Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025

This bill would require a background check for every gun sale, including private sales. If neither the seller nor the buyer is a licensed dealer, they must use a licensed dealer, who will take the gun, run the check, and complete the transfer under existing rules . Licensed sellers must give a clear notice about these rules and have the other person sign a form; the Justice Department will provide these forms in English and Spanish.

Some transfers would not need to go through a dealer. These include on‑duty law enforcement and military use; gifts or loans between close family members (like spouses, parents and children, siblings, aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews, and grandparents and grandchildren), when the giver believes the recipient is allowed to have a gun and won’t use it for a crime; transfers after someone dies to an estate or trust; short‑term transfers to prevent immediate danger (including risks from domestic violence or self‑harm); and temporary use at shooting ranges, while hunting or doing farm pest control (if legal), or while the owner is present . The bill says it does not create a national gun registry and leaves state powers in place. It would take effect 180 days after it becomes law.

• Who is affected: Gun buyers and sellers (including private parties), licensed gun dealers, families sharing or gifting firearms, law enforcement, people at ranges or hunting, and estate executors .
• What changes: Nearly all gun sales must go through a background check via a licensed dealer; required notices and signed forms; forms available in English and Spanish; exemptions for certain family, safety, and temporary uses .
• When: 180 days after it becomes law.