Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Hawaii has among the strictest firearm laws in the nation. All firearm purchases require a permit from the county police department, which involves a background check and 14-day waiting period. All firearms must be registered with the county within 5 days of acquisition.
To purchase any firearm, buyers must obtain a permit from their county police department. This requires fingerprinting, a background check, a mental health waiver, and completion of a firearm safety course. Each permit is valid for one firearm only and expires after 10 days. Hawaii registers all firearms in a statewide database.
Hawaii bans assault pistols, has restrictions on magazine capacity (10 rounds for handguns), and prohibits carrying firearms in most public places. Open carry is effectively banned. Hawaii became shall-issue for concealed carry permits following the 2022 Bruen Supreme Court ruling, but the process remains restrictive.
Yes
Private sale BG check
14 days (handguns via permit process)
Waiting period
Yes
Registration required
Yes
Permit to purchase
Hawaii Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Hawaii:
Important: Background Check Required
Hawaii requires background checks for private firearm sales. All transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in criminal penalties. Even with a background check, it is illegal to sell to a known prohibited person.
Seller Requirements
- FFL Transfer: Hawaii requires private sales to go through a licensed dealer for a background check
- Both Parties Present: Both buyer and seller must appear at the FFL with valid identification
- Bill of Sale: Complete a bill of sale documenting the firearm and transaction details
- No Prohibited Buyers: Do not sell to anyone you know or suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms
Buyer Requirements
- Hawaii Residency: Must be a current Hawaii resident with valid state ID
- Purchase Permit: Yes (permit required for all firearms) — obtain before initiating the purchase
- Background Check: Must pass a background check processed through the FFL
- Not Prohibited: Must not be a prohibited person under federal or state law
- Retain Bill of Sale: Keep your copy as proof of legal purchase and ownership
How to Fill Out a Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Hawaii firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Hawaii and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Hawaii 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 Hawaii address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Hawaii 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 Hawaii law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Hawaii.
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. Remember that the transfer must also be processed through an FFL with a background check.
Hawaii Firearm Transfer Process
Hawaii requires private firearm transfers to include a background check. Here's the step-by-step process:
Verify Both Parties' Eligibility
Check IDs to confirm both parties are Hawaii residents and of legal age. The seller should have no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person.
Visit a Licensed Dealer (FFL)
Both parties must appear at an FFL. The dealer will process the background check as required by Hawaii law.
Complete Background Check
The FFL will run a background check. There is a 14 days (handguns via permit process) waiting period before the buyer can take possession.
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.
Hawaii Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Hawaii:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check Fee | Varies ($10-$40 typically) |
| FFL Transfer Fee | $10-$75 (set by dealer) |
| Registration Fee | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Carry Permit | Varies — contact issuing agency |
Sample Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Hawaii-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Hawaii and federal law.
STATE OF HAWAII
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Hawaii Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Hawaii 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]
Hawaii Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Hawaii firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Hawaii Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Hawaii firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other Hawaii Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Hawaii? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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