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Maryland Firearm Bill of Sale

Maryland requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Fill in the form below and download a free, one-page Maryland firearm bill of sale PDF that includes everything the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration looks for, matching the fields on VR-181. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Maryland
Firearm Bill of Sale

Seller

Buyer

Firearm details

Price and terms

How to sell a firearm in Maryland

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.

Seller steps

  1. Confirm you hold clear ownership. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
  2. Agree on the price and fill in the Maryland firearm bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the serial number.
  3. Sign it. Signing in front of a notary is not always required in Maryland, but offices ask for it often enough that it is worth the few dollars.
  4. Check Maryland's private-sale rules. If the state requires a background check or a licensed-dealer transfer, complete that step before the firearm changes hands.
  5. Hand over the firearm and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer steps

  1. Check the description against the firearm itself before you sign.
  2. Keep the signed bill of sale with your records; it is your proof of ownership and purchase price.
  3. If you bought it for a business, give the bill of sale to your bookkeeper for the asset record.

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.

Why a bill of sale matters for a firearm

  • 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.

Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.

Maryland at a glance

Bill of sale
Required in common cases
Notary
Notarization recommended
Official state form
VR-181
Where the buyer registers
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (mva.maryland.gov)
License plates
Stay with seller

Maryland strongly recommends a bill of sale and requires a notarized VR-181 when the vehicle is 7 years old or newer and the price is used to set excise tax (sold below book value). Buyers submit it with the VR-005 title application and a safety inspection certificate. Plates stay with the seller.

Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.

Other Maryland forms

Firearm Bill of Sale in other states

All states →

Maryland firearm bill of sale questions

Is a bill of sale required to sell a firearm in Maryland?+

Maryland requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Maryland strongly recommends a bill of sale and requires a notarized VR-181 when the vehicle is 7 years old or newer and the price is used to set excise tax (sold below book value). Buyers submit it with the VR-005 title application and a safety inspection certificate. Plates stay with the seller. Maryland publishes VR-181 for this; the PDF from this page carries the same information and is accepted alongside it.

Does a Maryland firearm bill of sale need to be notarized?+

Notarization is not always required in Maryland, but offices often ask for it, so it is worth doing. The ready-to-sign pack includes a notary acknowledgment page formatted for Maryland.

Does the buyer need to file a firearm bill of sale in Maryland?+

No. Firearms are not titled or registered with the state, so there is nothing to file. The signed bill of sale is the ownership record; each party keeps a copy. Check Maryland's private-sale rules, since some states require a licensed-dealer transfer or background check.

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.