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Private Gun Sale Laws in Washington
Washington regulates private firearm sales between individuals. Whether you’re selling from your personal collection, buying a used firearm, or transferring to a family member, this guide explains exactly what Washington law requires.
This 2026 guide covers private gun sale laws in Washington, who can legally sell and buy, what steps to follow, and how GunTransfer protects both parties with a full background check and bill of sale.
Washington Private Gun Sale Laws — Quick Overview
- Are private gun sales legal in Washington?
- Do private gun sales require a background check in Washington?
- Do I need an FFL dealer for a private sale in Washington?
- Is a bill of sale required for a private gun sale in Washington?
- What steps should buyers and sellers follow?
Washington Private Gun Sale Laws
Washington requires all private firearm transfers to go through a licensed FFL dealer for a full background check. A waiting period of 10 business days for all firearm purchases. Use GunTransfer to document every transfer.
Private Sales: Must go through a licensed FFL dealer — direct private transfers not permitted
Background Check: Required for ALL transfers — must go through a licensed FFL dealer
FFL Dealer Required: Yes — all private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer in Washington
Permit to Purchase: None — Washington requires no permit to buy or sell a firearm privately
Waiting Period: 10 business days for all firearm purchases
Registration: Required — all firearms must be registered as required by Washington law
Age — Private Sales: 21+ for all private firearm transfers (handguns and long guns) per federal law
Age — Dealer Sales: 21+ for handguns; 21+ for rifles and shotguns from a licensed FFL dealer
Key Law: RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq.
Bill of Sale: Not legally required — GunTransfer generates one and runs a full background check on the buyer
START YOUR TRANSFER NOW- Whether private gun sales are legal in Washington
- Background check and FFL requirements
- Who cannot legally possess or receive a firearm
- Age requirements, waiting periods, and registration rules
- Step-by-step guides for both buyers and sellers
- Liability risks and how GunTransfer eliminates them
Table of Contents
Are Private Gun Sales Legal in Washington?
Quick Answers About Washington Private Gun Sales
Liability When Selling a Gun Privately
How GunTransfer Keeps You Safe
Do Private Sales Require Background Checks?
Do Private Sales Require an FFL?
Who Cannot Legally Possess a Firearm?
Age Requirements for Firearm Ownership
Waiting Periods in Washington
Firearm Registration in Washington
How to Sell a Gun Privately in Washington
How to Buy a Gun Privately in Washington
Risks of Informal Private Gun Sales
Why Many Washington Gun Owners Use GunTransfer
FAQ — Private Gun Sale Laws in Washington
Are Private Gun Sales Legal in Washington?
Private gun sales are permitted in Washington, but with important requirements. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a full background check. Direct person-to-person transfers without a dealer are not legal in Washington. See RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq..
Both buyers and sellers must ensure all transfers comply with Washington state law. GunTransfer provides a full background check and complete bill of sale for every transaction.
- All transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer in Washington
- A waiting period of 10 business days for all firearm purchases applies
- Firearms must be registered with Washington authorities
- Assault weapons cannot be transferred or sold in Washington
GunTransfer performs a full background check on every buyer and generates a complete bill of sale — providing documentation that protects both parties in every Washington private gun sale.
Quick Answers About Washington Private Gun Sales
Here are quick, direct answers to the most common questions about private gun sales in Washington.
- Yes, but Washington has additional requirements. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a full background check. Direct private transfers are not permitted.
- Yes — required in Washington. All private transfers must include a background check through a licensed FFL dealer. GunTransfer also performs its own full background check on every buyer.
- No — not directly. Under federal law, a handgun sale to an out-of-state buyer must go through a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. Online purchases must ship to a local FFL dealer.
- Yes — required and strongly recommended. The FFL dealer retains required records. A GunTransfer bill of sale adds additional documentation protecting both parties.
GunTransfer provides the full background check and bill of sale that makes every private gun sale in Washington complete, documented, and legally protected.
Liability When Selling a Gun Privately in Washington
Even in a regulated state like Washington, private firearm sales carry legal responsibilities. Sellers must still follow federal law and RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq. to avoid criminal or civil liability.
- Verify the buyer is legally eligible to own a firearm
- Confirm the buyer is a Washington resident for in-state private sales
- Ask to see a valid government-issued photo ID
- Understand Washington and federal firearm transfer laws
- Use GunTransfer to run a full background check and document the transfer
- Meet the buyer in a safe public location
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, do not proceed
- Don't sell a firearm to someone you believe is prohibited from owning firearms
- Don't participate in straw purchases — ever
- Don't transfer a firearm to someone from another state without using a licensed FFL dealer
- Don't skip the FFL dealer requirement — it's mandatory in Washington
- Don't skip verifying the buyer's identity and eligibility
- Don't rush the firearm transaction
- Don't transfer a firearm if you suspect illegal activity
Selling a firearm privately in Washington carries legal responsibilities. Sellers must follow both federal law and Washington state law to avoid criminal or civil liability.
