Legal Templates

Ohio Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Create a customized Ohio firearm bill of sale from our attorney-drafted template using our document builder.

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

A bill of sale provides proof of a sale for many useful purposes. Ohio has no official firearm bill of sale or an Ohio firearm transfer form.

However, you should create an Ohio firearm bill of sale to protect your rights when buying or selling a firearm.

Table of Contents

What is an Ohio Firearm Bill of Sale?

An Ohio Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that records a gun sale and transfer in the state.

It is a form a gun seller and buyer sign to evidence their willing participation in the firearm sale and record details about the transaction.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Ohio?

Ohio has no state laws regarding licensing firearm dealers or gun shops. Federal law requires firearms dealers to obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

Ohio law does require federally licensed firearms dealers to display a poster describing safe firearms practices in a conspicuous location in the shop and provide a brochure free of charge to all customers.

Dealers must also offer for sale to the buyer of the firearm a trigger lock, gun lock, or gun locking device (Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.25).

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Ohio

Ohio has no laws regarding the private sales of firearms between individuals.

However, Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.20(A) prohibits: 

  • Selling, lending, or giving a firearm to any individual prohibited by law from possessing a firearm 
  • Receiving a firearm with the intent to dispose of it in violation of this provision

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

Ohio does not require a bill of sale for private firearms transfers, but sellers and purchasers should always keep a receipt of their transactions to protect their legal rights.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Ohio

If the individual receiving the firearm is of legal age (18 for rifles and long guns, 21 for handguns), they may possess firearms.

Ohio has no specific laws regarding the inheritance of firearms.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Ohio

Ohio does not require any documents to sell firearms in the state.

Additional Ohio Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Ohio?

Ohio uses federal restrictions for its baseline prohibitions on firearm purchasers.

Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.13, individuals who may not own firearms include:

  • Fugitives from justice
  • Persons convicted of a felony offense of violence
  • Persons convicted of a felony offense involving illegal possession, use, sale, or distribution of drugs
  • “Violent career criminals” — Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.132(B) defines a career criminal as someone who has had two or more convictions for a violent felony offense, not part of the same criminal offense, within the past 8 years
  • Persons who are drug dependent or chronic alcoholic
  • Persons who have been committed to mental institutions or found by a court to be mentally ill
  • Minors under the age of 18 (rifles and long guns) or 21 (handguns)

Ohio has no state law prohibiting firearm ownership for those with domestic violence convictions or subject to a domestic violence restraining order.

Does Ohio Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Ohio does not have a waiting period for firearms purchases.

Can You Buy a Gun in Ohio Without Registering It?

Ohio does not require registration or licensing for firearms.

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

No specific requirement for bills of sale to be notarized in Ohio exists.

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Ohio?

Ohio does not require any record-keeping for firearms sales or background checks.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Ohio

In 2022, Ohio enacted a new law that allows any Ohio resident over the age of 21 to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

Ohio permits individuals, otherwise not prohibited from carrying a firearm, to open and concealed carry firearms anywhere in the state unless otherwise restricted.

Concealed carry, even with a valid permit, is prohibited at schools, government buildings, and houses of worship (churches, synagogues, or mosques) unless otherwise posted at that location under Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.126(B). 

Residents may apply for a concealed-handgun license if they wish to carry their Ohio firearm in states with reciprocity with Ohio.

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in Ohio

Ohio is a “shall-issue” state. This means the state will issue a concealed-handgun license to anyone otherwise qualified.

An Ohio resident is qualified if they:

  • Are at least 21 years old
  • Are a legal resident of the United States and a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days and have been living in Ohio for at least 45 days 
  • Are not a fugitive from justice
  • Are not under indictment or have not been convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor
  • Are not under a protection order from any state
  • Complete a firearms safety training course

You can submit an Application for License to Carry a Concealed Handgun to the sheriff’s department of your county of residence or an adjacent county.

There may be additional requirements beyond those listed here.

Ohio Firearm Reciprocity

Ohio currently has concealed carry reciprocity with these states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Ohio

Buyers and sellers do not need to fill out a specific Ohio firearm bill of sale.

Still, anyone selling a valuable item should have a document that records the details of the transaction.

This protects your rights if anything is challenged later in court.

Step 1 – Fill In All Parties to the Sale

The bill of sale should state the identities of both the seller and buyer, including each person’s:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Contact information (phone number and email)
  • Business information, if applicable

Step 2 – Describe the Firearm(s) Being Sold

Include a detailed description of the firearm being sold. The description should include the following for each gun:

  • Serial number
  • Make and model
  • Caliber
  • Accessories and customizations
  • Present condition

Private sales are usually “as is.” If repairs or alterations are included, note them on the bill of sale.

Step 3 – Add the Details of the Sale

Note the specifics of the transfer, including:

  • The date of purchase
  • The sale price
  • The payment agreement (paid in full, down payment, installment payments)
  • The date of transfer, if different than the date of purchase

Step 4 – Add Signatures and Notarization

Both parties should sign the bill of sale. If this document will be used in court or if the firearm is an antique or a collector’s item, you may want to have it notarized.

Summary

Download our free template to create an Ohio firearm bill of sale.

Although the state doesn’t require one, completing a bill of sale will ensure you have full documentation of the transaction and protect your rights in your private firearms transfer.

Ohio Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what an Ohio firearm bill of sale looks like:

ohio firearm bill of sale