As a U.S. legal template specialist with over twelve years drafting private-party transaction documents, I can tell you that one of the most frequently requested forms in my practice is a solid, state-specific Arkansas firearm bill of sale. Whether you're selling a handgun privately in Little Rock, trading a hunting rifle in Northwest Arkansas, or transferring an inherited shotgun in the Delta, having a properly completed firearm bill of sale form protects both buyer and seller and satisfies Arkansas record-keeping recommendations.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll give you my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed Arkansas firearm bill of sale template (100% free download below), explain every section line-by-line, cover current Arkansas and federal gun transfer laws, and show you exactly how to use the form correctly in 2025.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Arkansas attorney or law enforcement for your specific situation.
An Arkansas firearm bill of sale is a legal document that records the private transfer of ownership of a firearm from a seller to a buyer. While Arkansas does not require a bill of sale for private gun sales between individuals (Ark. Code § 5-73-101 et seq.), creating one is considered a best practice by the ATF and most firearms attorneys for three major reasons:
Arkansas remains one of the most Second-Amendment-friendly states in the nation. Key points every private seller and buyer must know:
Source: ATF.gov – State Laws and Published Ordinances – Arkansas (2024 edition) and IRS.gov Form 4473 instructions.
Even though it's not mandatory, I strongly recommend using an Arkansas firearm bill of sale form every single time you sell or buy a gun privately. Here's why my clients (and I) never skip it:
| Benefit | For Seller | For Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Proof you no longer own the firearm | ✓ Critical if gun is later used in crime | |
| Record of serial number & description | ✓ | ✓ Helpful for insurance/theft recovery |
| Evidence transaction was legal | ✓ Defeats straw-purchase claims | ✓ |
| Establishes purchase price | ✓ Needed for some estate or tax purposes | |
| Creates paper trail for inheritance | ✓ | ✓ |
I've updated my template for 2025 to include all recommended fields by the ATF's Best Practices Guide for private transfers.
Click Here to Download the Free Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale Form (PDF)
Click Here for Editable Word Version
Here's exactly what each section means and why it's there:
In my career reviewing hundreds of these forms after incidents, I've seen the same errors repeatedly:
Is a bill of sale required to buy a gun privately in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas has no state requirement, but federal best practices and common sense strongly recommend it.
Does the Arkansas firearm bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, but notarization adds significant evidentiary weight if the transfer is ever questioned.
Can I sell a handgun to an 18-year-old in Arkansas?
No. Federal law prohibits private handgun sales to persons under 21 (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)). Long guns are 18+.
Do I need to run a background check for a family member?
Not legally required for immediate family (parent, child, grandparent, sibling), but I still recommend completing the form for record-keeping.
How long should I keep my copy?
Indefinitely. The ATF recommends retaining private transfer records for the life of the firearm.
Protecting yourself with a properly completed Arkansas firearm bill of sale takes five minutes and can save you years of legal headache. Download my free 2025-updated template today, fill it out completely, and keep your copy in a safe place.
Stay safe, stay legal, and exercise your rights responsibly.
Download Links Again:
Free Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale – PDF
Free Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale – Word
This article was last updated November 2025. Always verify current law at Arkansas State Police and ATF.gov websites.