The Delaware firearm (gun) bill of sale form aids the process of selling, purchasing, or trading a pistol or long gun. People involved in the exchange record specific data that details every aspect of the transaction taking place. Some of the information that is required includes the participants’ contact info, description of the gun being transferred, sales price, along with signatures provided from the buyer and seller. It is well-advised for this to be performed under the oversight of an individual possessing notarial power who can then validate the document if deemed legitimate. (Note that purchasers must be no less than 18 years of age to buy long guns, 21 to buy a handgun. Private sales must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who has access to a criminal background check system.)

How to Register a Gun

Within the state of Delaware, gun registration is not considered a compulsory requisite. No licensing is necessary unless an individual would like the right to carry a concealed handgun, in which case, they would have to comply with the demands put forth by the state. An additional advantage in acquiring a concealed carry permit is the fact that multiple states share a reciprocity policy, which allows permittees to carry in the states involved in the agreement.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit

Delaware is regarded as a “May Issue” state, meaning that the local authorities have the final say on whether or not you are fit to hold a permit. To apply for a CCDW (Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons) permit, interested parties must carry out the formalities listed below (before applying, make sure you are not conflicting with any of the conditions stated in § 1441):

• A completed Application for a License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon that has been signed in the presence of a notary public for certification (this can be accomplished at a Prothonotary’s Office free of charge).
• A Concealed Deadly Weapon Reference Questionnaire filled out and signed by 5 different individuals who inhabit the county in which you reside (individuals must be U.S. citizens that are non-family members and do not live in the same household as the applicant, must know the applicant for a minimum of 1 year).
• Certification that the individual applying for the license has completed a gun training/safety course that is deemed acceptable by the state. (Original copy must be notarized. If the person applies before passing a gun course and is approved, they will have a 90 day period to accomplish this requirement in order to receive the license, otherwise, the state will presume that the individual no longer wants to procure a gun permit and their application will be discarded.)
• Contact a local newspaper to publish a circulation notifying the public of your request. (This must be achieved at least 10 days prior to your application. The publication should provide you with an affidavit verifying that you met all the requirements, once received, physically attach the document to your application form.)
• Fingerprinting must be performed as part of a background check within 45 days of applying. This is handled by the State Bureau of Identification who can be contacted by telephone at 1-302-739-2528. (At the time of filing, be prepared to furnish evidence that the fingerprint process was paid for, e.g. receipt.)
• Two passport-style photographs of the applicant. (Visit a reputable company that offers this service, photos that do not meet the standards required will be dismissed. This needs to be executed within 6 months of submitting your application.)
• Be ready to pay any necessary fees that come along with the application process. Such fees may include:
  • Statutory Filing Fee – $65 (Acceptable forms of payment include cash, personal check, or money order, made out to the “Prothonotary”.)
  • Background Check & Fingerprint Fees:
    • State Fee – $52
    • State and Federal – $65
  • Photograph Fees (prices vary)
  • Newspaper Circulation Fee (prices vary)
  • Gun Course (prices vary)

Once all the above requirements have been attained, make copies of all the documentation as you will need to provide duplicates along with the originals at the time of filing. You may physically bring your application packet in-person to your local Prothonotary’s Office or send the documents via mail.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF.

Step 2 – Seller Details – Transferor of the firearm must complete the indicated section which requests the following information:

• Name (first & last)
• Mailing Address (house/building number, street name, and apartment/condo number – if applicable)
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Driver’s License Number

Step 3 – Buyer Details – Transferee obtaining the firearm must disclose the following pertinent information:

• Name (first & last)
• Mailing Address (house/building number, street name, and apartment/condo number – if applicable)
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Driver’s License Number

Step 4 – Identifying the Firearm – Specify the gun being sold by listing the necessary specifics that the form inquires:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Caliber
• Serial Number

Step 5 – Transfer Description – Insert the details regarding the transaction below (both parties must be in agreement with the information that is being entered):

• Sale/Purchase Price (first in word form, then numerically)
• Date of Transfer (month, day, year)
• If there is a trade taking place, check the box and indicate what the terms of the exchange will be.

Step 6 – Disclosure Forms – Each party must read their designated disclosure form. If they do not conflict with any of the statements made, they must then sign on the appropriate line.

Step 7 – Signing the Document – Once the form has been filled out with all the correct information, the buyer, seller, and witnesses of the exchange must provide:

• Seller Signature
• Seller Printed Name
• Buyer Signature
• Buyer Printed Name
• Witness #1’s Signature
• Witness #1’s Printed Name
• Witness #2’s Signature
• Witness #2’s Printed Name

Step 8 – Notarial Section – It is highly advised for this form to be signed in the presence of a notarial officer, who will then execute the following fields if approved:

• County
• Date (day, month, year)
• Name of Seller or Buyer (depending on the section)
• Signature
• My Commission Expires (date)