Gun Background Check Laws in Washington

2026 Complete Legal Guide

Washington has specific requirements for all firearm transfers including private sales. Here is what you need to know about gun background check laws in Washington.

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Gun Background Check Laws In Washington Overview

Private Sales: Background check required — all private sales must be processed through a licensed dealer.
Dealer Background Checks: Washington State Patrol (WSP) — Washington is a partial point-of-contact state (handguns).
Permit to Purchase: Not required.
Waiting Period: Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers
Firearm Registration: Not required.
Optional Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL): Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) — available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Minimum Purchase Age (Dealer): 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns.
Minimum Purchase Age (Private Party): 18 for all firearms.

Table of Contents

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What Is a Gun Background Check

A gun background check in Washington works through both state and federal systems — Washington is a partial point-of-contact state. Dealers contact WSP for handgun checks and FBI NICS for long gun checks. For private sales, Washington requires all transfers to be processed through a licensed dealer — the same background check process applies.

For any firearm purchase from a licensed FFL dealer in Washington, the dealer contacts WSP to initiate the background check. The buyer completes ATF Form 4473. Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers.

Washington requires a background check for all private firearm sales. Washington requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed FFL dealer (Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.113). Dealers contact WSP for handgun checks and FBI NICS for long gun checks. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)) also prohibits knowingly selling to a prohibited person. GunTransfer.com helps Washington buyers and sellers connect and navigate the transfer process efficiently.

Felony convictions
Domestic violence convictions
Restraining orders
Mental health adjudications
Illegal drug use

All firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers in Washington require a WSP background check. Federal minimums apply for dealer purchases: 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns. Washington has no firearm registration.

Who Must Pass a Gun Background Check

Individuals who may be prohibited from possessing firearms include:

If a background check returns a denial, the buyer may appeal through the appropriate agency. Washington prohibits certain categories of persons from possessing firearms under state and federal law, including those convicted of felonies, those convicted of domestic violence offenses, and those subject to qualifying restraining orders — mirroring federal prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Convicted felons
Individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses
Individuals subject to restraining orders
Unlawful users of controlled substances
Individuals adjudicated mentally incompetent

In Washington, all firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers require a WSP background check. After approval, Washington has a 10-day waiting period. Washington has no firearm registration and no requirement to submit any records of private sales to any government agency.

Gun Background Checks When Buying from Dealers

The process generally works as follows:

For dealer sales, once the background check is approved , the firearm may be transferred — Washington has a 10-day waiting period. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law. Washington has no firearm registration and no requirement to report or submit any private sale records to any government agency.

The buyer selects a firearm from a licensed dealer.
The buyer completes ATF Form 4473.
The dealer submits the background check request through the FBI NICS system.
The background check is approved, delayed, or denied.

Licensed firearm dealers in Washington must comply with federal FFL requirements. Dealers contact WSP for every sale. Washington has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity limits beyond federal law, and no state-level dealer licensing beyond the federal FFL.

Washington requires background checks for all private firearm sales — transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer. While Washington law requires this process, GunTransfer.com helps buyers and sellers connect and navigate the dealer transfer process efficiently.

Private Firearm Sales in Washington

For a private firearm sale in Washington, the buyer and seller must meet at a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer conducts the background check and retains ATF Form 4473. GunTransfer.com provides tools to connect Washington buyers and sellers and document every transfer — protecting both parties.

Washington’s firearm transfer framework requires private sales to be processed through a licensed dealer. Relevant statutes include: Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.113; Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.092. Transfers between immediate family members may be exempt — consult the applicable statutes for details.

Because Washington requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed dealer, GunTransfer.com helps Washington buyers and sellers connect, locate an FFL, and understand the transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Washington buyers and sellers in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and statewide navigate every step of the transfer process.

Many Washington firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to connect with buyers or sellers and navigate the state’s required dealer transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Washington residents find licensed dealers, understand the paperwork, and complete every transfer legally and efficiently.

The Washington FBI NICS Background Check System

The FBI NICS system checks multiple databases, including:

When a dealer contacts WSP (handguns) and FBI NICS (long guns), the system returns Proceed, Denied, or Delayed. For a Proceed, Washington has a 10-day waiting period before the firearm may be transferred. For a Delay, the dealer must wait up to 3 business days before a default-proceed may apply. For a Denial, the transfer is prohibited and the buyer may appeal to the appropriate agency.

