Bill of Sale template

[mr.steve]

I searched for a Bill of Sale sample or template today. I did not find one here but, I just did a simple search. Forgive me if this has been posted already. Point me in the right direction if I goofed. Anyway, I did find a couple of documents that might prove useful:

http://texasguntrader.com/billofsale.pdf

http://www.freebillofsaleform.org/freebillofsaleform/Gun-bill-of-sale.rtf

"A Bill of Sale is a document made by the seller to the purchaser that is legal and binding for a specific date of sale, specific sum, and location of transaction. The seller sold the purchaser an item of property whether personal or real estate that is lawfully the seller’s to sale to the purchaser. The Bill of Sale is an instrument that transfers title of personal property to another individual."

 

[marv]

I wouldn't impose a document like that on anyone nor would I give that info and sign it if it were presented to me.

 

[ATM]

I wouldn't impose a document like that on anyone nor would I give that info and sign it if it were presented to me.

+1

No offense intended for offering the documents in the OP, some might really want a form like that

...but I'd pass.

 

[mcolford]

I wouldnt give you some of that info. Plain and simple. Heck, I wouldnt give that kind of information to a lot of my own family, let alone some guy that Im just buying something from that I have never met before.

 

[leftsock]

I would also pass on either of those forms. Well, I'd pass on any bill of sale for a private transaction.

 

[LEaSH]

I respect those that choose to not use a bill of sale, but I do use them on occasion.

I'd never talk someone into using one if they didn't feel comfortable, but I would decline a deal if my instincts directed me to do one and they refused. It's a grey area for myself. It takes two to make a deal.

Sometimes a handshake will be sufficiant - sometimes they live too close to a bordering state-line. All sorts of reasons to consider using the bill of sale.

 

[ckcollins2003]

I wouldn't have a problem signing one of those but I wouldn't give you my address, permit number, or drivers license number.

I have done a bill of sale before and it simply stated that by signing it they confirmed that they were allowed to purchase and own a firearm. It listed the firearm make, model, and serial number and asked them to print their name and sign. I also signed and printed my name as the seller. No address, drivers license, SSN, or any personal information was documented.

In the state of Indiana that's more than enough.

 

[Mellow]

I respect those that choose to not use a bill of sale, but I do use them on occasion.

I'd never talk someone into using one if they didn't feel comfortable, but I would decline a deal if my instincts directed me to do one and they refused. It's a grey area for myself. It takes two to make a deal.

Sometimes a handshake will be sufficiant - sometimes they live too close to a bordering state-line. All sorts of reasons to consider using the bill of sale.

I agree with the sentiment. Sometimes a handshake IS all that is needed.
Then again if my previously owned firearm were to be used in a crime I would be damn glad I had this form filled out and filed if someone came knocking on my door looking for answers. Perhaps a name and address is sufficient if it matched whats listed on the DL.

 

[phatgemi]

Do you fill it out in duplicate so you can send a copy to big brother??? I don't even like to show my LTCH for a purchase, especially on a long gun. Look if a private sale is lawful and doesn't absolutely require it, then why do we make it difficult. Are we sheeple. I think so!

 

[sepe]

If a bill of sale is that important, you could pick up a receipt pad. You could record the firearm along with serial number and name and address of the buyer. Depending on the pads you get, you can have a white copy/yellow copy/pink copy. Since that isn't a legal requirement, I'm pretty sure I'd never really worry too much about it.

 

[LEaSH]

Do you fill it out in duplicate so you can send a copy to big brother??? I don't even like to show my LTCH for a purchase, especially on a long gun. Look if a private sale is lawful and doesn't absolutely require it, then why do we make it difficult. Are we sheeple. I think so!

Are you saying that you are willing to kick in some cash for my legal bills when I get shanghaied by the BATFE in a set-up? Thanks!!!

 

[DadOfFour]

I use a bill of sale that lists make model and serial number of gun sold, it has my name and DOB, and buyer's name and DOB. If I'm selling a gun I ask to see State Issued Photo ID, and a LTCH. I want to see these things to make sure I'm selling to who I think I'm selling to, and I want to see the LTCH because it covers my ass as far as doing due diligence to make sure I'm not selling to a prohibited person. I tell everyone BEFORE we meet that I will want to see these things, you don't like it, fine, don't buy my gun. You want to buy my gun you will sign the BOS and you will show me ID and LTCH so that if the cops come knocking on my door my ass is covered. Sorry, but I'm not going to potentially end up in jail just to make your life easier.

