New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
New Hampshire adopted Constitutional carry in 2017. The state has no background check requirement for private sales, no waiting period, no registration, and no permit to purchase. New Hampshire's 'Live Free or Die' motto is reflected in its minimal firearm regulations.
Private transfers follow federal law. New Hampshire issues Pistol/Revolver Licenses through selectmen or the city mayor for reciprocity. The state has no preemption law, but local regulation of firearms is minimal in practice.
New Hampshire has no assault weapons ban, no magazine restrictions, and NFA items are legal with proper federal registration. The state has castle doctrine protections and does not impose a duty to retreat in self-defense situations.
No
Private sale BG check
None
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
New Hampshire Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in New Hampshire:
Important: Federal Law Still Applies
Even though New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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
- New Hampshire Residency: Must be a current New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your New Hampshire firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with New Hampshire and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of New Hampshire.
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.
New Hampshire Firearm Transfer Process
While New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in New Hampshire:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Not required for private sales |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Carry Permit | Optional — available for reciprocity |
Sample New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our New Hampshire-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by New Hampshire and federal law.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [New Hampshire Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [New Hampshire 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]
New Hampshire Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about New Hampshire firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official New Hampshire Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify New Hampshire firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other New Hampshire Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for New Hampshire? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
New Hampshire Vehicle Bill of Sale
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New Hampshire Boat Bill of Sale
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New Hampshire Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
New Hampshire Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
New Hampshire General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
New Hampshire ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
New Hampshire Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
New Hampshire Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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