Firearm Requirements for Sales and Transfers

There are firearm laws in place for a very good reason, to keep people safe, whether they own firearms or not. Firearm requirements for sales and transfers must involve a licensed firearm dealer. Other firearm requirements for sales and transfers include the following:

Firearm Requirements for Sales and Transfers

Firearm Sales

• The purchaser must provide personal information and complete the DROS (Dealer’s Record of Sale), which is submitted to the DOJ (Department of Justice)
• There is a 10 day waiting period, while the DOJ completes a firearms background check
• In order to purchase a rifle or a shotgun a person must be 18 years old and to purchase a pistol or revolver, at least 21 years old
• A valid driver’s license or ID card, issued by the DMV in the same state application is being submitted in, must also be provided
• The purchaser must also complete a safe handling demonstration, using the firearm that is being purchased. This demonstration must be completed in front of a certified instructor from the DOJ sometime between when the DRO S is submitted and delivery of the person’s firearm. This can usually be completed at the dealership of the licensed firearm dealer. Both the firearms dealer and the certified DOJ instructor must sign an affidavit.

Firearm Transfers

• When transferring a firearm both the buyer and the seller must fill out the DROS document
• The licensed firearm dealer will hold the firearm being transferred during the 10 day waiting period
• Private parties are not allowed to sell or transfer firearms to another non-licensed person, it must be done through a licensed firearm dealer
• The only exemption is when firearms are being transferred between immediate family members, for example parent to child, or grandparent to grandchild. Be aware there is a report that must be submitted to the DOJ within 30 days of the transfer.
• The person receiving the transferred firearm must also perform a safe handling demonstration, using the firearm that is being purchased. This demonstration must be completed in front of a DOJ certified instructor sometime between when the DRO S is submitted and delivery of the firearm. This can usually be performed at the dealership of the licensed firearm dealer. Both the firearms dealer and the certified DOJ instructor must sign an affidavit.

Other laws to be aware of:

• Only one application can be submitted for a handgun, every 30 days
• Anyone moving into a new state must report ownership of any firearms, to the DOJ, within 60 days
• In order to take the firearm home the purchaser must either by a firearm safety device or bring one with him or her to the firearm dealer. The firearm cannot leave the dealership without a firearm safety device.

Firearm safety laws are in place to keep everyone safe. The firearm requirements for sales and transfers are in place to be sure that no one who is not allowed to own a firearm is allowed to purchase one.