A Georgia firearm bill of sale is used in private gun sales to document the change in ownership and identify the weapon(s) sold. The bill lists each party’s name, mailing address, phone number, and driver’s license number. A comprehensive weapon description is also included, consisting of the firearm’s make, model, serial number, action type, and caliber/gauge. Georgia gun laws impose few restrictions on private firearm transactions. As a result, the seller is not required to run a criminal background check on prospective buyers. Nevertheless, sellers must always be sure that the buyer is not underage or otherwise prohibited from owning the weapon on offer.

Concealed Carry Laws

Statute – § 16-11-129

A firearms license, also called a Weapons Carry License (WCL), is required to carry a concealed firearm in Georgia. The WCL is issued by the Probate Court to residents who satisfy the state’s eligibility requirements (§ 16-11-129(b)(2)). To apply for a WCL, applicants must do the following:

1. Visit their local Probate Court and submit the following items:
   • Proof of ID;
   • Proof of residency in Georgia;
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (or ISN number); and
   • Self-addressed envelope with postage (if the license will not be picked up in-person).
2. Fill out an application and pay the licensing fee (around $75).
3. Submit a set of fingerprints. If the court does not offer fingerprinting services, they will issue an affidavit that the applicant must bring to a law enforcement agency where their fingerprints will be recorded (must be done within five (5) days of filing the application).
4. A background check will be conducted within five (5) days of filing the WCL application.

Notice of approval or denial will be given to the applicant within thirty (30) days of the initial filing date. If approved, the license will be valid for five (5) years.