Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Pennsylvania requires all handgun transfers — including private sales — to go through either a licensed dealer or the county sheriff's office for a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). Long gun private sales between unlicensed individuals do not require a background check.
For private handgun sales, both parties must go to an FFL dealer or county sheriff who processes the transfer through PICS. The Pennsylvania State Police maintains records of all handgun sales (though this is technically not a 'registry'). Long gun private sales are unregulated at the state level.
Pennsylvania has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity restrictions (Philadelphia's local restrictions were struck down by courts), and NFA items are legal with proper federal registration. The state issues Licenses to Carry Firearms (LTCF) through county sheriffs on a shall-issue basis.
Yes
Private sale BG check
None
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Pennsylvania Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Pennsylvania:
Important: Background Check Required
Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania 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
- Pennsylvania Residency: Must be a current Pennsylvania resident with valid state ID
- 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 Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Pennsylvania.
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.
Pennsylvania Firearm Transfer Process
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania law.
Complete Background Check
The FFL will run a background check. If approved, the transfer can proceed.
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.
Pennsylvania Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Pennsylvania:
| 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 Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Pennsylvania-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Pennsylvania and federal law.
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania 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]
Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Pennsylvania firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Pennsylvania Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Pennsylvania firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
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