Legal Templates

Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale from our attorney-reviewed document builder.

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

Nebraska has a mix of relaxed and strict firearm laws. When selling a firearm, it is essential to understand the rules to avoid legal trouble.

You should also create a Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale, even though the law does not require it, to provide proof of compliance with the law. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that proves the sale and ownership transfer of a gun from one Nebraska resident to another.

It is a form that evidences legal ownership, and it helps minimize risks in a gun sale transaction.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Nebraska?

Nebraska has specific rules for buyers of firearms. As a seller, you are responsible for ensuring a buyer complies with the law. 

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Nebraska

Private sellers must require buyers to have a certificate to purchase a firearm (Nebraska Revised Statute § 69-2403).

There are some exceptions:

  • You are selling an antique gun.
  • The buyer is a licensed firearms dealer under federal law.
  • The buyer is authorized to do so on behalf of law enforcement.
  • The buyer is a close family member (spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent).
  • The buyer has a valid concealed carry permit.

Note the certificate requirement only applies when you are selling a handgun. Buyers do not need a certificate to buy rifles or shotguns. 

Buyers apply for a certificate through their local sheriff or chief of police (Nebraska Revised Statute § 69-2404).

They must undergo a background check, be at least 21, and not be on the prohibited buyer list.

The process takes two days, and the certificate remains valid for three years. 

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

The state does not require you to have a Nebraska firearm bill of sale.

You should consider creating one on your own to serve as proof of the transaction and that you collected all necessary information from the buyer. 

Gun Inheritance Laws in Nebraska

If you wish to leave someone a firearm in your will, the heir is not required to get a certificate provided the recipient is at least 18 and a close family member as defined by state law. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Nebraska

When creating a Nebraska firearm bill of sale form to serve as proof of the sale, you will want to gather the following information:

  • Name, address, contact details, and date of birth of the buyer
  • Copy of the buyer’s driver’s license or state identification card
  • A copy of the buyer’s certificate to purchase, if applicable
  • Gun description, condition, and serial number

Additional Nebraska Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Nebraska?

Nebraska defers to federal law for determining who is prohibited from possessing a firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922).

Under federal law, the following conditions make a person ineligible:

  • Felony conviction
  • Fugitive from the law
  • Substance addiction
  • Not a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.
  • Dishonorable discharge from the military
  • Subject to a court order for domestic violence
  • Misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence
  • Commitment to a mental institution

Does Nebraska Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Nebraska has no formal waiting period for buying a firearm, but the certificate process does institute one.

It takes two days to secure the certificate.

Can You Buy a Gun in Nebraska Without Registering It?

Yes, you can purchase a firearm in the state without registration.

Law enforcement officials conducting background checks may only collect data as necessary to determine eligibility for purchasing and possessing a handgun (Nebraska Revised Statute § 69-2409.01).

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

There is no requirement to have a Nebraska firearm bill of sale, so there is no notarization rule.

If you create one, you might consider having a notary oversee the document’s signing. It will lend more credibility to the document. 

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Nebraska?

Police do not keep records of firearm sales in the state. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Nebraska

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in Nebraska

To apply for a concealed handgun permit in Nebraska, you must complete an application process.

Per Nebraska Revised Statute § 69-2433, an applicant must meet the following requirements to get a permit:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Not be a prohibited person under federal law
  • Pass an eyesight test
  • Have no felony convictions
  • Have no misdemeanor crime of violence convictions in the last ten years
  • Have no mental illness or dangerous-person finding in the past ten years
  • Be a resident of the state for 180 days before the application
  • Have no firearms-related convictions
  • Not be on probation, parole, work release, or house arrest
  • Undergo a background check
  • Complete an approved handgun training and safety course per Nebraska Revised Statutes § 69-2432

The permit comes from the Nebraska State Patrol. It will include your name, address, and photo and the permit’s expiration date (Nebraska Revised Statute § 69-2434).

It is valid for five years.

Nebraska Firearm Reciprocity

Nebraska recognizes permits from states with permit processing similar to its standards.

The current list of states includes:

  • Alaska 
  • Colorado 
  • Connecticut 
  • Florida 
  • Hawaii 
  • Illinois 
  • Kentucky 
  • Louisiana 
  • Michigan 
  • Minnesota 
  • New Mexico 
  • North Carolina 
  • Ohio 
  • Oregon 
  • South Carolina 
  • Virginia 
  • Wisconsin
  • District of Columbia

Nebraska will honor permits from several additional states, but with limitations.

The following states permits are valid only if the holder is at least 21 years old:

  • Arizona 
  • Arkansas 
  • California 
  • Maine 
  • Missouri 
  • Montana 
  • Nevada 
  • Oklahoma 
  • Texas 
  • Wyoming 

Nebraska will honor permits from the following states that meet the following specifications:

  • Idaho – must be an enhanced permit only
  • Iowa – must be a non-professional permit only
  • Kansas – must be a standard permit only
  • North Dakota – must be a Class 1 license only
  • South Dakota – must be an enhanced permit only, with no restrictions enhanced
  • Tennessee – must be an Enhanced Handgun Carry permit only and the holder must be at least 21 years old
  • Utah – must be a Utah Code § 53-5-704 permit only
  • West Virginia – must be a West Virginia Code § 61-7-4 CHL permit only

For all other states, individuals can bring their handguns through Nebraska when traveling without penalty, but they must have them secured, inaccessible, and unloaded. 

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Nebraska

When drawing up a Nebraska firearm bill of sale, you will want to take all the appropriate steps:

Step 1 – State Firearm Laws

Review state firearm laws so you can confidently enter the sale and ask certain requirements of the buyer.

Step 2 – Background Check

Conduct a background check to ensure the buyer meets all requirements.

Step 3 – Buyer’s Certificate

Get a copy of the buyer’s certificate obtained from the local law enforcement agency.

Step 4 – Buyer Meeting

Meet with the buyer to conduct the sale.

Step 5 – Bill of Sale

Complete the bill of sale form, including collecting copies of identification and signing the document.

Summary

While Nebraska does not require a formal gun sales document, you should consider creating one to protect yourself from any possible issues.

To simplify, use the Nebraska firearm bill of sale from Legal Templates.

It is easy to use, ready to fill out, and will ensure you include all the correct information for your sale.

Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Nebraska firearm bill of sale.

nebraska firearm bill of sale