Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Illinois requires all firearm owners to possess a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police. Private sellers must verify the buyer's FOID card through the ISP verification system. Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period for handguns and 24 hours for long guns.
Before any private transfer, the seller must contact the Illinois State Police FOID verification system to confirm the buyer's FOID card is valid and current. The buyer's FOID number and the seller's FOID number are logged, creating a record of the transaction. Illinois issues Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL) through the ISP to applicants who meet training and background requirements.
Illinois banned assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds (handguns) or 15 rounds (long guns) under the Protect Illinois Communities Act of 2023. Chicago and Cook County have additional local restrictions. NFA items other than suppressors are generally legal with proper federal registration.
Yes
Private sale BG check
72 hours (handguns), 24 hours (long guns)
Waiting period
No
Registration required
Yes
Permit to purchase
Illinois Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Illinois:
Important: Background Check Required
Illinois 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: Illinois 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
- Illinois Residency: Must be a current Illinois resident with valid state ID
- Purchase Permit: Yes (FOID card required) — 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 Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Illinois firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Illinois and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Illinois 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 Illinois address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Illinois 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 Illinois law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Illinois.
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.
Illinois Firearm Transfer Process
Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois law.
Complete Background Check
The FFL will run a background check. There is a 72 hours (handguns), 24 hours (long guns) 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.
Illinois Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Illinois:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check Fee | Varies ($10-$40 typically) |
| FFL Transfer Fee | $10-$75 (set by dealer) |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Carry Permit | Varies — contact issuing agency |
Sample Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Illinois-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Illinois and federal law.
STATE OF ILLINOIS
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Illinois Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Illinois 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]
Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Illinois firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Illinois Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Illinois firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other Illinois Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Illinois? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Illinois Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Illinois Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Illinois Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Illinois General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Illinois ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Illinois Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Illinois Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Illinois-compliant document in minutes.
No account required. Free to create and preview.