By State

Sample

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FIREARM BILL OF SALE

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

PART 1 – THE PARTIES

Seller Name: [SELLER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]

Buyer Name: [BUYER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]

PART 2 – FIREARM

Cost ($): [AMOUNT ($)] Make: [MAKE] Model: [MODEL]
Action: ☐ Bolt | ☐ Semi-Automatic | ☐ Pump | ☐ Lever | ☐ Break
Caliber/Gauge: [CALIBER/GAUGE] Serial Number (SN): [SERIAL #]

PART 3 – PURCHASE

The seller accepts monetary funds in the amount of [AMOUNT ($)] to be paid on the date of this bill of sale. Payment shall be made via [PAYMENT METHOD].

PART 4 – SIGNATURES

On this [MM/DD/YYYY], the buyer and seller agree to the above-described terms and conditions for the sale of the firearm.

Seller Signature: _______________________
Printed Name: [SELLER NAME]

Buyer Signature: _______________________
Printed Name: [BUYER NAME]

How to Sell a Firearm

Step 1 – Check State Laws

As firearm laws vary significantly from state to state, it’s highly recommended to verify any restrictions regarding private transactions within the relevant jurisdiction. Doing so may prevent complications from arising during the sale process.

Step 2 – Prepare the Firearm

Owners should consider cleaning the firearm before the sale (e.g., completely stripping the weapon, cleaning carbon fouling, re-lubricating parts, checking for damaged parts, etc.).

A well-maintained firearm typically sells for more than one in poor condition, and spending money on maintenance and parts is usually worthwhile.

Step 3 – Determine its Value

To assess a firearm’s price, it’s recommended to look at online listings for the same firearm. Some sites that have used gun listings include:

For valuable or collector-type firearms, GunValues can also be used.

Step 4 – Sell In-Person / List Online

There are generally three ways to sell a firearm:

Important: When handling a firearm, it should be unloaded, pointed in a safe direction, and treated as if it were loaded at ALL TIMES.

1. In-person (recommended)

In states that don’t require a background check on private sales, selling a firearm in person is the most convenient method. Once a trustworthy buyer is found, the payment exchanges hands, the bill of sale is signed, and the firearm is transferred to the buyer.

2. Pawnshop or Retail Store

Pawnshops can provide an appraisal of the firearm, though their offers are lower than standard market prices as they purchase items with the intent to re-sell. Retail stores (such as Cabelas) may offer a slightly higher amount.

3. Online

Selling online can help reach more potential buyers; however, additional requirements may apply. For example, firearms sold interstate must be shipped to an FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder. Additionally, shipping firearms must comply with federal and state regulations.

Firearm Sale/Transfer Laws by State

View State Requirements
STATE	REQUIREMENTS	LAWS
Alabama	Purchaser must be over 18. Sales of short-barreled rifles/shotguns are prohibited.	§§ 13A-11-63, 13A-11-57
Alaska	None	N/A
Arizona	None	N/A
Arkansas	None	N/A
California	Private sales must take place through a licensed dealer. Firearm Safety Certificate and proof of residency are required. Background checks are required.	§§ 28050(a), 26840, 26845, 28220(a)(1)
Colorado	Private sales must take place through a dealer. Transfers must be CBI-approved. Background checks are required.	§ 18-12-112
Connecticut	Private sales must take place through a licensed dealer. The buyer must have a valid permit. Background checks are required.	§ 29-33
Delaware	If the buyer does not have a valid CCDW, private sales must occur through a licensed dealer, who must perform a background check.	§ 1448B
Florida	None	N/A
Georgia	None	N/A
Hawaii	The buyer must be 21 years or older. The buyer must obtain a permit to purchase a firearm (background check included). The firearm must be registered by the buyer within five days after the sale.	§ 134-2
Idaho	The buyer must be at least 18 unless they have written permission from parent/guardian.	Ch. 33
Illinois	The buyer must have a valid FOID card. The seller must verify the buyer’s FOID card with state police.	430 ILCS 65
Indiana	None
Iowa	Restrictions are on handguns only. Buyers are required to have a “Permit to Acquire” or a “Permit to Carry.”	§ 724.15
Kansas	None
Kentucky	None
Louisiana	None
Maine	None
Maryland	Handgun and assault weapon sales must take place through a dealer.	§ 5-124
Massachusetts	The buyer must obtain a Firearm Identification (FID) Card. The seller must verify the buyer’s FID.	§ 128A
Michigan	Buyer must present a license OR concealed carry permit to purchase a handgun. Background checks are required for private sales of long guns and for all handgun purchases.	§ 28.422a
Minnesota	Background checks are required for private sales of handguns, semi-auto assault weapons, and any other guns if they have pistol grips.	§ 624.7132
Mississippi	None
Missouri	None
Montana	None
Nebraska	Restrictions are for handguns only. Buyers must hold a handgun certificate OR a concealed handgun permit.	§ 69-2403
Nevada	Private sales require a background check to be conducted through a licensed dealer.	NRS 202.2547
New Hampshire	None
New Jersey	Buyers must hold a lifetime purchaser identification for long guns. Background checks are required for private firearm sales (both parties are required to go through a dealer).	Ch. 54
New Mexico	All private gun sales must take place through a licensed dealer. The buyer must pass a background check.	§ 30-7-7.1
New York	A licensed dealer is needed to conduct a background check on the buyer.	§ 898
North Carolina	Restrictions are for handguns only. Buyers must have either a handgun permit OR concealed carry permit to purchase a handgun.	§ 14-402
North Dakota	None
Ohio	None
Oklahoma	None
Oregon	Rifle AND pistol sales require going through a licensed firearm dealer.	§ 166.435
Pennsylvania	All handgun sales/transfers must take place through a licensed dealer.	§ 6111
Rhode Island	Background checks are required for rifle and handgun sales (must go through a licensed dealer). A state-issued permit is required for handgun sales.	§ 11-47-35.2
South Carolina	None
South Dakota	None
Tennessee	None
Texas	None
Utah	None
Vermont	Private sales must be facilitated by licensed dealers and require a background check.	§ 4019
Virginia	Sellers must receive verification through a licensed dealer that the buyer has been vetted through a background check and approved by state police.	§ 18.2-308.2
Washington	All firearm sales must go through a licensed dealer and include a background check.	§ 9.41.113
West Virginia	None
Wisconsin	None
Wyoming	None

Firearm / Gun Bill of Sale Form