Maine Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Maine adopted Constitutional carry in 2015. The state has no background check requirement for private sales, no waiting period, no registration, and no permit-to-purchase requirement. Maine has a long tradition of hunting and firearms ownership with minimal regulation.
Private firearm sales follow federal law. Maine issues Concealed Handgun Permits through the State Police and local police for reciprocity and for those under 21. The state's preemption law prevents local governments from enacting stricter firearm laws.
Maine has no assault weapons ban, no magazine restrictions, and NFA items are legal with proper federal registration. The state has a strong self-defense statute that includes a duty to retreat in public but not in the home.
No
Private sale BG check
None
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Maine Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Maine:
Important: Federal Law Still Applies
Even though Maine does not require background checks for private sales, federal law still prohibits selling a firearm to anyone you know or reasonably believe is a prohibited person. This includes convicted felons, domestic violence offenders, and unlawful drug users. Violations carry up to 10 years in federal prison.
Seller Requirements
- Verify Residency: Both parties must be Maine residents for a legal private sale
- Age Verification: Buyer must be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns
- Bill of Sale: Complete a bill of sale documenting the firearm's serial number, make, model, and both parties' information
- No Prohibited Buyers: Do not sell to anyone you know or suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law
Buyer Requirements
- Maine Residency: Must be a current Maine resident with valid state ID
- 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 Maine Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Maine firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Maine and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Maine 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 Maine address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Maine 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 Maine law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Maine.
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.
Maine Firearm Transfer Process
While Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine 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.
Maine Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Maine:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Not required for private sales |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Carry Permit | Optional — available for reciprocity |
Sample Maine Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Maine-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Maine and federal law.
STATE OF MAINE
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Maine Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Maine 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]
Maine Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Maine firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Maine Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Maine firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other Maine Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Maine? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Maine Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Maine Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Maine Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Maine General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Maine ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Maine Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Maine Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Maine Firearm Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Maine-compliant document in minutes.
No account required. Free to create and preview.