Minnesota Firearm Bill of Sale
A Minnesota firearm bill of sale is a legal document that records the private exchange of a firearm between a buyer and seller in the state of Minnesota. This document 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 exchange 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 Minnesota
Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Firearm Requirements
What to Include
A Minnesota firearm bill of sale calls for specific information to be considered legally valid. Including all vital details ensures the agreement will be accepted by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services and provides comprehensive protection for both the buyer and seller.
Your Minnesota 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. Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services 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 Minnesota firearm bill of sale.
How to Complete
Completing a Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services for specific title transfer and registration procedures.
Minnesota-Specific Notes: Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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)).
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
No. Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota requirements - not a blank template.
Is a bill of sale required for a private firearm sale in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?
A Minnesota 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 Minnesota may have additional requirements - check with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services for current local regulations.
Do both buyer and seller need a copy of the bill of sale in Minnesota?
Yes. Both parties should keep a signed copy. The buyer needs it for title transfer and registration at Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. 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.