The Tennessee firearm (gun) bill of sale form ensures a contractual bond between a buyer and seller within a document listing the relevant details of the sale of a firearm. This essential form summarizes the details of the exchange to prove the transfer of ownership after the fact. The information contained in the document covers the particulars involving the seller, purchaser, price, terms, and firearm involved in the transfer.

How to Register a Gun

Tennessee has no form of explicit firearm registration for resident gun owners. There is also no required permit needed to purchase a firearm or enforced law that stipulates that private sale buyers must undergo a background check. Should a gun be purchased through a dealer, a background check must be passed by the purchaser to buy the weapon legally. Any individual age 18 or older has the right to obtain a long gun in the state, but you must be 21 or over to buy a handgun.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit

The state of Tennessee does allow for open carry of a long gun without a permit, but for open or concealed carry of a handgun, a handgun carry permit must first be applied for and granted (per Tennessee Code Title § 39-17-1351). The Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit will meet reciprocity approval for out-of-state travel in many alternate US States as well.

To apply for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit, you have the choice to apply online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center with the following prepared documentation:

• A Tennessee Application for Handgun Carry Permit receipt number(Available to fill online and receive receipt number).
• Evidence of completion of coursework from an approved Handgun Safety School.
• Fingerprint identification card (made available for a fee at the TDS center).
• A Tennessee State issued photo identification card or valid driver’s license.
• Proof of US citizenship and permanent residency in Tennessee.
• All applicable fees for the background check and permit.

If you question your eligibility, feel free to view the qualifications for licensure on then TDSC’s official website. Applications typically are received and processed within a 90-day timeframe. You will receive notification within 90 days of the status of your application via mail. Once accepted a permit is usable for a total of 8 years from the date of issuance.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download the Adobe PDF to complete the form.

Step 2 – Seller Information – Insert the required information concerning the seller of the firearm:

• Name
• Mailing Address
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Driver’s License

Step 3 – Buyer Information – Submit the corresponding information about the purchaser or the gun as follows:

• Name
• Mailing Address
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Driver’s License

Step 4 – Firearm – Enter the identifying information of the gun:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Caliber
• Serial number

Step 5 – Sale Information – Furnish the info involving the sale terms of the exchange:

• Purchase Price (in written and numerical form, respectively)
• Purchase Date
• Include any information should trading be an aspect of the sale. Indicate all information associated with said sale items.

Step 6 – Disclosure Statements – Both parties can read and sign to attest to the truth of the disclosure statements about their firearm possession eligibility.

Step 7 – Signatures – To authenticate the documentation on the agreement, the buyer and seller will want to sign in the presence of an approved notary official.