Maryland Firearm Bill of Sale
A Maryland firearm bill of sale is a legal agreement that records the private purchase of a firearm between a buyer and seller in the state of Maryland. This agreement 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 purchase 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 Maryland
Maryland 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.
Maryland Firearm Requirements
What to Include
A Maryland firearm bill of sale calls for specific information to be considered legally valid. Including all vital details ensures the agreement will be accepted by Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and provides comprehensive protection for both the buyer and seller.
Your Maryland 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 agreement being rejected during the title transfer process or failing to provide adequate legal protection. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 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 Maryland firearm bill of sale.
How to Complete
Completing a Maryland 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 Maryland 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.
Because Maryland requires notarization, both the buyer and seller should sign the bill of sale in the presence of a licensed notary public. The notary will verify identities, witness the signatures, and apply their official seal to the document.
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 Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for specific title transfer and registration procedures.
Maryland-Specific Notes: Maryland 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 Maryland. 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)).
Maryland 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 Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires notarization for a firearm bill of sale. Both buyer and seller must sign before a licensed notary who verifies identities and applies their seal. Find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, or via mobile notary services. Without notarization, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration may not accept the document.
How much does it cost to get a firearm bill of sale in Maryland?
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 Maryland requirements - not a blank template.
Is a bill of sale required for a private firearm sale in Maryland?
In Maryland, 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 Maryland?
A Maryland 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 Maryland may have additional requirements - check with Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for current local regulations.
Do both buyer and seller need a copy of the bill of sale in Maryland?
Yes. Both parties should keep a signed copy. The buyer needs it for title transfer and registration at Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The seller should keep theirs as proof of the ownership transfer - this protects them from liability if the buyer later gets tickets, is in an accident, or commits a crime involving the firearm.