Legal Templates

Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Ensure you properly record the details of your gun sale transaction with a Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale.

Updated March 24, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Ensure you properly record the details of your gun sale transaction with a Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale.

Table of Contents

What is a Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale outlines the details of your private firearm transaction and serves as a record of the transfer.

It includes identifying information for the buyer and seller, critical details about the firearm, and purchase details, including the purchase price. 

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Pennsylvania?

When transferring a firearm in Pennsylvania, you must follow all state laws. The following can help you get started.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Pennsylvania

Private parties are allowed to sell firearms in Pennsylvania. A private party is treated as an individual who wants to transfer a firearm to another individual, not a licensed firearm dealer.

Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(c), a person who is not a licensed dealer can sell or transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person, but it must occur with a licensed firearms dealer or at a local county sheriff’s office.

This ensures that a proper background check is conducted during the sale. This requirement does not apply to long guns.

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

Pennsylvania does require a bill of sale. In addition to your bill of sale, you must complete an Application/Record of Sale Form (SP4-113).

The actual form is only available upon request and supplied by the Pennsylvania State Police. A copy of the completed form is sent to the state police and kept in their records.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Pennsylvania

Firearms are personal property and can be inherited in Pennsylvania.

Most inherited firearms do not require a separate transfer form. Exceptions exist for destructive ordnance and specialized weapons. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, you will need to include the following documents with your firearm bill of sale:

Additional Pennsylvania Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Pennsylvania?

Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 and applicable federal laws, the following persons are prohibited from purchasing a firearm:

  • A person convicted of an offense listed in subsection (b) of that statute
  • A person convicted of a crime of violence
  • A fugitive from justice
  • A habitual drunkard, drug addict, or a person deemed mentally incompetent
  • A person subject to an abuse protection order that removes firearm possession rights
  • A person convicted of driving under the influence on three or more separate occasions
  • A person illegally or unlawfully in the United States

Does Pennsylvania Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(a) requires that a seller wait 48 hours before delivering a firearm to a purchaser.

The firearm must also be securely wrapped and unloaded when it is transferred.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Pennsylvania Without Registering It?

18 Pa.C.S. § 6111.4 prohibits government or law enforcement agencies from requiring formal registration of privately owned firearms. 

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

Yes, you must notarize your bill of sale under Pennsylvania law.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Pennsylvania?

Private sales of handguns are documented and sent to Pennsylvania State Police. Sales of long guns and other firearms that do not require a background check are not forwarded to law enforcement.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Pennsylvania

How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Pennsylvania

A concealed carry license is required in Pennsylvania. To apply, you must be 21 years of age or older and apply for a license by:

  • Obtaining a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms Application from your local sheriff’s office (sample License to Carry Firearms Application from City of Philadelphia Police Department)
  • Presenting two valid references
  • Showing a valid driver’s license or identification card with a current address
  • Showing two forms of proof of residency
  • Providing a 2″ x 2″ passport-style color photo
  • Having your fingerprint taken during the application process
  • Paying the application fee

A License to Carry Firearms allows the concealed carry of a firearm on a person or in their vehicle, and the license is valid for five years unless revoked.

Pennsylvania Firearm Reciprocity

Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(k), Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with all states except for the following states:

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

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Pennsylvania

Step 1 — Research Your Local Firearm Laws

Make sure you know the local firearm laws for Pennsylvania and your city.

For example, Philadelphia has stricter requirements than much of the rest of the state.

Step 2 — Do a Background Check

Ensure a proper background check is conducted if you are selling or purchasing a handgun or other firearm that requires it.

This will be done with the licensed dealer or at a sheriff’s office in your area.

Step 3 — Meet With the Potential Buyer

Meet with your potential buyer to finalize the terms of the sale.

If the seller and buyer are both unlicensed, you must go together to a licensed firearms dealer or county sheriff’s office.

Step 4 — Arrange an In-Person Exchange

Schedule an in-person meeting to exchange your firearm.

Make sure you follow the applicable waiting period. Transfer the firearm, properly wrapped and unloaded per state law. 

Step 5 — Fill In the Parties Involved in the Firearm Sale

Your Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale should include identifying information for both parties:

  • Names of both buyer and seller
  • Addresses for both parties
  • Other contact information
  • Copies of identification

Step 6 — Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Complete a Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale and include all the information in the form. A template firearm bill of sale can help you include all important information.

Both parties must sign the document as well.

Step 7 — Note the Details of the Firearm Bill Sale

Add critical details of the transaction in your Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale form, including:

  • A description of the firearm
  • The condition of the firearm
  • The purchase price and sale date

Summary

A Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale records the critical details of your transaction and helps protect your rights.

Whether you are the buyer or seller, you must document your firearms transfer and comply with applicable laws.

You can use our template builder to create your firearm bill of sale in Pennsylvania. Legal Templates can help you with our downloadable firearm bill of sale template.

Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

pennsylvania firearm bill of sale