If you’re buying or selling a firearm privately in Louisiana, a properly completed Louisiana gun bill of sale is one of the smartest steps you can take. As someone who has drafted hundreds of firearm transfer documents for clients across the United States over the past twelve years, I’ve seen firsthand how a clear, legally-structured bill of sale protects both the buyer and the seller, creates a paper trail for ATF Form 4473 background check purposes (when applicable), and satisfies Louisiana’s limited record-keeping expectations for private sales.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you my battle-tested, attorney-vetted Louisiana firearm bill of sale template completely free, explain exactly when and why you need it in the Pelican State, walk you through every field line-by-line, and show you how to stay 100% compliant with federal and Louisiana law in 2025.
A Louisiana gun bill of sale (sometimes called a firearm bill of sale Louisiana residents rely on) is a written legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or any Title I firearm from a seller to a buyer in a private-party transaction.
While Louisiana does NOT require private sellers to conduct a background check or involve an FFL for most rifles and shotguns (see La. R.S. 14:91.5 for exceptions involving handguns under certain conditions), having a signed bill of sale is still the single best way to:
Source: ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide and Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14
No – as of November 2025, Louisiana remains a permitless-carry and private-sale-friendly state. There is no state law mandating a written bill of sale or background check for private transfers of long guns or handguns between two Louisiana residents who are not prohibited persons.
However, federal law still prohibits transferring a firearm to someone you know (or have reasonable cause to believe) is a prohibited person (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)). A signed Louisiana gun bill of sale that includes the buyer’s declaration that they are not prohibited is powerful evidence that you exercised due diligence.
Click the button below to download my 2025-updated, attorney-drafted Louisiana gun bill of sale in both PDF and editable Word format – 100% free.
Download Louisiana Gun Bill of Sale Template (PDF + Word)
| Section | What to Enter | Pro Tip from 12+ Years Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Sale | Exact date of transfer | Write the actual date the buyer takes possession – this starts the federal 5-year traceability clock if you ever become an FFL. |
| Seller Information | Full legal name, address, phone, DL# | Include driver’s license number – makes it harder for someone to claim the document is forged later. |
| Buyer Information | Same as above | Ask to see (and photocopy) the buyer’s Louisiana ID and CHP if applicable. |
| Firearm Description | Make, model, caliber/gauge, serial number, type (pistol/rifle/shotgun) | Double-check the serial number in good light – one wrong character can cause huge problems later. |
| Purchase Price | Exact dollar amount or “gift” / “trade” | If it’s a gift, write $0 – Louisiana has no gift tax on firearms between immediate family. |
| Buyer Certification | Buyer checks “I am not a prohibited person” | Have the buyer initial this line separately – courts love multiple acknowledgments. |
| Signatures | Both parties sign in blue ink | Make three originals: one for buyer, one for seller, one for your safe. |
| Witness / Notary | Recommended for high-value firearms | Notarization costs ~$10 in Louisiana and adds enormous evidentiary weight. |
Source: Louisiana State Legislature – Firearm Laws
After reviewing thousands of client bills of sale, here are the top errors that can come back to haunt you:
Do I need to register my firearm in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana has no state-level firearm registration requirement for standard Title I firearms.
Can I sell a gun to an out-of-state resident privately?
No. All interstate transfers must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in the buyer’s state (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5)).
Is a bill of sale enough for a background check?
No. Only Louisiana State Police or an FFL can run an official NICS check.
Do I need a bill of sale if I’m selling to a family member?
Still strongly recommended. It proves the transfer date for inheritance and insurance purposes.
In my twelve years drafting firearm transfer documents, I’ve never had a client regret using a solid Louisiana gun bill of sale. I’ve had several who regretted NOT using one when law enforcement came knocking months or years later.
Take the two minutes to download, fill out, and sign the free template above. It costs nothing and can save you everything.
Download your free 2025 Louisiana firearm bill of sale template now:
FREE DOWNLOAD – Louisiana Gun Bill of Sale (PDF + DOCX)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or law enforcement for your specific situation. Sources: IRS.gov (for gift tax reference), ATF.gov, and Louisiana Revised Statutes as of November 2025.