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Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Create a Virginia firearm bill of sale to document the transfer of ownership of a gun in the state.

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

A Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale records a private firearm sale. Read this guide to learn how to create one.

Table of Contents

What is a Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Virginia firearm bill of sale documents the sale and transfer of a firearm between private parties.

Buyers and sellers can use it to record transactions and protect themselves from fraud.

A firearm bill of sale contains details about the firearm transferred and the seller’s and buyer’s names and signatures.

What Are The Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Virginia?

Virginia has several requirements for selling firearms.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Virginia

Any Virginia resident who can legally own and purchase a firearm by state law can also sell one privately. 

However, note that Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2:5 prohibits any person from selling a firearm for money, services, or anything else of value unless the seller has received verification from a licensed firearms dealer that the State Police have approved the buyer and has undergone a criminal history background check.

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

Virginia does not specifically require a bill of sale for private firearm sales transactions.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Virginia

You do not have to register a firearm you inherited from a relative.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Virginia

To complete a bill of sale in Virginia, the buyer and the seller must have valid state identification, such as a driver’s license, to identify themselves on the bill of sale.

Additional Virginia Gun Laws

When completing your Virginia firearm bill of sale form, you must also remember the following Virginia gun laws.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Virginia?

According to Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2, the following people cannot purchase or own a firearm:

  • People convicted of felonies
  • People who were adjudicated delinquent as juveniles 14 years or older for specific violent crimes
  • People under the age of 29 who were adjudicated delinquent as juveniles 14 years or older for offenses that would be felonies if committed by adults
  • People acquitted of a crime due to insanity
  • People who have been legally declared incapacitated or incompetent
  • People who were involuntarily admitted to a facility and required to undergo mandatory outpatient treatment
  • People subject to protective orders
  • People who have been convicted of two misdemeanor offenses for possessing controlled substances within a 36-month consecutive period
  • People subject to emergency substantial risk orders or substantial risk orders

Per Virginia Code § 18.2-309, people under 18 are prohibited from owning or buying firearms.

Anyone who knowingly sells a firearm to a minor will be deemed to have committed a Class 6 felony.

Does Virginia Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Virginia law does not have a waiting period for purchasing firearms.

Can You Buy a Gun in Virginia Without Registering It?

Yes. Virginia does not require firearm owners to register firearms.

Does a Gun Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Virginia?

Virginia does not require bills of sale to be notarized.

However, parties should consider notarizing to validate the identities and signatures and minimize fraud risk.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Virginia?

Virginia law does not require you to send a record of firearms to the police.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Virginia

Per Virginia Code §§ 18.2-287.4 and 18.2-282, Virginia allows permitless open carry for people 18 or older except under the following circumstances:

  • If the firearm holder is in a city or county that does not allow open carry
  • If the firearm holder is carrying a specific type of firearm that is not permitted in certain cities or counties

Under Virginia Code §§ 18.2-308 and 18.2-308.01, concealed carry is legal in Virginia for residents with a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and non-residents with any valid state permit or license.

How to Apply to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Virginia

Per Virginia Code § 18.2-308.02, any person who is 21 or older may apply for a five-year CHP. 

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Download and complete the CHP application.
  2. Attach proof of firearm competence as required by Virginia Code § 18.2-308.02(B).
  3. Submit the application in person or by mail to your local county or city court clerk.
  4. Pay the appropriate filing fee.

The clerk will approve or deny the application within 45 days of receiving it.

Virginia Firearm Reciprocity

According to Virginia Code § 18.2-308.014, Virginia recognizes the concealed carry permits of all states that issue them to their residents. 

Every state recognizes Virginia permits except for the following:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Washington

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Virginia

Now that you understand Virginia’s gun laws follow these steps to create a firearm bill of sale.

Step 1 – Do a Background Check

First, a background check must be conducted on the buyer.

Per Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2:5, private firearm sellers cannot sell firearms to a potential buyer unless they have received verification from a licensed firearms dealer that the buyer has undergone a background check and has been approved by the State Police.

Anyone who sells firearms without verification is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. 

Step 2 – Arrange an In-Person Exchange

Next, arrange a face-to-face meeting with the potential buyer.

Please take pictures of their ID and ensure that they are who they say they are.

Step 3 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Once you’ve confirmed the buyer’s identity and received their background check results, you can complete and sign the firearm bill of sale.

Ensure you include full names, photocopies of both parties’ IDs, a complete description of the firearm, and the purchase price.

Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

virginia firearm bill of sale