What is a Louisiana Gun Bill of Sale?

A Louisiana gun bill of sale orients the buyer and seller with the deal’s conditions. The document serves as an everlasting reminder of how and when both parties exchanged the firearm. If any questions arise after the sale, each person can refer to the bill of sale to learn more about the terms and conditions. It can also function as evidence if one of the parties files a legal claim against the other.

Since Louisiana does not have a background check requirement for private sales, the person selling the gun should take precautionary steps to protect themselves. If they do not know the buyer, they can request a criminal record screening through a licensed dealer. This action ensures the interested party can lawfully purchase and possess a firearm per state and federal law.

The court of law can hold sellers accountable if they sell to felons or mentally unhealthy individuals. This statement remains true even if the owner does not know the purchaser has a history hindering their ability to buy a gun. Therefore, researching the buyer or demanding a background check can prevent legal charges and accusations.

How to Apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit

Louisiana residents do not need a permit to purchase a firearm but need one to concealed carry. License holders also have an easier time buying a gun from a licensed dealer as they do not need to go through a federal background check. In addition, private sellers can request interested parties to present permits as proof of their ability to own and buy guns.

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) Department processes and handles all concealed handgun permit applications.

Step 1 – Requirements

Only Louisiana residents twenty-one (21) years or older in good standing with the law can apply for concealed permits. In other words, they cannot have outstanding issues, citations, or a criminal record of any kind, including domestic disputes. The individual must not have an addiction to drugs or alcohol or have recently resided in a mental institute. They must also comply with rules and regulations as stated in RS 40:1379.3.

Step 2 – Firearms Training 

Individuals applying for a permit must pass a state-approved firearms training course. It includes eight (8) hours of education on laws and safety, live-fire shooting, and gun cleaning lessons. After finishing the class, the instructor completes and signs a certification before giving it to the student, who must present it when applying for a permit. License holders must take the class every five (5) years to refamiliarize themselves with new laws and practice firing guns.

Step 3 – Fingerprint Cards

Residents must provide two (2) fingerprint cards from a trained fingerprint technician in their application. The technician must take two (2) sets of prints from different fingers in ink. Applicants must also complete the information on the card, including their name, signature, address, birthday, place of birth, social security number, and physical traits (i.e., gender, race, height, etc.).

Step 4 – Application

The state allows for applications by mail, in person, or online. Regardless, the individual must provide the original version of the application, meaning they cannot submit copies.

They must also present a copy of their driver’s license or Louisiana state identification (ID) card, fingerprint cards, and military ID (if applicable). In addition, they need to present paperwork, such as the divorce decree, settlement, and final judgment if they have separated from their spouse. Military personnel with an honorable discharge must send in the relevant documentation, while patients with medical conditions must include a medical summary from their primary physician.

The Louisiana concealed handgun permit application requires the resident to fill in the information wholly and honestly. They must sign the bottom three (3) affidavits before a notary public, who must also inscribe. Lastly, the individual must send in the payment, which varies by the person’s age and the permit type.

Step 5 – Processing

It takes between ninety (90) to one hundred and twenty (120) for the office to review the application and determine whether the individual qualifies for a permit. If approved, they notify the resident by mail or online, depending on the submission method.

Step 6 – Renew

Louisiana offers five (5) year and lifetime permits. All license holders must take a firearms training course every five (5) years in both cases. However, lifetime permit holders only need to provide the new certification, whereas the others must send the form and renewal application. The amount owed by the person varies according to the permit type.

The state sends out a notice to residents one hundred and twenty (120) days before expiration. Interested parties should send in the necessary information no less than ninety (90) days before the expiration date. Individuals who fail to reapply within sixty (60) days after the expiration date must restart as new applicants.

Permit holders can complete the application online, send it by mail, or submit it in person. The packet does not need to include photographs or fingerprint cards. Generally, the LSP takes about ninety (90) days to process the data before providing an approval or denial notice.