Legal Templates

Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a Tennessee firearm bill of sale using our attorney-drafted legal document builder.

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

Tennessee has no unique Firearm Bill of Sale or a transfer form. Creating a bill of sale can protect the buyers and sellers if there are any subsequent complications to the sale.

Table of Contents

What is a Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale is a document showing the parties and details involved in a gun sale in the state.

The form provides new ownership and helps minimize risk for buyers and sellers.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have state licensing requirements for firearms dealers.

Firearms dealers are required to have a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and to conduct background checks according to Brady Act requirements (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316).

Firearms dealers (but not private sellers) must retain sales records following federal law. Tennessee does not require record retention (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316(c)).

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Tennessee

Tennessee does not restrict the sale or purchase of firearms by private individuals.

Private sellers are not required to carry out background checks on purchasers.

However, Tennessee law prohibits the sale or transfer of a firearm to anyone the seller knows or has reason to believe may be underage or otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316).

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

Tennessee does not require a bill of sale for private firearms transactions.

However, private sellers and buyers should have transaction documents for their records.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has no specific laws regarding the inheritance of firearms.

Tennessee makes it a criminal offense to sell, loan, or gift a firearm to a minor, an intoxicated individual, or with the intent of violating the requirements of Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316. Tenn. Code § 39-17-1303).

Documents Needed To Complete a Bill of Sale in Tennessee

There are no documents required for the private sale of firearms in Tennessee.            

Additional Tennessee Firearm Laws

Tennessee has no red flag or gun removal laws for individuals subject to a domestic violence protective order. 

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Tennessee?

Tennessee prohibitions (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307) on firearm ownership include:

  • Those convicted of felony “crimes of violence”, felonies involving use of deadly weapon, or felony drug offenses
  • Those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes while under parole or probation
  • Those prohibited from possessing firearms by state or federal law for any other reason
  • Those adjudicated mentally incapacitated
  • Those under 18 (handguns only)

Tennessee also prohibits some people from carrying but still allows possession if they have been convicted of misdemeanor stalking, had a single DUI within five years or two within ten years, or had been hospitalized in a psychiatric institution. (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307(h)).

Does Tennessee Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Tennessee does not have a waiting period for firearms purchases.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Tennessee Without Registering It?

Tennessee law specifically disallows state or local governments from maintaining registries of firearm ownership (2021 TN HB 902).

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

There is no specific requirement for notarization.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Tennessee?

Licensed firearms dealers must maintain records according to federal law (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316(c)).

There is no regulation specifying how long these records must be kept. Additionally, legislation passed in 2021 (2021 TN HB 902) prevents recording the ownership and identities of firearms and firearm owners.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee allows the open and concealed carry of loaded handguns by individuals over the age of 21, otherwise eligible to possess firearms and legally present in the area where they are carrying (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307).

Tennessee generally prohibits carrying firearms in public with the “intent to go armed,” but the term is not statutorily defined.

How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Tennessee

Tennessee is a “shall-issue” state. This means that the state will issue a permit to anyone otherwise qualified.

Tennessee issues handgun licenses for residents who wish to carry handguns in states with reciprocity with Tennessee.

Anyone over 21, a resident of Tennessee, a legal resident of the United States, and who has completed a firearms safety course may apply for a Tennessee concealed carry permit.

Applications are made through the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security. Applicants must present a birth certificate or proof of residency, photo ID, proof of attending a handgun safety course, and social security number (SSN).

Tennessee Firearm Reciprocity

Tennessee recognizes all handgun permits issued by other states (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1351(r)(r)(1)).

Currently, Tennessee has a formal reciprocity agreement with these states that recognize Tennessee’s concealed-carry permits within their boundaries.    

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Tennessee

Buyers and sellers do not need a bill of sale for firearms transactions in Tennessee.

In any private sale, the parties should always have some document that records the transfer to protect their legal rights.

Step 1 – Fill in All Parties to the Sale

The bill of sale should include the identities of the buyer and seller:

  • Names
  • Addresses
  • Contact information (phone number and email)

Step 2 – Describe the Firearm(s) Being Sold

Include the details of the firearm being transferred. The description should include the following:

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

Private sales are considered “as-is” by law unless the bill of sale states otherwise.

If repairs or modifications are included in the sale, your document should reflect that.

Step 3 – Details of the Sale

Note the specifics of the transfer, including when it took place and the amount of purchase:

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

Step 4 – Signatures and Notarization

Both parties should sign the bill of sale. If the weapon is an antique or a collector’s item, the parties may want to have it notarized.

 Summary

You can create your own Tennessee firearm bill of sale or use our online template.

Before purchasing a firearm in Tennessee, be sure you have met all requirements for legal purchase in the state.

Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

tennessee firearm bill of sale