In short
A firearm bill of sale records the private transfer of a gun, including the type, make, model, caliber, serial number, price, and both parties’ signatures.
What is a firearm bill of sale?
A firearm bill of sale documents the private transfer of a gun between two people. It records the firearm type, make, model, caliber/gauge, serial number, the price, and the date — creating a paper trail that protects the seller and the buyer.
Federal and state laws govern who may buy and sell firearms and how. This document is a record of the transaction; it does not by itself make a transfer legal. Always follow federal law and the laws of your state, including any background-check or licensed-dealer requirements.
When do you need one?
Use a firearm bill of sale in situations like these:
- Documenting a lawful private firearm sale where it is permitted.
- Creating a record of the serial number, date, and parties for your files.
- Selling a firearm "as-is" and recording the buyer’s acknowledgment.
What information goes on a firearm bill of sale?
A complete firearm bill of sale should include all of the following. Our generator collects each one and flags anything you miss:
- Buyer and seller full legal names and addresses
- Firearm type, make, model, and caliber/gauge
- Serial number (recorded exactly)
- Price and date of transfer
- Both signatures
How to write a firearm bill of sale
- 1 Open the firearm bill of sale generator
Start the free generator with the Firearm Bill of Sale type already selected and choose the state where the sale takes place.
- 2 Enter the seller, buyer, and item details
Add full legal names and addresses, then describe the firearm — the live preview builds the document as you type.
- 3 Add the price and terms
Record the agreed price (or mark it as a gift), the payment method, and whether the sale is "as-is."
- 4 Check, sign, and download
Reach 100% on the completeness score, copy or download the document for free, then follow the signing checklist for your state.
Legal considerations
- This document is a transaction record only — it is not legal advice and does not authorize a transfer.
- Federal law restricts who may possess or transfer firearms and may require transfers through a licensed dealer (FFL), especially across state lines.
- Many states require background checks or other steps for private firearm transfers. Verify your state and local law before transferring.
- Some sellers include a statement that the buyer is legally eligible to own a firearm.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Read our disclaimer.
State-specific requirements
Requirements for a firearm bill of sale vary less by state than vehicle documents, but local rules on registration, tax, and recording still differ. Choose your state for specifics:
Firearm Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required for a private gun sale?
It varies by state. Some states require a background check or transfer through a licensed dealer; a bill of sale is a record of the transaction either way. Always follow your federal, state, and local laws.
Should a firearm bill of sale include the serial number?
Yes. The serial number uniquely identifies the firearm and is the most important detail to record exactly. It protects you if the firearm is later lost or stolen.
Can I sell a firearm to someone in another state?
Federal law generally requires interstate firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (FFL). This is a legal question — confirm the requirements before any transfer.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legal as long as it includes the required details — the parties, a description of the item, the price, the date, and both signatures. Using a structured template simply makes sure nothing important is left out.
What does an "as-is" bill of sale mean?
An "as-is" bill of sale means the item is sold in its current condition with no warranties. The buyer accepts any faults, and the seller is not responsible for problems discovered after the sale. Most private used-item sales are "as-is."