The Virginia firearm (gun) bill of sale form is written format documentation providing a record of the sale involving the exchange of a firearm for a predetermined amount of financial consideration. The paperwork makes a note of all essential factors surrounding the transaction including data relating to the buyer of the gun, the seller of the weapon, the firearm being transferred, and corresponding signatures to enforce the contract. Having a record of the event is paramount to proving ownership as well as supporting the day of transfer for a seller, should the firearm be used for an unintended use after purchase.
How to Register a Gun
The state of Virginia does not maintain a method of firearm registration, outside of fully automatic weapons (per Code of Virginia § 18.2-295). To register a weapon meeting this specification, such as many “assault weapons”, visit your local county sheriff’s office to begin the process. There are no permit or license prerequisites to purchasing a gun, and dealers will sell upon the passing of a standard background check. Private sales do not require a background check, although the gun bill of sale form will typically include a disclosure statement that will require a signature in agreement with many of the same obligations of the standard background check.
How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit
To openly carry a firearm within the state does not call for a specific permit or licensure, however, to carry a gun in a concealed manner, there is an obligation to obtain a concealed carry permit, and it is available to Virginia residents. The permit also serves to allow for out-of-state travel to all active reciprocity states. To be eligible for the permit you must be age 21 or older and be able to pass a background check to meet state and federal specifications. To apply for a concealed carry permit, gather the following materials to hand-deliver or send via mail to your local county circuit court clerk:
- A completed Virginia Application for Concealed Handgun Permit (Form SP-248).
- Evidence of adequate familiarity with a firearm (per Code of Virginia § 18.2-308.02) with adequate certification from an approved in-person or online firearm training or safety course(s).
- Valid photo identification.
- Appropriate payment for all associated fees.
The amount of time allocated to background checks and processing tends to take about 45 days. Upon approval, the concealed carry permit is good for a total of 5 years from the year of issue.
How to Write
Step 1 – Select the link to download the Adobe PDF to fill.
Step 2 – Seller Information – Fill in the specific information applicable to the seller of the firearm as requested:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
- Driver’s License
Step 3 – Buyer Information – Complete the corresponding information pertaining to the buyer of the gun as follows:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
- Driver’s License
Step 4 – Firearm – Input all identifying information related to the firearm that is to be sold:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Caliber
- Serial number
Step 5 – Sale Information – Enter the detailed information regarding the purchase:
- Purchase Price
- Date ( month, day, year)
- Make a point to indicate any information on a trade involving a separate gun or another item should it apply to the transaction.
Step 6 – Disclosure Statements – Only after reading the full statements will the buyer and seller endorse upon agreement.
Step 7 – Signatures – To certify the authenticity of the contract it should be endorsed only in the presence of a professional notary or witnesses.