Gun Waiting Period Laws in Washington

2026 Complete Legal Guide
Washington requires a 10 days waiting period for certain firearm purchases. Here is everything you need to know about gun waiting period laws in Washington.
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Gun Waiting Period Laws in Washington Overview

State Waiting Period: 10 days — applies to all firearms from licensed dealers.
Private Sales Waiting Period: None — waiting period applies to dealer sales only.
Federal 3-Day Default Rule: Applies — dealers may proceed after 3 business days if NICS has not responded.
Optional Permit: Washington Concealed Pistol License available.
Online Purchases: The 10 days waiting period applies at the receiving FFL.
Exemptions: Law enforcement officers are exempt. CPL holders are NOT exempt from the 10-day waiting period.
Firearm Registration: Not required.
Permit to Purchase: Washington Concealed Pistol License required for purchases.
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Table of Contents

What Is a Gun Waiting Period?

A gun waiting period is a mandatory delay between purchasing a firearm and being allowed to take physical possession of it. Waiting periods are set by state law — not federal law — and vary widely across the country. Some states require 3 days, others 7, 10, or even 14 days. Washington requires a 10 days waiting period for all firearms from licensed dealers under Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.092(2). Compare waiting period laws in every state →
The federal Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act requires licensed dealers to run a NICS background check before any sale, but sets no national waiting period. States may add their own delays on top of that. Washington has imposed a 10 days waiting period on top of the federal NICS check. The background check and waiting period run concurrently — the firearm cannot be transferred until both the check clears AND the waiting period has elapsed.
Yes. Washington requires a 10 days waiting period for all firearms from licensed dealers under Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.092(2). Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. The 10-day period may be extended to 60 days if the buyer does not have a valid Washington driver’s license or has not been a resident for the previous 90 days. All private sales must be processed through a licensed dealer under Washington’s universal background check law.
  • Most NICS checks at Texas dealers clear in minutes — not days.
  • If NICS is delayed, the dealer may proceed after 3 business days without a response.
  • Texas LTC (License to Carry) holders bypass NICS entirely — no delay possible.
  • A denial means the transfer is prohibited — the buyer may appeal to the FBI's NICS Section.
The 10 days waiting period in Washington begins when the dealer initiates the transfer process and applies to all firearms from licensed dealers. The waiting period runs concurrently with the background check — the firearm cannot be transferred until both the check has cleared AND the full 10 days period has elapsed.

Does Washington Have a Waiting Period for Guns?

Washington’s 10 days waiting period is a firm requirement — no firearm covered by Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.092(2) may be transferred before the waiting period has fully elapsed, even if the background check returns Proceed immediately. Plan your purchase accordingly. If you need a firearm for immediate self-defense, consider other legal options or consult with local law enforcement about any available emergency waiver process.
The 10 days waiting period in Washington cannot be shortened by requesting expedited processing or paying additional fees. Plan your purchase well in advance of any date you need the firearm.
  • Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under federal law.
  • Individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to qualifying restraining orders.
  • Unlawful users of controlled substances and those adjudicated mentally incompetent.
  • Waiting periods do not change who is prohibited — a prohibited person is denied regardless of any wait.
In Washington, the federal 3-business-day default rule applies on top of the state’s 10 days waiting period. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(1), if NICS does not return a response within 3 business days, the dealer may proceed with the transfer — but only after the Washington state waiting period has also fully elapsed. Both the NICS check and the state waiting period must be satisfied before any transfer.

The Federal 3-Day Default Rule in Washington

NICS checks at Washington dealers typically clear in minutes. However, regardless of how quickly the NICS check clears, the Washington state waiting period of 10 days must still be observed. The federal 3-day default rule is essentially irrelevant in Washington — the state waiting period is always longer than the federal default window.
In Washington, both the federal background check AND the state 10 days waiting period must be completed before a dealer can transfer a firearm. There are no shortcuts — plan your purchase accordingly.
  • Buyer selects a firearm and completes ATF Form 4473.
  • Dealer contacts FBI NICS — check typically clears in minutes.
  • On Proceed: firearm is transferred immediately — no waiting period.
  • Texas LTC holders: dealer skips NICS entirely and transfers on the spot.
Washington does NOT allow private person-to-person firearm transfers without a background check. All private sales must be processed through a licensed Washington FFL dealer. The 10 days waiting period applies to private sales processed through an FFL. There is no such thing as a direct private sale in Washington that bypasses the background check requirement. GunTransfer.com connects buyers and sellers across Washington and helps them locate a licensed FFL dealer to complete the transfer legally.
Even where a waiting period applies to private sales in Washington, GunTransfer.com helps buyers and sellers navigate the process efficiently. A written bill of sale documents the transaction date, firearm details, and both parties’ information — protecting both parties under state and federal law. GunTransfer.com helps Washington residents in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma complete every transfer the right way.

