create a Mississippi firearm bill of sale form to record the sale and transfer of a gun in the state.

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

A Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale shows that a firearm has been bought and sold. Read this guide for firearm bill of sale creation tips.

Table of Contents

What Is a Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale

A Mississippi firearm bill of sale is a document that records the purchase and sale of a firearm between private parties.

Buyers and sellers can use it to prove the transaction happened and protect themselves from fraud. 

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Mississippi?

Mississippi has lenient requirements for selling firearms.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Mississippi

Any Mississippi resident who can legally own and purchase a firearm by state law can also sell one privately. 

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

Mississippi law does not require firearm bills of sale. However, you should still create a firearm bill of sale to identify the parties, firearm, sale details and to record the transaction.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi does not require firearm registration.

This means there are no registration requirements for any firearm you may inherit from a relative.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Mississippi

As there is no requirement for a firearm bill of sale in Mississippi, there is also no required documentation.

However, if you use a firearm bill of sale for the sale, then you should ask for the seller and buyer’s current Mississippi driver’s license or state identification card.

Additional Mississippi Gun Laws

Although Mississippi has relaxed firearm laws, you must keep the following in mind when selling a firearm to a potential buyer in Mississippi.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Mississippi?

According to Mississippi Code Section 97-37-5, the following people cannot purchase or own a firearm:

  • People with felony convictions, unless they have certificates of rehabilitation
  • People who are chronically intoxicated
  • People who have been involuntarily or voluntarily committed to mental health facilities, unless they have recovered for a minimum of five years

Additionally, per Mississippi Code Section 97-37-14, anyone under 18 is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

Does Mississippi Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?

Mississippi law does not have a waiting period for firearm sales.

Can You Buy a Gun in Mississippi Without Registering It?

Yes. Mississippi does not require firearm owners to register firearms.

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

No. Mississippi does not require a firearm bill of sale to be notarized.

However, notarization can lower the risk of fraud by confirming the seller and buyer’s identity and that the signatures are authentic.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Mississippi?

No. Mississippi does not require firearm registration, so the police do not keep a record of firearms in Mississippi.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi does not regulate open carry.

Firearm owners are allowed to open carry without permits as long as they do not, in the presence of another, exhibit the weapon in a threatening manner and not in necessary self-defense per Mississippi Code Section 97-37-19. 

In 2016, House Bill 786 was signed into law. Since then, Mississippi law has allowed permitless concealed carry of handguns in belt and shoulder sheaths and holsters as long as you:

  • Are not engaging in criminal activities
  • Are not prohibited from owning firearms under state and federal law
  • Are not carrying the handgun in prohibited areas

How to Apply To Conceal Carry a Firearm in Mississippi

Even though permits are not required to carry, openly or concealed, the state still issues concealed carry permits in Mississippi.

Per Mississippi Code Section 45-9-101, you can apply for a concealed carry permit if you are at least 21 years old or 18 years old if you are a member or veteran of the U.S. armed forces and a permanent Mississippi resident. 

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Finish a weapons training and safety course approved by the Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
  2. Fill in the Concealed/Enhanced Carry Application (IFP-APP-01) and produce the documents required by the application.
  3. Produce two valid forms of identification, such as a tribal identification card or driver’s license.
  4. Submit the application in person at one of the Driver Service Bureau locations that offer firearm permit processing. 
  5. Pay $32.00 for a fingerprint/background check. 

The issuing authority will deny or approve the application within 45 days of receiving it. Mississippi is a “shall issue” state, so you will receive your permit if your background check does not reveal any disqualifying information.

Mississippi Firearm Reciprocity

According to Mississippi Code Section 97-37-7, Mississippi recognizes concealed carry permits from all states that provide them.

The following states recognize Mississippi’s concealed carry permit:

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

Per Oklahoma’s House Bill 2579, Mississippi residents can conceal carry a defensive firearm in Oklahoma without any type of permit.

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Mississippi

Now that you understand Mississippi’s firearm laws, here’s how to write a bill of sale.

Step 1 – Conduct a Background Check

Mississippi does not require private sellers to conduct background checks on potential buyers.

However, you should consider running one to confirm the buyer’s identity, background, and history.

Step 2 – Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting With the Buyer

Arrange an in-person meeting with the potential buyer to verify their identity and make photocopies of their identification cards. 

Step 3 – Ask for a Valid Mississippi Concealed Carry Permit

Next, ask the buyer if they have a valid Mississippi concealed carry permit. Buyers with valid concealed carry permits are more trustworthy after passing a firearm training course and background check.

Step 4 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Finally, you and the seller complete and sign the Mississippi firearm bill of sale.

Remember to include both parties’ full names, driver’s licenses or state ID numbers, photocopies of both parties’ IDs, a detailed description of the firearm being exchanged, and the purchase price.

Summary

A Mississippi firearm bill of sale lets you record a firearm transaction and protect yourself from fraud.

If you don’t have the time or energy to create a firearm bill of sale from scratch, consider using LegalTemplates’ firearm bill of sale builder.

All you have to do is answer a series of questions about the firearm transaction, and you will receive a complete bill of sale. Alternatively, you can download and edit our sample Mississippi firearm transfer form if you want more control over the bill of sale creation process.

Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

mississippi firearm bill of sale