Firearm Bill of Sale Template
A firearm bill of sale records a private gun sale: the make, model, caliber and serial number, the price, the date, and a statement from each party that the sale is legal where it is taking place. It is the seller's proof that the firearm left their possession on a specific date. Pick your state and the form adapts to its rules.
Seller
Buyer
Firearm details
Price and terms
Why a firearm bill of sale matters
- Proves the date the firearm changed hands if it later turns up somewhere it should not.
- Records the serial number so the buyer can show lawful ownership.
- Includes a buyer eligibility statement, which many sellers insist on.
- Some states require private sales to go through a licensed dealer; the bill of sale travels with that paperwork.
Before you sign
- Copy the serial number exactly; letters and numbers like O/0 and I/1 cause problems.
- Check your state's private-sale rules first. Several states require a background check through a licensed dealer for private sales.
- Record a government ID number for the buyer only if your state requires it; otherwise ID type and state is enough.
- Both parties sign and keep a copy.
Firearm Bill of Sale by state
Rules differ by state: some require a bill of sale for every sale, some only when the title has no price, and a few want it notarized. Pick yours for the exact rule, the form number and the agency.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
Other forms
- Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Motorcycle Bill of Sale
- Boat Bill of Sale
- Trailer Bill of Sale
- Mobile Home Bill of Sale
- RV Bill of Sale
- ATV / UTV Bill of Sale
- Dirt Bike Bill of Sale
- Golf Cart Bill of Sale
- Jet Ski Bill of Sale
- Snowmobile Bill of Sale
- Scooter / Moped Bill of Sale
- Equipment Bill of Sale
- Tractor Bill of Sale
- Horse Bill of Sale
- Dog Bill of Sale
- Livestock Bill of Sale
- General Bill of Sale
- Business Bill of Sale
Ready-to-sign pack, $9
Seller copy, buyer copy, notary page. What's inside →
Common questions
Is a bill of sale required for a private gun sale?+
Federal law does not require one for sales between residents of the same state, but a growing number of states require private sales to go through a licensed dealer with a background check. Check your state's rules on the state page before selling.
Should a firearm bill of sale be notarized?+
It is not required anywhere, but some sellers choose to notarize it for a stronger record. The ready-to-sign pack includes a notary block.