Wyoming has relaxed firearm laws compared to some other states.
Due to the freedom associated with the right to bear arms in the state, selling a firearm has few restrictions, but you may still want to create a Wyoming firearm bill of sale.
- What is a Wyoming Firearm Bill of Sale?
- What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Wyoming?
- Documents Needed To Complete a Bill of Sale in Wyoming
- Additional Wyoming Gun Laws
- Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Wyoming
- Wyoming Firearm Reciprocity
- How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Wyoming
- Wyoming Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
What is a Wyoming Firearm Bill of Sale?
A Wyoming Firearm Bill of Sale is a form that records the details surrounding a gun sale in the state.
The document typically includes the seller’s and buyer’s name and signature and information about the gun transferred, such as the firearm model and serial number.
What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Wyoming?
The Wyoming legislature decided to uphold the Second Amendment rights of its citizens by providing lenient firearm laws.
Due to this, there are few rules to follow when owning or selling a firearm within this state.
Private Parties Selling Firearms in Wyoming
There are no regulations for private sales of guns (Wyoming Statutes Section 6-8-401). The law makes it illegal for local city, town, or county governments to create regulations or prohibitions.
However, there are exceptions and guidelines to maintain compliance with federal law.
Due to public safety concerns, you cannot sell a firearm to anyone federal or state law prohibits. You also must ensure the buyer is at least 21 years old for a handgun and 18 years old for a shotgun or rifle.
Does the Law in Wyoming Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?
You do not have to create a Wyoming firearm bill of sale under state law.
Still, you may wish to have one to show proof of the transaction and provide legal protection for yourself should a criminal situation involving the firearm arise.
Firearm Inheritance Laws in Wyoming
Transferring a firearm to another person through your Last Will or estate plan follows the same rules as for private sales.
There are no additional regulations.
Documents Needed To Complete a Bill of Sale in Wyoming
If you decide to use a Wyoming firearm bill of sale, you should include all the pertinent information.
Include the following:
- Names, addresses, driver’s license/state identification numbers, and contact details – include your information and that for the buyer
- Firearm description and serial number – make sure to include as much information as possible
- Date of sale
- Amount of sale
- Signatures – you and the buyer should sign the document
Additional Wyoming Gun Laws
Wyoming is a constitutional carry state, which means any adult not otherwise prohibited may carry a firearm without requiring a permit (Wyoming Statutes Section 6-8-406).
Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Wyoming?
State law outlines those prohibited explicitly from possessing firearms (Wyoming Statutes Section 6-8-102), but some conditions have exceptions.
Any person with a violent felony conviction or a conviction of physical harm or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer is generally unable to purchase a firearm in the state. Still, there is an exception to allow ownership of an antique firearm.
The only full prohibitions under Wyoming law are for anyone with a court order of legal incompetence or commitment to a mental institution.
Anyone buying or selling must also abide by prohibitions under federal law (18 U.S.C. 922). The additional prohibited persons include:
- Convicted felons
- Fugitives from the law
- Persons with a controlled substance addiction
- Those who are unlawfully or illegally in the United States
- Individuals with a dishonorable discharge from the military
- Anyone subject to a court order for domestic violence
- Persons with a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence
Does Wyoming Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?
Due to the state’s stance regarding the rights of firearm owners, it does not require a waiting period when purchasing a firearm.
Can You Buy a Firearm in Wyoming Without Registering It?
The state does not have any registration requirements for firearm purchases.
Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Wyoming?
You do not have to have a Wyoming firearm bill of sale, so there is no notarization requirement.
Regardless, you may wish to withdraw your bill of sale and have it notarized as an extra layer of protection.
A notarized document is a more substantial evidence in court than one without a seal.
Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Wyoming?
The police do not keep records of firearm sales.
The background check information is only for permit authorizations and not for maintaining a firearm registry.
Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Wyoming
How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Wyoming
As a constitutional carry state, Wyoming does not require a firearm permit. Still, some individuals may wish to secure one for travel purposes. Many other states will recognize a Wyoming permit.
The state Attorney General will issue the concealed firearm permit (Wyoming Statutes Section 6-8-104(b),(g)).
You must complete an application and apply with the Sheriff’s Office in your county and pay fees.
To get approval, you must meet the following criteria:
- Resident of the U.S.
- Resident of the state for at least six months before the application
- At least 21 years old
- No physical issue preventing safe gun handling a firearm
- Not ineligible under state or federal law to possess a firearm
- Not under court-ruled substance abuse treatment within the past year
- No controlled substance-related convictions
- Completion of a training course or other certified proof of proficiency with a firearm
- Not legally incompetent
- No mental institution commitment
- Sheriff has not deemed the applicant a danger to oneself or others
You also must complete a background check. The process will take about 90 days; the permit is valid for five years.
Wyoming Firearm Reciprocity
Anyone age 18 or older visiting Wyoming can open carry without restrictions. The state recognizes permits from states that honor Wyoming’s permit for concealed carry.
Reciprocity exists currently in the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Wyoming
You will want to follow these steps when creating a Wyoming firearm bill of sale.
Step 1 – Firearm Laws
Make sure you understand state and federal firearm laws.
Step 2 – Background Check
Conduct a background check (recommended but optional).
Step 3 – Meeting
Meet with the buyer in person.
Step 4 – Bill of Sale
Complete the bill of sale form, including as much detail as possible about the seller, buyer, firearm, and sale.
Step 5 – Confirmation
Complete the sale by transferring the firearm and ensure both parties have a copy of the signed bill of sale document.
Wyoming Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of the Wyoming firearm bill of sale