Gun Laws in Washington
Gun laws in Washington are among the more regulated in the nation, but all gun owners must comply with both federal law and Washington state-specific regulations. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer. A waiting period applies: 10 business days for all firearm purchases. This complete guide covers every Washington gun law you need to know in 2026.
Washington Gun Laws — Quick Overview
Washington Gun Laws — Quick Reference
Adults 21+ not prohibited under Washington or federal law. Concealed pistol license (CPL) required.
Private Sales: Must go through licensed FFL dealer
Background Check: Required for ALL transfers
Waiting Period: 10 business days for all firearm purchases
Permit to Purchase: Not required
Registration: Required
Magazine Limit: 10 rounds max
Assault Weapons Ban: Banned / Restricted
Min Age (Private): 21+
Min Age (Dealer): 21+ handguns / 21+ long guns
Carry Laws: Concealed pistol license (CPL) required
Table of Contents
Washington Gun Laws — Complete Reference Table
How GunTransfer Keeps You Safe
Key Gun Law Categories Explained
How Gun Laws Are Categorized
Quick Answers About Washington Gun Laws
Top 10 Gun Law Violations
Responsible Firearm Transfers in Washington
Documentation and Liability
Washington Gun Law Resources
FAQ — Gun Laws in Washington
Washington Gun Laws — Complete Reference Table
The table below covers every major category of gun law in Washington — from private sales and background checks to carry rights, prohibited persons, and penalties. Each row includes Washington's specific rule, key details, and direct links to the governing law.
| LAW CATEGORY | WASHINGTON STATUS | KEY DETAILS | LAW RESOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔒 PRIVATE SALES & TRANSFERS | |||
| Private Gun SalesPerson-to-person transfers | ⚠️ FFL Required | All private firearm transfers in Washington must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check. Direct person-to-person private transfers without a dealer are not permitted under Washington law. GunTransfer performs a full background check and generates a bill of sale for every transfer. | RCW § 9.41.113 (universal back... ATF — Private Transfer Rules |
| FFL Dealer RequiredLicensed dealer involvement | 🔵 Required | All private transfers in Washington must go through a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer conducts the background check and maintains required records. | ATF — FFL Dealers ATF — Interstate Rules |
| Bill of SaleTransfer documentation | 🔵 Recommended | FFL dealer records are required. A GunTransfer bill of sale adds private documentation protecting both parties beyond the dealer's required records. | GunTransfer Bill of Sale → |
| Interstate TransfersOut-of-state sales | 🔵 FFL Required | Federal law prohibits direct private handgun transfers between residents of different states. Any out-of-state firearm purchase must ship to a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 ATF Interstate Guidance |
| 🔍 BACKGROUND CHECKS | |||
| Background Check — DealerLicensed dealer purchases | 🔵 Required | Background checks are required for ALL purchases from licensed FFL dealers under federal law. The dealer submits a NICS check through the FBI before releasing any firearm. | FBI NICS System ATF — Brady Law |
| Background Check — Private SalesPerson-to-person | 🔵 Required | Washington requires background checks for ALL private firearm transfers — all transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer who conducts the check. GunTransfer also performs its own full background check on every buyer. | ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) |
| ⏱ WAITING PERIODS | |||
| Waiting PeriodDealer & private sales | ⚠️ Required | Washington requires a waiting period: 10 business days for all firearm purchases. The buyer cannot take possession until this waiting period has elapsed after the transfer is approved. | Washington Firearms Laws Giffords — Waiting Periods |
| 📋 PERMITS & LICENSES | |||
| Permit to PurchaseBefore buying a firearm | ✅ Not Required | Washington does not require any permit, license, or state ID card to purchase a firearm. Federal eligibility requirements apply. | Washington Firearms Laws |
| Concealed CarryCarrying a hidden firearm | 🔵 Shall-Issue | Concealed pistol license (CPL) required. Shall-issue. | Washington Carry Laws Washington Carry Reciprocity |
| 📝 REGISTRATION | |||
| Firearm RegistrationState registry | 🔵 Required | Washington requires firearm registration. All firearms must be registered with the appropriate Washington authority. New owners must register transferred firearms following the transfer. | Washington Firearms Laws |
