Legal Templates

Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a Vermont firearm bill of sale using our legal document builder.

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

If you plan to buy or sell a firearm in Vermont, use a Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale. 

This guide will tell you what you need to know to draft your customized document.

Table of Contents

What is a Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that serves as an official, legal record of the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

It contains the details about the firearm transferred as well as the seller’s and buyer’s name and signature.

What Are The Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Vermont?

To transfer ownership of firearms in Vermont, you must either be a licensed firearms dealer or go through one. 

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Vermont

Vermont does not allow unlicensed persons to transfer, sell or gift firearms to another unlicensed person (13 V.S.A. § 4019).

You need a licensed firearms dealer to facilitate the sale if you are a private party.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, including transferring firearms to a police officer or an immediate family member. 

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

A Vermont firearm bill of sale is not required to transfer firearm ownership.

But it is a useful document to serve as proof of the sale.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Vermont

Firearms cannot be transferred, through sale, gift, trade, or estate, between unlicensed individuals.

However, it is permissible to gift or sell a firearm to an immediate family member which includes a spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, stepsibling, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, great-grandparent, step-great-grandparent, great-grandchild, and step-great-grandchild (13 V.S.A. § 4019(a)(2)).

Thus, firearms can be passed down to immediate family members in one’s estate. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Vermont

The documents needed for a Vermont firearm bill of sale include the following: 

  1. Registration: It would be helpful to have the firearm’s original title and registration to complete the bill of sale. This will include the specifications of the firearm, such as make, model, and manufacturer.
  2. Driver’s License and Identification: This is necessary for both buyer and seller, in order to verify both identities.
  3. Proof of License to Sell a Firearm: If you have a license to sell a firearm, this will need to be included. If you are not licensed, you will need to work with a licensed firearms dealer to complete the purchase. 

Additional Vermont Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Vermont?

Selling a firearm to anyone under 21 is prohibited in Vermont per 13 V.S.A. § 4020.

In addition, anyone convicted of a violent crime is prohibited from owning a firearm.

Vermont also has Extreme Risk Protection Orders law, which allows certain prosecutors to petition the court to prohibit a person who poses a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms.

Does Vermont Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Vermont has a maximum 7-day waiting period for background checks to process before a firearm sale can proceed.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Vermont Without Registering It?

Vermont has no law that requires firearm registration.

If you register a newly purchased firearm, the bill of sale can prove the transfer of ownership. 

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

Vermont firearm bills of sale require no notarization.

However, you may want a witness and a notary to add credibility to the bill of sale.

Is a Record of Firearms sent to Police in Vermont?

A record is not sent to the police.

However, those purchasing a firearm must submit to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check before purchasing a firearm.

The FBI regulates the NICS. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Vermont

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in Vermont

Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits.

Both open and concealed carry is allowed in Vermont without a permit. Anyone over 16 can possess a firearm in Vermont (13 V.S.A. § 4008) but keep in mind that federal law sets the minimum age at 18. 

Vermont Firearm Reciprocity

Vermont does not issue carry permits.

However, the following states have reciprocity with Vermont and will allow Vermont residents to carry in their state:

  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • South Dakota

In addition, these states have reciprocity with Vermont under the restriction that firearm owners be 21 years of age or older:

  • Arizona 
  • Alaska
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Vermont

Step 1 – Research your Local Firearm Laws

Make sure you are up to date on local and state firearm laws, as it is important to comply with both when making a sale. 

Step 2 – Conduct a Background Check

A background check must be performed on the buyer to ensure they are not prohibited by federal or state law from purchasing or possessing the firearm and are legally and responsibly able to own, carry, and operate a firearm. 

Step 3 – Meeting with a Potential Buyer

An in-person meeting is always a good idea before the sale becomes official. 

Step 4 – Ask for a Firearm License or Permit

This is not necessary in Vermont, as Vermont does not issue firearm permits.

However, the buyer may have a firearm permit from another state.  

Step 5 – Arrange an In-Person Exchange

Once you decide to sell to a particular individual, arrange an in-person meeting.

You may fill out the Vermont firearm bill of sale together at that time.

You will need a licensed firearms dealer to facilitate the sale if both parties are unlicensed.

Step 6 – Fill In the Parties Involved in the Firearm Sale

Both parties — buyer and seller — must fill in their contact information at the top of the bill of sale form.

A driver’s license or state identification number may be necessary for these sections. 

Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

The rest of the bill of sale form should detail the specifications of the firearm, the method of purchase, and the amount paid.

You can draft a Vermont firearm bill of sale on your own or use our template.

Both of you should sign and each gets a copy of this bill of sale.

Summary

A Vermont firearm bill of sale is a smart and essential document when selling a firearm.

This document serves as proof of the buyer and seller’s sale.

If you need a Vermont firearm bill of sale, consider using a firearm bill of sale template from LegalTemplates.

Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what a Vermont firearm bill of sale looks like.

vermont firearm bill of sale