A firearm bill of sale records a private gun sale: who sold it, who bought it, the make, model and serial number, and the price. This version adds the buyer’s statements that they live in the seller’s state and are not barred from having a firearm.
Free Firearm Bill of Sale template
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Firearm Bill of Sale
Seller: ____, ____ Buyer: ____, ____ Buyer ID: ____
Firearm
| Make | Model | Caliber/gauge | Serial number |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Sale
On ____, Seller sold the firearm to Buyer for $____, receipt of which Seller acknowledges.
As-is
The firearm is sold as-is, where-is, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, except that Seller states they are the legal owner and it is free of liens and encumbrances unless listed here: __.
Buyer statements
Buyer states that Buyer is a resident of ____, the same state as Seller; is legally allowed to buy and possess this firearm under federal law and the laws of ____; and is not buying it for anyone else.
Seller statement
Seller states that Seller does not know of, or have reasonable cause to believe in, any reason Buyer may not legally receive this firearm.
Seller: __ Date: __
Buyer: __ Date: __
This free template is general information, not legal advice, and may not suit your state or situation. Some documents must be signed before witnesses or a notary. For anything important, have a lawyer review it.
Federal rules that apply to private sales
- Same state only. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(a)(5)) makes it unlawful for an unlicensed person to sell or transfer a firearm to someone they know or have reasonable cause to believe lives in a different state. The exceptions are inheritance (a bequest or intestate succession) and temporary loans or rentals for lawful sporting purposes. For anything else across state lines, talk to a licensed dealer.
- Prohibited buyers. Under 18 U.S.C. 922(d), no one may sell a firearm to a person they know or have reasonable cause to believe is prohibited, such as someone under indictment for or convicted of a felony, a fugitive, an unlawful drug user, someone subject to a qualifying protective order, or someone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
- State law adds more. Many states have their own rules for private sales, such as background checks through a dealer, permits or waiting periods. Check your state before you sell.
Sources
Checked October 23, 2026. Laws and agency rules change; confirm with your state agency. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bill of sale required for a private gun sale?
Federal law does not require one for a sale between unlicensed residents of the same state, but it is a good record of who bought the gun and when. Some states have their own paperwork.
Can I sell a gun to someone in another state?
Not directly. 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(5) bars unlicensed people from transferring a firearm to a resident of another state, except by inheritance or a temporary sporting loan. Ask a licensed dealer.
Does a firearm bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not under federal law. Check your state.
Questions from readers
Question about the Firearm Bill of Sale? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice.