 

[sepe]

I use a bill of sale that lists make model and serial number of gun sold, it has my name and DOB, and buyer's name and DOB. If I'm selling a gun I ask to see State Issued Photo ID, and a LTCH. I want to see these things to make sure I'm selling to who I think I'm selling to, and I want to see the LTCH because it covers my ass as far as doing due diligence to make sure I'm not selling to a prohibited person. I tell everyone BEFORE we meet that I will want to see these things, you don't like it, fine, don't buy my gun. You want to buy my gun you will sign the BOS and you will show me ID and LTCH so that if the cops come knocking on my door my ass is covered. Sorry, but I'm not going to potentially end up in jail just to make your life easier.

Anyone with a scanner, a ream of pink paper, MS Paint, and 15 minutes on their hands can create the LTCH for the number of people they could fill in data for in 15 minutes. Add a laminating machine and they look like what everyone that does it right carries. Just because someone has a pink piece of paper doesn't mean they're good to go.

 

[Bunnykid68]

Anyone with a scanner, a ream of pink paper, MS Paint, and 15 minutes on their hands can create the LTCH for the number of people they could fill in data for in 15 minutes. Add a laminating machine and they look like what everyone that does it right carries. Just because someone has a pink piece of paper doesn't mean they're good to go.

Exactly. I just sold a gun last month and I didn't even get the guys name. I asked if he was legal and he said yes, granted he was a dealer at a gun show, but the same principle applies. He gave me cash, I gave him the gun, we were both happy. I did not have a bad gut feeling about the guy and I asked the required questions, resident and proper person.

 

[mr.steve]

I bought a couple of guns last Friday from a fellow who needed the money more than the guns. I did a "simple" BOS consisting of the seller's and buyer's name, description and serial number of each gun, dollar amount and ,date. later, after showing my new acquisitions to some friends I was informed the seller has a history of drug addiction. Friends cautioned me that I should have asked for and copied some sort of I.D. So, maybe I'm naive, I assumed the guns were his property. I thought of the next time I buy from an individual I'd have a form of some sorts so I'd be covered.
That's why I went searching for a template. I have to agree these forms I found are overkill regarding information asked for. Guess I will draw up my own that is simpler yet legal for my own protection.

Thanks folks I'm a little less ignorant now

 

[daddymikey1975]

If a gun that I sold to someone got stolen from 'bill', a crime was committed w/ said gun and the cops began the paper trail and found me to be the last one to 'own' it.. I would have a hard time proving that I sold it do 'bill' without a bill of sale.. Then, I'm kinda implicated by default..Of course it's their word against mine.. but if I can prove that it was sold to "bill" then they can go sniff down 'bills' door and see what transpires.. at least then I have come covers for my behind.

As far as info provided, a simple copy of driver's license and something stating the make, model, serial number and date of sale would be sufficient along w/ a statement about being a proper person.

Too much technicality can sometimes be a bad thing.. more ambiguity with enough details to justify a point can be a good thing.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[blackINC2219]

thanks for posting these! i am definitely going to use them in the future...

 

[wetidlerjr]

Do you fill it out in duplicate so you can send a copy to big brother??? I don't even like to show my LTCH for a purchase, especially on a long gun. Look if a private sale is lawful and doesn't absolutely require it, then why do we make it difficult. Are we sheeple. I think so!

I agree. This "B of S" business is simply BS.

 

[JettaKnight]

Me doth think thee hypothesizes too much...

The only time it's reported that "suspect Joe Blow claims he sold his .45" is when that same .45 was used to kill his wife.

The only time I get paperwork is when have to to meet C&R requirements. I order to buy or sell a qualified C&R firearm it must be logged into a bound book - that means full identification of the other party. And, I'll add, that's where it stays. I don't ever pass on that information to anyone. Even if I'm audited, I don't think the BATFE makes copies.

 

[GBuck]

I agree with the sentiment. Sometimes a handshake IS all that is needed.
Then again if my previously owned firearm were to be used in a crime I would be damn glad I had this form filled out and filed if someone came knocking on my door looking for answers. Perhaps a name and address is sufficient if it matched whats listed on the DL.

Care to share how you think that firearm will be traced back to you?