Legal Templates

New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale

Use our attorney-drafted document builder to create a firearm bill of sale to transfer gun ownership in New Hampshire.

Updated March 22, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Learn how to write a New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale with tips on what items to include.

After you review New Hampshire gun laws and the firearm sales process in the state, use our document builder to create your bill of sale form.

Table of Contents

What Is a New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale?

A New Hampshire firearm bill of sale is a record of a firearm’s ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer.

This legal document includes the date of the transaction, information about the parties involved, and a firearm description.

You can write your firearm bill of sale using our free downloadable template. 

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in New Hampshire?

Private Parties Selling Firearms in New Hampshire

Anyone who can legally possess or carry a rifle or shotgun in New Hampshire can sell one in a private transaction to another legally eligible resident in the state.

In the case of handguns, an unlicensed private seller can only sell a pistol, revolver, or another firearm to someone “personally known to him” (NH Rev. Stat. § 159:8).

Does the Law in New Hampshire Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

New Hampshire law does not require a firearm bill of sale.

However, using one protects both the buyer and the seller by ensuring that all state and federal laws were followed to the best of their knowledge during the exchange.

Notarization of a firearm bill of sale is also not mandatory, but involving a notary can protect your interests should questions later arise about the firearm’s legal owner.

Gun Inheritance Laws in New Hampshire 

You can gift or transfer gun ownership to anyone who is legally eligible to possess a firearm and is over 18.

If the recipient is younger than 18, only a parent, grandparent, guardian, administrator, or executor of a will may gift a revolver or pistol to their children, wards, or heirs to their estate (NH Rev. Stat. § 159:12).

Documents Needed to Complete a Bill of Sale in New Hampshire

Since even unknowingly selling a firearm to a prohibited person in the state of New Hampshire can lead to legal prosecution for the seller, one way to ensure that you are selling your private firearm to a legally eligible person is to ask to see: 

  • Their New Hampshire Resident Pistol/Revolver License
  • A copy of the buyer’s New Hampshire-issued state ID

The information in these documents will be necessary to complete the New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale Form.

Additional New Hampshire Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire prohibits anyone who has ever been convicted of a felony offense in any jurisdiction from buying a firearm in the state.

Any person found guilty of selling, transferring, or gifting a firearm to a convicted felon in New Hampshire can be charged with a Class B felony and face criminal prosecution (NH Rev. Stat. § 159:7).

In addition, a person is prohibited from owning a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony against a person or property of another, a felony under the New Hampshire Controlled Drug Act or a similar law relating to controlled drugs in another jurisdiction (NH Rev. Stat. § 159:3).

Does New Hampshire Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

No, New Hampshire does not have a waiting period for firearm sales.

Can You Buy a Gun in New Hampshire Without Registering It?

New Hampshire does not require firearm owners to register privately owned firearms.

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

No, you do not have to notarize a firearm bill of sale in New Hampshire.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in New Hampshire?

There are no record-keeping requirements for firearms sold in New Hampshire.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in New Hampshire

New Hampshire allows open and concealed carry of firearms for anyone age 18 or older and legally permitted to possess a firearm under federal and state law.

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire law does not require a license for state residents to carry a concealed firearm. However, eligible New Hampshire residents may still apply for a license using the Application for Resident Pistol/Revolver License, which can be used for reciprocity in other states that recognize it.
  • Additionally, out-of-state residents can complete an Application for Non-Resident Pistol/Revolver License that will allow them to conceal carry in New Hampshire if they don’t already have reciprocity from another eligible state. These concealed carry licenses are subject to Federal pistol and revolver licensing background checks.
  • To apply, complete the appropriate application and mail it along with any applicable fees (the New Hampshire resident fee is $10; the out-of-state application fee is $100) to: Department of Safety, Division of State Police, Permits and Licensing Unit, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
  • Your license must be either issued or denied within 14 days of receipt of application. If it’s denied, the reason for denial must be given to you in writing. A concealed carry license in New Hampshire is valid for five years, expiring in the month of the license holder’s birthday.

New Hampshire Firearm Reciprocity

New Hampshire currently has firearm concealed carry reciprocity with these states:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

 

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in New Hampshire

Step 1 – Research Your Local Firearm Laws

Ensure you understand your local firearm laws so you can confidently sell your gun to someone legally able to buy it.

Step 2 – Meet with a Potential Buyer

It’s particularly important in New Hampshire to ensure you are not knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon.

Doing so can result in criminal charges against you.

You can vet potential buyers by requesting a copy of their New Hampshire Resident Pistol/Revolver License and/or a copy of their New Hampshire-issued state picture ID showing a potential buyer’s residency in the state. 

Step 3 – Arrange for an In-Person Exchange

To verify that the firearm you’re selling is going directly to the person you believe to be buying it, it’s important to meet in person to complete the exchange. 

Step 4 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Completing a firearm bill of sale adds further protection by collecting important information showing that you sold the firearm in good faith to someone you believed was legally eligible to purchase it.

It also provides a record of change in ownership of the firearm.

Summary

New Hampshire doesn’t require a firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership.

However, the information recorded on such a document may protect you from criminal prosecution if a buyer lies about his or her eligibility to purchase a firearm. Use our New Hampshire firearm bill of sale in Word and PDF format to help you start today.

New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a New Hampshire firearm bill of sale.

new hampshire firearm bill of sale