Legal Templates

Wisconsin Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a firearm bill of sale to document a gun’s sale and ownership transfer in Wisconsin.

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

A Wisconsin Firearm Bill of Sale enables parties to record the sale of a firearm. Read this guide to learn how to create one.

Table of Contents

What is a Wisconsin Firearm Bill of Sale?

Also known as a Wisconsin firearm transfer form, a Wisconsin firearm bill of sale helps parties put their agreement to sell and buy a firearm into writing and to have a record of the sales transaction.

This document contains the names of the seller and buyer and information about the firearm transferred.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has several requirements for selling firearms.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Wisconsin

Anyone legally owning a firearm in Wisconsin can privately sell the gun.

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

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

However, both parties should use a bill of sale form to confirm that the transaction took place. 

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not require firearm owners to register their firearms.

This means you do not need to register the guns you inherit from a relative.

Documents Needed to Complete a Bill of Sale in Wisconsin

It would be best to have valid state identification, such as a state ID or driver’s license, from both parties.

Write their ID numbers on the bill of sale and attach photocopies of their ID cards to the completed bill of sale form.

Additional Wisconsin Firearm Laws

Wisconsin also has the following firearm laws.

Keep them in mind as you create your Wisconsin firearm bill of sale.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 948.60, minors under 18 cannot own or purchase firearms.

Additionally, per Wisconsin Statutes Section 941.29, the following individuals cannot purchase or own a firearm in Wisconsin:

  • Individuals who have been convicted of a felony
  • People who have been adjudicated delinquent for acts committed on or after April 21, 1994, that, if committed by an adult in Wisconsin, would be a felony
  • Individuals who have been found not guilty of a felony because of mental defects or disease
  • Individuals who have been committed for treatment and are subject to orders not to possess firearms
  • People subject to an injunction or tribal injunction
  • People who are subject to orders not to possess firearms

Does Wisconsin Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

No, Wisconsin does not have a waiting period for private gun sales.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Wisconsin Without Registering It?

Yes, you can buy a gun in Wisconsin without registering it. 

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

No, a firearm bill of sale must not be notarized in Wisconsin.

However, parties should consider notarizing the bill of sale to demonstrate the transaction occurred and protect themselves from fraud.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Wisconsin?

No, parties do not have to send a record of firearms to the police in Wisconsin.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Wisconsin

Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 947.01, permitless open carry is allowed in Wisconsin.

Per Wisconsin Statutes Section 175.60 and Section 941.23, Wisconsin residents of at least 21 can conceal carry if they have a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit.

Applicants must provide proof of training and otherwise not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.

How to Apply to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Wisconsin

You can apply for a CCW permit by following these steps:

  1. Complete a firearms safety or training course that meets the requirements of Wisconsin Statutes Section 175.60(4)(a).
  2. Complete the CCW permit online application with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Attorney General. Attach current and valid documentation, including your current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number and acceptable proof of training.
  3. Pay the fee. 
  4. Submit the form online or mail it to the Wisconsin Department of Justice with your payment.

Wisconsin Firearm Reciprocity

According to Wisconsin Statutes Section 175.60(2g)(a), Wisconsin will recognize out-of-state concealed carry licenses.

Currently, Wisconsin recognizes all states except for the following:

  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Vermont

Every state recognizes Wisconsin’s CCW permits except for the following:

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

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Wisconsin

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

Step 1 – Do a Background Check

First, you should conduct a background check on the potential buyer.

Wisconsin law does not require private sellers to perform background checks on buyers, but you should consider running one to verify the buyer’s identity and protect yourself from fraud.

After ordering the background check, make two copies of the receipt. Give one to the potential buyer, and keep one for your records.

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

Next, arrange an in-person meeting with the potential buyer. Exchange IDs with them and take photocopies of their ID.

If the buyer doesn’t seem to be who they say they are, consider finding a more trustworthy purchaser.

Step 3 – Ask the Buyer for a Valid Wisconsin Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permit

You should also ask the buyer for a valid Wisconsin Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit.

Firearm owners with valid CCW permits are more likely to be trustworthy since they have already completed a firearms training course and a background check.

Step 4 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Finally, both parties should complete and sign the firearm bill of sale.

Be sure to include all the required information, including both parties’ full names, a detailed description of the firearm being sold, and photocopies of the parties’ ID cards.

Wisconsin Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

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

wisconsin firearm bill of sale