Criminal history records
Domestic violence records
Restraining order records
Mental health adjudications

Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers.

APPROVED

The buyer is legally eligible to purchase the firearm.

DELAYED

The background check requires additional review.

DENIED

The buyer is legally prohibited from purchasing the firearm.

Waiting Periods in Washington

All buyers in Washington are subject to the 10-day waiting period. Once the background check clears and the waiting period has elapsed, the dealer may transfer the firearm. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law.

If the background check agency does not return a response within 3 business days of a dealer check, the dealer may proceed with the transfer at their discretion under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(1)). Washington trusts its dealers and respects the federal framework.

Firearms purchased online by Washington residents must be shipped to a licensed Washington FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts WSP for a background check. Washington has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity restrictions, and no firearm registration. The federal minimum age of 21 for handguns and 18 for long guns applies to dealer transfers. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase. Washington has a 10-day waiting period after the background check for dealer transfers.

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Online Gun Purchases and Background Checks in Washington

When purchasing a firearm online:

For all buyers, the Washington FFL dealer must complete the background check and any applicable waiting period before releasing the firearm. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase.

The firearm is shipped to a licensed firearm dealer.
The buyer completes the required paperwork.
The buyer must pass the background check.

Federal law regulates firearm purchases across state lines.

Interstate Firearm Purchases in Washington

Washington residents purchasing firearms from out-of-state sellers must have the firearm shipped to a licensed Washington FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts WSP for the background check (or verifies a qualifying Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL)). Washington residents may purchase long guns from dealers in other states if eligible under both states’ laws. Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders may use their permit for reciprocity when traveling to states that honor Washington permits.

Certain firearm purchases are illegal under federal law.

Illegal Firearm Purchases and Straw Purchases

Examples of illegal firearm transactions include:

These types of illegal purchases are commonly known as straw purchases and can result in serious criminal penalties.

Purchasing a firearm for someone who is prohibited from owning one
Falsifying information on firearm purchase forms
Attempting to bypass required background checks

Washington firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to document private transfers and understand their federal obligations. Washington’s gun laws — no registration — reflect the state’s commitment to Second Amendment rights. GunTransfer.com keeps Washington residents in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver informed and protected with every private transfer.

Why Washington Residents Use Gun Transfer

GunTransfer provides a secure system that helps:

Proper documentation is important for every firearm transfer in Washington. GunTransfer.com makes it easy for Washington residents from Seattle to Vancouver and everywhere across the Evergreen State to connect with licensed dealers, document their transfers, and stay protected under both state and federal law.

Document firearm ownership transfers
Record firearm serial numbers
Maintain firearm transaction history
Create proof of private firearm transactions
Promote responsible firearm ownership

Transfers Stopped For Safety Thanks To Gun Transfer!

Responsible Firearm Ownership in Washington

GunTransfer.com helps Washington firearm owners navigate the state’s background check requirements for private sales. Whether you are buying or selling in Washington, GunTransfer.com is the smart choice for every responsible transfer — connecting you with licensed dealers and keeping your documentation complete.

Understanding firearm laws
Ensuring legal firearm transfers
Storing firearms safely
Maintaining documentation of firearm ownership

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do private gun sales require background checks in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed dealer who runs a background check. You cannot complete a private sale directly person-to-person in Washington without going through an FFL. GunTransfer.com can help you connect with a buyer or seller and locate a licensed dealer for the transfer.

Do gun stores require background checks in Washington?

Yes. Licensed dealers in Washington must contact WSP to complete a background check before any sale.

Are there waiting periods for gun purchases in Washington?

Washington requires a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers.

Do online gun purchases require background checks?

Yes, but only through a licensed dealer. Online purchases must be shipped to a licensed Washington FFL dealer who will run a background check through WSP before releasing the firearm to you. A 10-day waiting period applies after the background check clears.

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Washington Gun Law Resources: Washington State Patrol — Concealed Pistol License | Revised Code of Washington § 9.41.113 — Background Checks for Private Sales | ATF — Washington Firearms Laws | FBI NICS — National Instant Criminal Background Check System

See also: Looking for state-by-state requirements? Compare every jurisdiction in our complete State Requirements for Gun Transfers guide (all 50 states + DC).

The bottom line in Washington

A handshake isn’t a transfer.
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