| 🎂 AGE REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Handguns — DealerMinimum purchase age | ⚠️ 21+ | Federal law requires buyers to be at least 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Long Guns — DealerRifles & shotguns | ⚠️ 21+ | Washington law allows licensed FFL dealers to sell rifles and shotguns to buyers 21+. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Private Sales — All FirearmsMinimum private sale age | ⚠️ 21+ | Washington law sets 21 as the minimum age for all private firearm transfers in Washington — handguns and long guns alike. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(x) |
| 🔫 CARRY LAWS | |||
| Open CarryCarrying a visible firearm | ⚠️ Restricted | Open carry is restricted or prohibited in Washington. See RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq. for specific open carry rules. | Washington Carry Laws |
| ⛔ FIREARM RESTRICTIONS | |||
| Assault Weapons BanRestrictions on certain firearms | ⚠️ Banned | Washington restricts or bans certain assault-style weapons. AR-platform and AK-platform rifles may be prohibited or heavily regulated. See RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq. for specific prohibited firearm definitions. | Washington Firearms Laws Giffords — Washington AWB |
| Magazine Capacity LimitsRound restrictions | ⚠️ 10 Round Limit | Washington limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. Magazines exceeding this limit are prohibited. Note: bringing high-capacity magazines from other states into Washington is illegal. | Giffords — Magazine Laws |
| Red Flag / ERPO LawsEmergency removal orders | ⚠️ Law Exists | Washington has a Red Flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order / ERPO). Law enforcement or family members may petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual deemed a risk. | Giffords — Red Flag Laws |
| 🚫 PROHIBITED PERSONS | |||
| Federal Prohibited PersonsWho cannot own firearms | 🚫 See List | Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), prohibited from possessing firearms in Washington and all states:
| ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) |
| ⚖️ SELLER & BUYER OBLIGATIONS | |||
| Seller ResponsibilityLegal obligations when selling | 🔵 Federal Law | Even in regulated states like Washington, sellers carry federal legal obligations. You cannot:
| 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) ATF — Seller Obligations |
| Gift TransfersTransferring without payment | ✅ Legal | Firearms may be gifted in Washington when the recipient is legally eligible and at least 21 years old. The same prohibited person restrictions apply. Gifting to a prohibited person is a federal felony. Document with GunTransfer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 |
| Gun InheritanceInheriting firearms from estate | ✅ Legal | Washington allows the inheritance of legally-owned firearms. Key rules:
| ATF — Firearm Inheritance ATF — NFA Inheritance |
| 📚 KEY WASHINGTON STATUTES | |||
| Primary Firearms StatuteMain state law | 📋 State Law | RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq. — Washington's primary firearms laws covering possession, transfer, carry, and prohibited persons. | Washington Firearms Code (Full Text) Giffords — Washington Gun Laws NRA-ILA — Washington |
| Federal Baseline LawApplies in all 50 states | 📋 Federal | 18 U.S.C. § 922 — The primary federal firearms statute governing who can own guns, dealer background checks, interstate transfer rules, and federal firearms crimes. Applies in Washington and every state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Full Text) ATF State Laws Guide |
How GunTransfer Keeps You Safe
Stay compliant, protected, and organized with every firearm transfer.
Key Gun Law Categories Explained
Understanding gun laws requires more than knowing whether a state is strict or gun-friendly. Below are the key categories that define firearm regulations.
- Some states allow private sales
- Others require an FFL for all transfers
- Required for dealer purchases
- Some states require for private sales
- No delay in some states
- Others require several days
- Background checks
- Fingerprinting & training
- Government approval
- Most states do not require it
- Some states and DC do
- Permitless carry
- Shall-issue permits
- Restrictive systems
- Allowed in many states
- Restricted in others
- Common limits: 10–15 rounds
- No limits in many states
- Banned or restricted in some states
- Allowed in others
- Legal in most states with approval
- Restricted in a few
Quick Facts
How Gun Laws Are Categorized
To understand firearm regulations across the United States — and in Washington specifically — gun laws fall into three broad categories: gun-friendly states, moderate states, and strict states. Washington falls into the strict category: 🔴 Strict.
