Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Arkansas adopted permitless carry in 2023, joining the growing list of states allowing concealed carry without a permit. The state does not require background checks for private firearm sales, has no waiting period, no firearm registration requirement, and no permit-to-purchase requirement for any type of firearm.
Private firearm sales in Arkansas follow federal law as the baseline. Both parties must be Arkansas residents, and the seller must not knowingly sell to a prohibited person. Arkansas law is preemptive, meaning local governments cannot enact firearm ordinances stricter than state law. The Arkansas State Police oversees concealed handgun licensing for those who want a permit for reciprocity.
Arkansas has a strong hunting and shooting sports tradition. The state does not ban any specific firearm types, has no magazine capacity restrictions, and allows NFA items with proper federal registration. Arkansas also has a relatively robust castle doctrine and stand-your-ground law that protects the right to self-defense.
No
Private sale BG check
None
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Arkansas Firearm Transfer Requirements
Arkansas firearm transfer laws are relatively permissive. Here's what sellers and buyers need to know:
Important: Enhanced Concealed Carry
While permitless carry is now legal in Arkansas, the state still issues Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL) with two tiers: basic and enhanced. The enhanced CHCL allows carry in additional locations and provides reciprocity with more states. A CHCL may also expedite FFL purchases by serving as a NICS alternative.
Seller Requirements
- Verify Residency: Both parties must be Arkansas residents for a legal private sale
- Age Verification: Buyer must be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns
- Bill of Sale: Document the sale with a bill of sale including serial number and both parties' information
- No Prohibited Buyers: Do not sell to anyone you know is prohibited under federal or Arkansas law
Buyer Requirements
- Arkansas Residency: Must be a current Arkansas resident
- Valid ID: Present a valid Arkansas driver's license or state ID
- Not Prohibited: Must not be prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law
- Retain Bill of Sale: Keep your copy as proof of legal purchase
How to Fill Out a Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Arkansas firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Arkansas and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Arkansas mailing address, date of birth, and government-issued ID number (driver's license or state ID). This information is critical for establishing a clear chain of custody for the firearm.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current Arkansas address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Arkansas resident — selling to an out-of-state resident in a private sale is a federal crime.
Describe the Firearm
Record the firearm's make (manufacturer), model, serial number, caliber or gauge, type (handgun, rifle, shotgun), barrel length, and finish/color. The serial number is the most important identifier — verify it matches the physical firearm exactly.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method. If the firearm is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." If a trade, describe the items exchanged.
Include Eligibility Statement
The buyer should sign a statement affirming they are legally eligible to purchase and possess firearms under both federal and Arkansas law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Arkansas.
Sign, Date, and Keep Copies
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Keep your copy indefinitely as there is no statute of limitations on ATF firearm traces.
Arkansas Firearm Transfer Process
While Arkansas does not require background checks for private sales, following a structured process protects both parties:
Verify Both Parties' Eligibility
Check IDs to confirm both parties are Arkansas residents and of legal age. The seller should have no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person.
Meet in a Safe Location
Conduct the transaction in a public place, such as a police station parking lot or gun range. Many Arkansas police departments offer safe transaction zones.
Complete and Sign the Bill of Sale
Fill in all fields including the serial number, both parties' information, and the sale price. Both parties sign and date.
Exchange Payment and Firearm
Complete the payment and transfer the firearm. Each party keeps their signed copy of the bill of sale.
Store Your Records Securely
Keep your copy of the bill of sale in a safe place indefinitely. This is your proof of legal transfer if the firearm is ever traced.
Arkansas Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Arkansas:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Not required for private sales |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| CHCL (Basic) | Optional — $50 (5-year license) |
| CHCL (Enhanced) | Optional — $50 + training course |
| Sales Tax | 6.5% state + local |
Sample Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Arkansas-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Arkansas and federal law.
STATE OF ARKANSAS
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
FIREARM INFORMATION
Make: [Manufacturer] Model: [Model]
Serial #: [Serial Number]
Caliber: [Cal/Gauge] Type: [Handgun/Rifle/Shotgun]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Arkansas firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Arkansas firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Arkansas State Police — Concealed Handgun Licensing
CHCL applications, renewals, and Arkansas carry laws
ATF — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Federal firearm regulations and compliance
Arkansas Legislature
Arkansas firearms legislation
FBI NICS Background Check System
National background check system
Other Arkansas Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Arkansas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Arkansas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Arkansas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Arkansas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Arkansas General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Arkansas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Arkansas Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Arkansas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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