Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Pennsylvania operates a unique split system for private firearm sales. Handgun transfers (including short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and any firearm under 26 inches overall length) require a background check through a licensed FFL dealer or county sheriff's office using the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS), with an exemption for transfers between spouses, parents/children, and grandparents/grandchildren. Long gun sales (standard rifles and shotguns) may be completed privately without dealer involvement — a gap that gun-safety advocates have repeatedly criticized as a loophole covering even semi-automatic rifles. This 2026-updated Pennsylvania Gun Bill of Sale serves as your private documentation of the transaction details, price, and buyer information — especially valuable for long gun transfers and as a supplementary record for handgun sales.
📋 Pennsylvania Legal Essentials for Private Sellers
1. Handgun Transfer Rules Cover More Than Just Handguns
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111, all handgun, short-barreled rifle, and short-barreled shotgun transfers — plus any firearm under 26 inches overall length — must go through a licensed FFL dealer or county sheriff's office. A PICS background check and the state SP 4-113 form are mandatory. Direct private transfers of these categories remain illegal, with an exemption for spouses, parents/children, and grandparents/grandchildren.
⚠️ Don't assume 'handgun rules' only apply to pistols — a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or any very compact long gun, falls under the same strict transfer requirements as a handgun.
2. Long Guns Are Where the ATF Trace Risk Concentrates
If a firearm you sold privately is later recovered in a crime, the ATF traces it back to the last known seller — you. Because standard long guns can be sold privately with no PICS check and no state paperwork, this is exactly where a detailed Bill of Sale matters most: it's your only record showing when and to whom the firearm was transferred.
⚠️ Don't assume a long gun sale needs less documentation just because the law requires less of you — the lack of a state paper trail is precisely why your own Bill of Sale becomes more important, not less.
3. Preemption Keeps Rules Uniform, Even in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania's preemption law (18 Pa.C.S. § 6120) bars cities and counties from enacting firearm rules stricter than state law. This applies even to Philadelphia, despite its size and separate local ordinances on many other topics — firearm transfer requirements remain the same statewide.
⚠️ Don't assume a large city like Philadelphia has its own separate gun transfer rules — Pennsylvania's preemption law keeps the requirements identical to what applies anywhere else in the state.
This information reflects publicly available Pennsylvania statutes and enforcement practices. Firearm laws can change — always verify the latest rules and consult a qualified attorney.
Pennsylvania's Split System Is Above — The Form Itself Is the Same Everywhere
The handgun/long-gun distinction, the PICS process, and Pennsylvania's family exemption above are specific to this state. Filling out and signing the actual Bill of Sale — the fields, the description, the signatures — works the same basic way everywhere.
See our nationwide Step-by-Step Firearm Bill of Sale Guide for that walkthrough.
📄 Keystone State Form Blueprint Preview:
Pennsylvania Firearm Transfer FAQ
Can I sell a handgun privately in Pennsylvania?
No. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111, every handgun, short-barreled rifle, and short-barreled shotgun transfer must go through a licensed FFL dealer or county sheriff’s office. Both parties must appear in person for a PICS background check and completion of the SP 4-113 form. Direct private handgun transfers are illegal in Pennsylvania.
What is the SP 4-113 form?
The SP 4-113 is Pennsylvania’s state-specific Firearm Sales Record form required for every handgun transfer — in addition to the federal ATF Form 4473. It is completed by the FFL dealer or sheriff and reported to the Pennsylvania State Police. Your private Bill of Sale is a separate record that captures details (price, condition, etc.) not included in the official forms.
Can I sell a rifle or shotgun privately in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Standard long gun (rifle and shotgun) transfers between Pennsylvania residents can be completed privately without an FFL dealer or background check. However, federal prohibited person rules still apply, and using a signed Bill of Sale is strongly recommended to document the transfer.
What is Pennsylvania’s PICS system?
PICS (Pennsylvania Instant Check System) is the state’s own background check system operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. It searches both state and federal databases, including Pennsylvania-specific records on Protection From Abuse orders and mental health commitments. The check costs only $2.00 — one of the lowest fees in the country.
What is the minimum age for private gun sales in Pennsylvania?
The minimum age for any firearm (handgun or long gun) in Pennsylvania is 18. For handgun transfers through an FFL, dealers must also follow the federal 21-year minimum. Selling any firearm to a person under 18 is a criminal offense.
Is there a waiting period for private sales in Pennsylvania?
No statutory waiting period exists. For handgun transfers, the firearm can be released immediately once the PICS check is approved. For private long gun sales, the transfer is complete upon signing the Bill of Sale and exchanging payment.
Who is prohibited from owning a firearm in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has stricter prohibited person rules than federal law. This includes felons, certain misdemeanors, those involuntarily committed for mental health issues, and individuals with three or more DUI convictions within any five-year period. Always have the buyer certify they are not prohibited.
Does Pennsylvania have a firearm registry?
There is currently no comprehensive state firearm registry. However, the Pennsylvania State Police maintain a handgun sales database through SP 4-113 records. Long gun private sales create no state record at all.
What is Pennsylvania's License to Carry Firearms (LTCF)?
Pennsylvania issues a shall-issue License to Carry Firearms (LTCF), required for concealed carry and for carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Unlike some states' carry permits, an LTCF does not exempt the holder from a PICS background check — LTCF holders still go through the same PICS process as anyone else for every handgun purchase.
Does Pennsylvania’s preemption law protect gun owners?
Yes. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120, Pennsylvania has strong statewide preemption. No municipality, including Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, can enact stricter firearm regulations than state law.
Can I sell a firearm to someone from New Jersey, Ohio, or another neighboring state?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) prohibits private person-to-person transfers across state lines. The buyer must be a Pennsylvania resident with valid Pennsylvania-issued photo ID. Out-of-state buyers must use a licensed FFL dealer.
Related Forms & Regional Compliance:
Pennsylvania borders six states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. While Pennsylvania allows relatively permissive private long gun sales within the state, federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) strictly prohibits any private firearm transfer across state lines without going through a licensed FFL dealer. Sellers should be especially cautious with buyers from New York and New Jersey, which maintain some of the strictest gun laws in the country.