Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Virginia enacted universal background checks in 2020, requiring all private firearm sales to go through a licensed dealer for a background check through Virginia State Police. There is no waiting period, no registration requirement, and no permit to purchase.
All private sales must go through an FFL who contacts Virginia State Police for a background check. Exceptions include transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, and law enforcement officers. Virginia issues Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP) through circuit courts.
Virginia has a one-handgun-per-30-day purchase limit (with exceptions for CHP holders). The state does not have an assault weapons ban or magazine restrictions. NFA items are legal with proper federal registration. Virginia has a red flag law.
Yes
Private sale BG check
None
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Virginia Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Virginia:
Important: Background Check Required
Virginia 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: Virginia 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
- Virginia Residency: Must be a current Virginia 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 Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Virginia firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Virginia and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Virginia 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 Virginia address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Virginia 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 Virginia law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Virginia.
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.
Virginia Firearm Transfer Process
Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
Virginia Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Virginia:
| 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 Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Virginia-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Virginia and federal law.
STATE OF VIRGINIA
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Virginia Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Virginia 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]
Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Virginia firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Virginia Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Virginia firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other Virginia Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Virginia? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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