Selling a rifle to a neighbor or buying a used handgun from a fellow collector is usually a handshake deal. The trouble starts later, when someone asks, “Who owned this, and when did it change hands?” A firearm bill of sale answers that question. It is a short written record of who sold what to whom, for how much, and on what date.
On this page you will find more than 20 free firearm bill of sale templates, including blank and fillable versions, simple Word formats, and examples labeled for Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada and other states.
Why Keep a Written Record of a Gun Sale?
For the seller, a signed bill of sale shows the date the firearm left their possession, which matters if it is ever lost, stolen or misused afterward. For the buyer, it is proof of ownership and of the price paid, useful for insurance, appraisals and future resale. Both sides end up with the same facts on paper.
Details a Good Template Records
- Seller and buyer: full names, addresses and phone numbers, and an ID or license number if your state calls for it.
- The firearm: make, model, type (rifle, shotgun, handgun), caliber or gauge, and serial number.
- The deal: sale price, payment method and date of transfer.
- Condition: a simple “sold as is” statement or a short note on condition.
- Declarations: a statement from the buyer that they are legally allowed to own a firearm.
- Signatures of both parties, and a witness or notary where required.
Please note: firearm laws differ a lot from one state, and even one city, to the next. Some states require private sales to go through a licensed dealer and a background check. A bill of sale is a record of the sale. It does not make a transfer legal on its own. Check current federal, state and local rules, or ask a qualified professional, before you complete any sale.
Download Firearm Bill of Sale Templates
Texas Firearm Bill of Sale Template
Fillable Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale Template
Louisiana State Firearm Bill of Sale Sample Doc
Example Bill of Sale for Used Gun
Simple Firearm Bill of Sale Word Template
Special Firearm Bill of Sale Template
Firearm Bill of Sale Template South Carolina
Free Firearm Bill of Sale Examples
Basic Firearm Bill of Sale Format
Department’s Firearm Bill of Sale Template Doc
Idaho Gun Bill of Sale Template
Arizona Firearm Bill of Sale Form Template Word
Draft Firearm Bill of Sale Example
Gun Bill of Sale Template for Nevada
Detailed Firearm Bill of Sale Example Doc
More Firearm Bill of Sale Templates
Blank Firearm Bill of Sale Word Template
Elemental Firearm Bill of Sale Sample Doc
County Firearm Bill of Sale Template
Printable Bill of Sale Template for the Gun
Oregon Firearm Bill of Sale Template
Official Firearm Bill of Sale Template MS WORD
Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale Form Sample
A Simple Routine for Private Sellers
- Confirm the rules for private transfers in your state before you advertise.
- Meet in a safe, public place, or at a licensed dealer if a dealer transfer is required.
- Check the buyer’s ID and compare it with the details on the form.
- Fill in the serial number carefully. One wrong digit makes the record far less useful.
- Sign two copies so the buyer and seller each keep one, and attach a payment receipt if money changes hands in cash.
Selling something else? Our car purchase agreement templates cover vehicle sales, and the vehicle condition report is handy for recording the state of a car at handover. For staged payments, use a payment plan agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a firearm bill of sale?
It is a document that records a firearm sale between two people, including the buyer, the seller, a description of the firearm, the price and the date.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a gun privately?
It depends on where you live. Some states require one or require a dealer transfer, others do not. Even when it is optional, it is a sensible record to keep.
Does a bill of sale make a firearm transfer legal?
No. It is only documentation. The sale itself must meet all federal, state and local laws, including any background check or dealer requirements.
Should a firearm bill of sale be notarized?
Most do not need to be, but notarizing adds an extra layer of proof that both people signed. Check whether your state has a specific requirement.
Can I edit these templates in Word?
Yes. The Word versions can be edited before printing, so you can add or remove fields to suit your state and the type of firearm.
