A Washington Firearm Bill of Sale helps private buyers and sellers document the purchase and sale of a firearm.
It contains details about the sale, such as information on the firearm and the seller’s and buyer’s name and signature.
Per Revised Code of Washington 9.41.092, a licensed dealer can only deliver a firearm to a buyer after ten business days from the day the licensed dealer requested the background check.
Firearm laws: Revised Code of Washington 9.41.092, Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.113, Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.040
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: No
Registration of firearm: Partial
License to own: No
Assault weapon law: Yes
Magazine capacity restriction: Yes
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: No
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Under the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.113, private parties can only sell or transfer firearms in Washington state if the seller is a licensed dealer or the buyer is a licensed dealer.
Requirements
If neither party to the sale is a licensed dealer, they must deliver the firearm to a licensed dealer to process the transfer or sale.
The licensed dealer must also conduct a background check on the buyer.
Restrictions
Under the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.040, the following individuals cannot purchase or own a firearm in Washington state:
- People who have committed felonies
- Individuals committed by a court for mental illness treatment
- Individuals who are subject to a restraining order
- Individuals who have been ruled by a court to be incompetent
Persons under 21 are prohibited from purchasing firearms (pistols or semiautomatic assault rifles) under the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.240.
There are limited exceptions for persons between the ages of 18 and 21, such as if the person is in the person’s home or fixed place of business.
Gun Inheritance Laws
Transferring guns between family members does not require government approval or paperwork in Washington state.
Registration
You can buy a firearm in Washington state without registering it. You do not have to send a record of firearms to the police in Washington.
Concealed Carry Permit
Per the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.050, concealed carry is only permitted by persons with a license to concealed carry except for in the person’s home or place of business.
Open carry of a loaded handgun in a vehicle is only legal with a concealed pistol license (CPL). Openly carrying a loaded long gun in a vehicle is always illegal, with or without CPLs.
Washington has no laws prohibiting the open carry of firearms.
How to Apply
According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.070, you must be 21 years old to have a CPL. Follow these steps to get a CPL in Washington State:
Step 1 – Visit Local Sheriff or Police
Contact or check the website of a sheriff’s office or police department through the local city or county government for a Concealed Pistol License Application. You must apply in person at a local law enforcement agency (LEA).
Step 2 – Complete Application
Fill in the application and produce a valid state driver’s license or ID. Bring your permanent resident card if you are a permanent resident alien.
Step 3 – Pay Fee
All applicants must pay a fee to process their application.
Step 4 – Consent to Background Check
The LEA will complete a background check and fingerprints.
Washington is a “shall issue” state, so it will grant CPLs to every applicant who meets the criteria. There are no training course requirements.
Gun Reciprocity
Under the Revised Code of Washington 9.41.073, Washington state recognizes the concealed carry permits of all states that:
- Recognize and give effect to Washington state concealed pistol licenses;
- Do not issue concealed pistol licenses or permits to people under 21; and
- Require mandatory fingerprint-based background checks for mental health and criminal history.
Washington currently recognizes concealed carry permits from the following states:
- Idaho (enhanced permits only)
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- North Dakota (class 1 permits only)
- Ohio
- South Dakota (enhanced permits only)
- Utah (regular permits only)
The following states recognize Washington’s CPLs:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Washington Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Washington firearm bill of sale.
