Legal Templates

Washington, D.C. Firearm Bill of Sale Form

Use our firearm bill of sale template to document a gun’s sale and ownership transfer in Washington, D.C.

Updated March 28, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Washington, D.C. Firearm Bill of Sale helps buyers and sellers record firearm transactions. Read to learn how to create one.

Table of Contents

What is a Washington Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Washington, D.C. firearm bill of sale helps parties minimize the risk of fraud by confirming their identities and proving that a firearm transaction occurred. 

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. has strict firearm laws and several requirements for selling firearms.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Washington, D.C.

Per D.C. Code § 7-2505.02, private parties must go through a licensed dealer to sell firearms in Washington, D.C.

The licensed firearm dealer must then perform a background check on the prospective buyer through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Additionally, the buyer must have a valid firearms registration certificate.

Does the Law in Washington, D.C. Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

No, the law does not explicitly require a firearm bill of sale.

It only requires firearms registration forms. However, you should create a firearm bill of sale to prove that the transaction occurred and verify the buyer’s identity.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Washington, D.C.

You must register any firearms you may inherit from a relative. Per D.C. Code § 7-2502.01, all firearm owners must obtain a valid firearm registration permit to own a gun.

Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Washington, D.C.

You should have the following to complete a Washington, D.C. firearm bill of sale:

  • Valid District of Columbia identification: The buyer and the seller must have valid identification, such as a driver’s license or non-driver identification card. They must write their ID numbers on the firearm bill of sale and attach photocopies of their ID cards to verify their identities.
  • A NICS background check receipt: A copy of the buyer’s NICS background check should be attached to the completed firearm bill of sale form as proof of compliance with Washington, D.C. firearm laws.

Additional Washington, D.C. Firearm Laws

It would be best to remember the following Washington, D.C. gun laws when creating your firearm bill of sale.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Washington, D.C.?

According to D.C. Code § 22-4503, the following people cannot purchase or own a firearm in Washington, D.C.:

  • Anyone under the age of 21, except for people between 18 and 21, with authorization from a guardian or parent
  • Anyone convicted of a weapons offense or a felony punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
  • People who are fugitives from justice
  • Individuals addicted to controlled substances
  • Anyone convicted within the past five years of an intrafamily offense
  • People convicted of selling weapons without a license
  • Anyone subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, assaulting, stalking, or threatening another person and requires them to relinquish possession of firearms

Does Washington, D.C. Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?

Yes. Per D.C. Code § 22-4508, sellers in Washington, D.C., must wait ten days after the date of purchase to deliver firearms to purchasers.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Washington, D.C. Without Registering It?

No. Per D.C. Code § 7-2502.01, all firearms must be registered. 

Does a Gun Bill of Sale Have To Be Notarized in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. does not require you to notarize your firearm bill of sale.

However, it would be best to consider notarizing your bill of sale to add authenticity to the signatures.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Under D.C. Code § 7-2502.01, all firearm owners must register firearms with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Washington, D.C.

Open carry is prohibited in Washington, D.C.

Concealed carry is allowed if you have a valid Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL).

How To Apply to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Washington, D.C.

Per D.C. Municipal Regulations § 2332, you must be at least 21, possess a registered firearm, and be legally allowed to own a gun in Washington, D.C. to apply for a CCPL.

Follow these steps to apply for a CCPL:

  1. Complete the Online Firearms Safety Training Course.
  2. Complete a CCPL application.
  3. Attach all required documents and evidence, including a Certificate of Completion from the firearms safety training course. 
  4. Submit the application and attachments to the address indicated on the form.
  5. Get photographed and fingerprinted.
  6. Pay the application fee.

Washington, D.C. Firearm Reciprocity

Per D.C. Code §§ 22-4504 and 4506, Washington, D.C. does not recognize permits from other jurisdictions.

The following states honor Washington, D.C.’s CCPL:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Washington, D.C.

Now that you understand Washington, D.C.’s firearm laws, here’s how to create a Washington, D.C. firearm bill of sale.

Step 1 – Get a Licensed Firearm Dealer to Perform a Background Check

Under D.C. Code § 7-2505.02, private parties must go through a licensed firearm dealer to sell firearms in Washington, D.C.

The licensed gun dealer will perform a NICS background check on the prospective buyer.

Step 2 – Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting with the Buyer

Next, arrange an in-person meeting with the buyer to verify their identity. Remember to take photocopies of their ID card.

Step 3 – Complete and Sign a Firearm Bill of Sale

Finally, both parties should complete and sign the Washington, D.C. firearm bill of sale. Remember to include both parties’ full names, the purchase price, and a detailed description of the firearm sold. 

Washington, D.C. Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Washington, D.C. firearm bill of sale.

washington dc firearm bill of sale