Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale
A Colorado firearm bill of sale is a legal certificate that records the private deal of a firearm between a buyer and seller in the state of Colorado. This certificate is separate from ATF Form 4473, which is the federal form used by licensed dealers during a background check. A bill of sale records the details of the deal including the identities of both parties, a complete description of the firearm including make, model, serial number, and caliber, the sale price, and the date of transfer.
FFL Dealer Required in Colorado
Colorado requires all private firearm transfers to go through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer who will conduct a background check. A bill of sale alone does not authorize a private firearm transfer in this state.
Contact a licensed FFL dealer in your area to complete any firearm transfer legally. You can find FFL dealers near you at ATF.gov.
Colorado Firearm Requirements
What to Include
A Colorado firearm bill of sale stipulates specific information to be considered legally valid. Including all critical details ensures the record will be accepted by Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles and provides comprehensive protection for both the buyer and seller.
Your Colorado firearm bill of sale form should contain the full legal name of the seller as it appears on official identification, the complete mailing address of the seller including street, city, state, and ZIP code, the full legal name of the buyer who will become the new owner, the complete mailing address of the buyer, the agreed-upon purchase price in US dollars, the date the sale takes place, the signature of the seller, the signature of the buyer.
Missing any of these required fields could result in the record being rejected during the title transfer process or failing to provide adequate legal protection. Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles may request additional documentation if the bill of sale is incomplete or contains errors. Always double-check that every field is filled in accurately before both parties sign the Colorado firearm bill of sale.
How to Complete
Completing a Colorado firearm bill of sale involves several straightforward steps. Begin by gathering all necessary information about the firearm, including identification numbers, the agreed-upon sale price, and personal details for both the buyer and seller.
Fill in every section of the Colorado firearm bill of sale form completely and accurately. Use the legal names that appear on government-issued identification for both parties. Verify all firearm details against official documentation such as the title or registration.
While notarization is not required in Colorado for a firearm bill of sale, both parties may choose to have the document notarized for additional legal protection.
Both the buyer and seller should retain signed copies of the completed bill of sale for their personal records. After completing the bill of sale, contact Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for specific title transfer and registration procedures.
Colorado-Specific Notes: Colorado requires all private firearm transfers to go through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer who will conduct a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). A bill of sale alone does not authorize a private firearm transfer in Colorado. Contact a licensed FFL dealer to complete any firearm transfer legally.
A bill of sale does not replace a legally required background check.
It is a federal crime to sell a firearm to a prohibited person (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)).
Colorado requires all private firearm transfers to go through a licensed FFL dealer. Do not complete a private transfer without a background check in this state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a firearm bill of sale need to be notarized in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not require notarization for a firearm bill of sale - it is valid once signed by both parties. For high-value transactions, notarizing it anyway is worthwhile: it deters forgery claims and makes the document self-authenticating as court evidence.
How much does it cost to get a firearm bill of sale in Colorado?
Creating a firearm bill of sale with Your Bill of Sale costs $5. You fill in your details online and instantly download a completed, ready-to-sign PDF formatted to Colorado requirements - not a blank template.
Is a bill of sale required for a private firearm sale in Colorado?
In Colorado, all private firearm transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer - a bill of sale alone does not authorize the transfer. The FFL dealer conducts the required background check and completes the transfer paperwork.
What information must be on a firearm bill of sale in Colorado?
A Colorado firearm bill of sale should include: full names and addresses of buyer and seller, firearm make, model, caliber/gauge, serial number, sale price, date of sale, and both parties' signatures. Keep a signed copy on file. Some counties in Colorado may have additional requirements - check with Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for current local regulations.
Can a firearm bill of sale be handwritten in Colorado?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in Colorado as long as it includes all required information and is signed by both parties. A typed or generated document is less prone to errors and looks more professional when presented to Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Our generator produces a filled-in, formatted PDF that meets Colorado requirements.