Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I'm eagerly awaiting purchasing a new weapon this week. I'm buying this weapon from its current owner, and I do not know this person other than through this exchange. I'd like to fully document where this weapon has come from. Consequently, I've asked for both of us to sign a bill of sale. Is there any danger putting one's DMV customer number on the bill of sale as proof of identity? Should I be concerned with sharing that information with a stranger? Or is the DMV customer number not something to be overly concerned about?

I have no reason NOT to trust the other party, I just want to take reasonable precautions and not give out information unless necessary and safe. Thoughts?

Here's a good form to use for face-to-face purchases.

That's a great form. However... (you saw that coming, right?) it says nothing about certifying the firearm. Can the seller assert that firearm was not stolen, illegally altered, etc.?

I found the exchange of cash to be completely adequate.

If you sell/buy a weapon FTF and had doubts about anything then it might be prudent to ask a few questions, note those on the form, and ask the other party to initial...

Can you legally posses a weapon in VA?
Do you know if this weapon is stolen?
etc

That way you can show later that you applied some due diligence in case you got stung by bloomberg the twit...

Like Diomed stated : Cash is good,and adequate, Your both of legal age and it's a PRIVATE sale, Meet , Exchange pleasantries , do business ,then move on..

I've sold a couple of handguns at a private sale in the past and I always have a Bill of Sale which includes the full description of the firearm (F/A), the buyer's driver's license number to prove he is a resident of VA and that he is of legal age to purchase a F/A. I also include my VA driver's license for the same reason. We both keep copies of the document. This is in case the buyer turns out to be a BG or in case the F/A is lost or stolen and turns up in the hands of a BG, at least I can prove to authorities that I no longer possess or own it. If the buyer balks at signing the Bill of Sale, I reserve the right to refuse to sell him the F/A and I move on. But so far I have not had any problem with the Bill of Sale method.

Better still, if you sell via FFL so there is a background check of the buyer. The other thing is If the buyer is VA CHP, at least you know that he has passed a background check.

If you really want peace of mind, the Bill of Sale is the route to take. One can never be sure nowadays. Just my opinion based on past experience.

To be fair, I do ask to see a VA driver's license and I ask if they're a prohibited person. I don't record anyone's info, nor do I give out mine.

As far as I'm concerned, I go above and beyond already - no need to do more unless you're a FFL.