- No background checks for private sales
- No waiting periods
- No permit required to purchase
- No firearm registration
- Permitless (constitutional) carry
- No magazine capacity limits
- Minimal transfer restrictions
- Some background check requirements
- Private sale rules vary
- Concealed carry permits required
- Limited waiting periods
- Some firearm restrictions
- State-level transfer rules
- Universal background checks required
- Mandatory waiting periods
- Firearm registration required
- Permit required to purchase
- Magazine capacity limits
- Assault weapon restrictions
Quick Answers about Washington Gun Laws
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm changes from one individual to another in Washington. In Washington, all transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
- Permitted in Washington, but ALL private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check.
- Yes — required for all transfers in Washington. All private sales must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
- No — not directly. Federal law requires handgun sales to buyers in other states to go through a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. Online purchases must ship to a local FFL.
- Yes — required and strongly recommended. The FFL dealer retains required records. A GunTransfer bill of sale adds additional protection.
Understanding when a firearm transfer is required and how to complete one legally in Washington is essential for responsible gun ownership. GunTransfer makes every private transfer documented and legally protected.
Top 10 Gun Law Violations
Many firearm law violations happen because people misunderstand the rules—not because they intend to break them.
The laws vary by state, and even small mistakes can lead to serious legal consequences.
$250,000 fine
Responsible Firearm Transfers
Responsible firearm transfers in Washington help ensure that firearms remain in the hands of law-abiding citizens. In Washington, following all state and federal transfer requirements is essential for every transaction.
- Confirming the buyer is legally eligible to possess firearms under Washington and federal law
- Verifying the buyer is at least 21 years old and a legal U.S. resident
- Using GunTransfer to run a full background check on the buyer
- Generating a complete GunTransfer bill of sale documenting both parties and the firearm
- Meeting in a safe, public location to complete the transfer
- Keeping a permanent copy of the GunTransfer bill of sale
Responsible firearm transfers help protect Washington gun owners from future liability, prevent firearms from reaching prohibited individuals, and demonstrate the law-abiding character of Washington’s gun owner community.
Documentation and Liability When Transferring a Gun
Whenever a firearm changes ownership in Washington, documentation protects both the buyer and the seller. Without a documented bill of sale, a seller has no proof the firearm left their possession on a specific date — which can create serious problems if the firearm is later lost, stolen, or used in a crime.
Documentation serves several important purposes:
- Establishes the exact date when firearm ownership changed hands
- Records buyer identity and eligibility acknowledgment
- Protects the seller from liability for incidents occurring after the sale
- Provides the buyer with proof of legal ownership
- Supports any future law enforcement inquiry about the firearm's history
For private firearm transfers, documentation may include:
- Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Firearm make, model, caliber, and serial number
- Date of transfer and agreed sale price
- Buyer eligibility acknowledgment (signed)
- Results of the full background check performed through GunTransfer
When firearm transfers occur through GunTransfer, all of this documentation is generated automatically. GunTransfer performs a full background check on the buyer and generates a complete, signed bill of sale — giving both parties a permanent legal record of the Washington transaction.
Maintaining documentation can help protect Washington gun owners from being connected to crimes involving firearms they no longer own. GunTransfer’s bill of sale is the most complete form of private firearm transfer documentation available for Washington residents.
Washington Gun Law Resources
Complete Washington firearms guides and 50-state resources from GunTransfer.com
50 State Guides
Gun Laws by State →How to Buy a Gun by State →How to Sell a Gun by State →Private Gun Sale Laws by State →Gun Transfer Laws by State →Background Check Laws →Waiting Period Laws →Support
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the gun laws in Washington?
Washington regulates private firearm sales. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check in Washington. 10 business days for all firearm purchases. Firearm registration is required. See RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq..
Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a background check for all firearm transfers, including private sales. All transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
Is there a waiting period for gun purchases in Washington?
Washington requires a waiting period: 10 business days for all firearm purchases. The buyer cannot take possession until this period elapses.
What is a gun transfer and when is it required?
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm moves from one person to another. In Washington, all transfers — including private sales — must be processed through a licensed FFL dealer. Interstate transfers always require a licensed FFL in the buyer’s state under federal law.
Ready to Transfer ?
Washington Gun Law Resources: RCW § 9.41.113 (universal backgroun | ATF — Prohibited Persons | 18 U.S.C. § 922 | FBI NICS | Giffords — Washington Gun Laws
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Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws may change and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Always consult official state resources or a qualified professional for guidance.
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws may change and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Always consult official state resources or a qualified professional for guidance.
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