Legal Templates

Washington Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a Washington state firearm bill of sale from our attorney-drafted legal document builder.

Updated March 24, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Washington Firearm Bill of Sale helps private buyers and sellers document the purchase and sale of a firearm.

Table of Contents

What is a Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale?

A Washington firearm bill of sale records a firearm sales transaction.

It contains details about the sale, such as information on the firearm and the seller’s and buyer’s name and signature.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Washington?

Washington has several requirements for selling firearms.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Washington

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.

If neither party 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.

Does the Law in Washington Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

Washington law does not explicitly require a firearm bill of sale.

However, it does require private parties to go through a licensed firearm dealer and for the dealer to run a background check on the buyer.

A Washington firearm bill of sale is a way to show the parties are creating a legal document to transfer ownership and intend to follow requirements.

Gun Inheritance Laws in Washington

Transferring guns between family members does not require government approval or paperwork in Washington state.

Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Washington

You must have the following to complete a bill of sale in Washington:

  • Valid state identification. The buyer and the seller must have valid state identification, such as a state ID or driver’s license. The ID numbers should be included on the bill of sale, and photocopies of their ID cards should be attached.
  • A background check receipt from the licensed dealer. Attach a copy of this receipt to the completed Washington firearm bill of sale to show authorities you have complied with Washington state gun laws.

Additional Washington Firearm Laws

Remember the following Washington firearm laws when creating your Washington firearm bill of sale.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Washington?

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.

Does Washington Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Yes. 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. 

Can You Buy a Firearm in Washington Without Registering It?

You can buy a firearm in Washington state without registering it.

Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have To Be Notarized in Washington?

A Washington firearm bill of sale does not require notarization. However, it is generally a good idea to have a witness or notary confirm the transaction happened.

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Washington?

No, you do not have to send a record of firearms to the police in Washington. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Washington

Washington has no laws prohibiting the open carry of firearms.

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.

How to Apply to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Washington

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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. Pay fees.
  4. 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.

Washington Firearm 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

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Washington

Now that you understand Washington’s gun laws follow these steps to create a Washington firearm bill of sale.

Step 1 – Deliver the Firearm to a Licensed Dealer

Under the Revised Code of Washington Section 9.41.113, private sellers must first deliver the firearm to a licensed dealer, who will conduct a background check on the buyer.

After the 10-day waiting period, the licensed dealer will hand the firearm to the buyer.

Step 2 – Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting With the Buyer

Before the licensed dealer hands over the firearm, meet with the buyer and make photocopies of their IDs to verify their identity.

Step 3 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Finally, both parties should complete and sign a firearm bill of sale before the buyer picks up the firearm from the licensed dealer.

Washington Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Washington firearm bill of sale.

washington firearm bill of sale