Waiting Periods for Private Gun Sales in Washington

For private sales in Washington that require a waiting period, use GunTransfer.com to document the transaction date — establishing a clear paper trail of when the waiting period began and ended. This protects both buyer and seller and ensures the transfer is fully compliant with Washington gun waiting period laws.

Washington CPL and Waiting Periods

Purchase TypeBackground CheckWaiting PeriodKey Notes
Licensed Dealer Required Washington State Patrol 10 days Background check required through Washington State Patrol. CPL holders still subject to 10-day wait.
Private Sale Required through FFL 10 days All private sales must be processed through a licensed Washington FFL dealer. Washington State Patrol runs the background check. The 10-day waiting period applies to all transfers including private sales processed through an FFL.
Online Purchase Required at receiving FFL 10 days Ships to Washington FFL dealer. Washington State Patrol background check required. 10-day wait applies after check clears.
Out-of-State Purchase Required at Washington FFL 10 days in Washington Must ship to a licensed Washington FFL. Washington waiting period and background check apply at receiving dealer.
CPL Holder Exempt None No permit available to bypass the waiting period or background check in Washington.
Gun Waiting Period Laws in Washington TRANSFER NOW

Waiting Periods for Online Gun Purchases in Washington

Yes. Washington’s 10 days waiting period applies to online firearm purchases as well. The firearm ships to a licensed Washington FFL dealer. The dealer contacts Washington State Patrol for a background check, and the 10 days waiting period must elapse before the dealer can release the firearm to you. Online buyers should factor in both shipping time and the waiting period when planning a purchase.

Online Gun Purchases and Background Checks in Texas

When purchasing a firearm online in Texas:
Standard buyers must wait the full 10 days after the background check clears. Confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee and hours before completing your purchase. Factor the 10 days waiting period into your purchase timeline.
  • Purchase the firearm online and select a licensed Texas FFL dealer to receive it.
  • Firearm ships to the FFL — buyer is notified when it arrives.
  • Buyer visits the FFL, completes ATF Form 4473, and NICS check is run.
  • On Proceed (or LTC verification): firearm is transferred immediately — no waiting period.

Tips for a Safe Private Transfer in Washington

  • Verify the buyer is at least 18 years old and does not appear to be a prohibited person.
  • Complete a written bill of sale with both parties' information and the firearm's make, model, and serial number.
  • Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your personal records.
  • Use GunTransfer.com to generate a proper bill of sale and document the transfer instantly.
Washington gun owners use GunTransfer.com to document the start and completion of every firearm transfer and navigate Washington’s 10 days waiting period efficiently. GunTransfer.com creates a clear paper trail showing when the transfer process began, when the waiting period elapsed, and when the firearm was legally received. This documentation protects both buyers and sellers in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and across Washington.

Why Washington Residents Use Gun Transfer

GunTransfer provides a secure system that helps:
GunTransfer.com makes it easy for Washington residents from Seattle to Vancouver and everywhere across the Evergreen State to understand their rights, document their transfers, and comply with Washington’s 10 days waiting period requirement. Every transfer documented through GunTransfer.com includes a timestamped record that clearly establishes compliance with state law.
  • Document firearm ownership transfers
  • Record firearm serial numbers
  • Maintain firearm transaction history
  • Create proof of private firearm transactions
  • Promote responsible firearm ownership
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Responsible Firearm Ownership in Washington

Washington’s 10 days waiting period is the law — and GunTransfer.com helps you comply with it while keeping complete documentation of every transfer. GunTransfer.com is the smart choice for every responsible Washington buyer and seller.
  • Understanding firearm laws
  • Ensuring legal firearm transfers
  • Storing firearms safely
  • Maintaining documentation of firearm ownership

Frequently Asked
Questions

Does Washington have a waiting period for gun purchases?
Yes. Washington requires a 10 days waiting period for all firearms from licensed dealers. Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. The 10-day period may be extended to 60 days if the buyer does not have a valid Washington driver’s license
No. Washington’s waiting period applies to dealer sales only — private transfers between individuals are not subject to the waiting period.
Yes. Washington’s 10 days waiting period applies to all dealer purchases regardless of permit status.
Yes. Washington’s 10 days waiting period applies to online purchases. The firearm ships to a licensed Washington FFL dealer, and the waiting period begins when the dealer initiates the background check.

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Washington Gun Waiting Period Resources: Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.092 — Washington 10-Day Waiting Period | ATF — Brady Law & 3-Day Default Rule | ATF — Permit NICS Exemption Chart | FBI NICS | Giffords — State Waiting Period 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.