The Rhode Island firearm (gun) bill of sale form legitimately commemorates the exchange of a particular firearm for a predetermined monetary value. This form highlights the critical facts having to do with the transfer, including the seller and buyer information, sale terms, purchase price, disclosure statement affirmation, and notarized endorsement upon acceptance. The document can later be utilized to prove express ownership and provide proper liability for a seller after the transaction has concluded.
How to Register a Gun
There is no legal requirement or system of gun registration demanded in the jurisdiction of the boundaries of Rhode Island. Purchasing a long gun in-state does not require a permit before conducting the transaction. For purchases made on a handgun, there are specific conditions that must be met. To purchase a handgun a resident must complete the Rhode Island Hunter Education Program and either retain the completion certificate or a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management “Blue Card” to present at the time of purchase. Whether you choose to buy a new gun through a federally licensed dealer or a used gun through a private individual, a background check and a 7-day holding period will apply.
How to Obtain a License to Carry a Concealable Weapon
Carrying a firearm, openly or concealed, will call for you to attain a Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon (per Rhode Island General Laws § 11-47-11). This license is granted on a “shall issue” basis, although you must be ready to provide the state with an abundance of supporting documentation to your cause. The permit is recognized by several reciprocity states, allowing for the legal concealed carry of a weapon during travel outside of Rhode Island. Keep in mind that open carry of a long gun is not covered by a concealed carry permit and is not acceptable within state boundaries except in approved hunting areas.
You can apply for a Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon by supplying the following forms and paperwork to The Attorney General of The State of Rhode Island:
- A notarized and fully completed Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon Application, with a state seal stamped by your local police department chief or city hall clerk.
- Certificate of completion of an approved weapons safety course.
- A notarized “true copy” of two separate forms of photo identification.
- An original completed FBI Fingerprint Applicant Card (FD-258) signed by the applicant.
- Two 1” x 1” color photographs of the applicant’s head and face, taken without the presence of glasses, hat, or a hood in the picture. The applicant’s name must be written in print on the back of each photo.
- Three typed reference letters for the applicant from three different reference individuals. All three letters must be signed and dated by the respective reference before a notary official. Each letter must contain somewhat different language and cannot be deemed as identical.
- An original letter stating valid reasons for why a permit is necessary, written, dated, and signed in the presence of a notary by the applicant.
The above-stated materials can be hand-delivered to the Attorney General’s Office to await approval. Allow for 90 days of processing before receiving a notification via mail as to acceptance or denial of the permit. Once approved you will receive a notice to attend the office to pick up the permit and pay the license fee of $40 by check or money order. The Permit is valid for four years from the date of issuance before coming up for renewal.
How to Write
Step 1 – Click the appropriate link to download the Adobe PDF form.
Step 2 – Seller Information – Stipulate the information about the seller of the firearm as follows:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
- Driver’s License
Step 3 – Buyer Information – Continue to the next section of the form by entering all information associated with the buyer:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
- Driver’s License
Step 4 – Firearm – Type in all establishing information as to the firearm being transferred in the sale:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Caliber
- Serial number
Step 5 – Sale Information – Answer the prompted questions as to the cost of the gun as follows:
- Purchase Price (in words)
- Purchase Price (in number)
- Purchase Date (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Make sure to divulge any information pertinent to an involved trade in the indicated space provided.
Step 6 – Disclosure Statements – It is important to read the full disclosure statement and only endorse it if the statements are true. Both seller and buyer will sign for each section upon agreement with the language.
Step 7 – Signatures – Sign the form in the presence of a notary official to further authenticate the documented act.