GunTransfer handles the full background check and generates a complete bill of sale — making every Washington private gun sale legally documented and responsible.
How GunTransfer Keeps You Safe
Stay compliant, protected, and organized with every firearm transfer.
Do Private Gun Sales Require Background Checks in Washington?
Yes — Washington requires background checks for all private firearm sales. All transfers, including private sales, must go through a licensed FFL dealer who conducts the background check.
Washington law requires that private firearm transfers are processed through a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer conducts the required background check as part of the transfer process. Completing a direct private transfer without a dealer is a violation of Washington law.
GunTransfer performs its own full background check on every buyer in addition to the FFL dealer’s check, and generates a complete bill of sale documenting both parties, the firearm details, and the transfer date. This gives both buyer and seller a permanent record of the legal transfer.
Always use a licensed FFL dealer for private transfers in Washington — and use GunTransfer to generate the bill of sale that documents every detail of the transaction for both parties.
Do Private Gun Sales Require an FFL in Washington?
Yes — all private firearm transfers in Washington must involve a licensed FFL dealer. Direct person-to-person transfers without a dealer are not permitted under Washington law.
For any private transfer in Washington, both parties must meet at a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer:
- Conducts the required background check
- Completes the required transfer paperwork
- Maintains the required records of the transfer
GunTransfer generates a complete bill of sale for the transaction — giving both buyer and seller a permanent, documented record of the Washington transfer in addition to the FFL dealer’s required paperwork.
Who Cannot Legally Possess a Firearm in Washington?
Both federal and Washington state law prohibit specific categories of people from possessing, purchasing, or receiving firearms. A Washington private seller who knowingly transfers a firearm to any of these individuals commits a serious federal crime — punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d).
- Convicted felons — any crime punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment
- Persons convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors
- Persons subject to qualifying domestic violence restraining orders
- Unlawful users of or persons addicted to controlled substances
- Persons adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- Illegal aliens and persons who have renounced U.S. citizenship
- Persons dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
- Fugitives from justice
- Washington state law: 21+ minimum age for ALL firearms — both handguns and long guns
GunTransfer performs a full background check on every buyer and generates a bill of sale that includes a signed buyer eligibility acknowledgment. If a buyer is prohibited, the check fails and the transfer stops — protecting the seller completely.
We handle the legal part for you.
Washington requires a licensed dealer for private transfers. We route you to a local FFL at no markup and handle the bill of sale and permanent records for you. Flat $50.
Age Requirements for Firearm Ownership in Washington
The minimum age for a private firearm transfer in Washington is 21 for all firearms. For dealer sales: 21+ for handguns and 21+ for rifles and shotguns — set by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922).
- 21 years old — minimum to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer
- 21 years old — minimum to purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed FFL dealer
- 21 years old — minimum for ALL private firearm transfers
Washington sets a higher minimum age of 21 for all private firearm transfers. It is illegal to sell or transfer any firearm to anyone under 21.
GunTransfer’s bill of sale captures the buyer’s date of birth in every transaction — giving sellers permanent documentation that the buyer met the minimum age requirement at the time of transfer.
Waiting Periods in Washington
Washington requires a waiting period of 10 business days for all firearm purchases. The buyer cannot take possession of the firearm until this waiting period has elapsed after the transfer is approved.
Use the waiting period to complete all GunTransfer documentation — the full background check and bill of sale will be ready before the waiting period ends, so both parties have complete records of the transfer.
Firearm Registration in Washington
Washington requires firearm registration. All firearms must be registered with the appropriate Washington authority as required by Washington law.
New owners must register the transferred firearm as required by Washington law following the transfer. GunTransfer’s bill of sale documents the transfer date and all required details, supporting the registration process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell a Gun Privately in Washington
Selling a firearm privately in Washington requires following specific legal steps. Responsible sellers follow these steps to protect themselves legally and document the transfer properly.
1
Confirm Ownership and Firearm Legality
Confirm the firearm legally belongs to you and was obtained lawfully. Verify the serial number is intact — a defaced serial number is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 922(k). Confirm the firearm is not stolen.
2
Confirm the Buyer Is Eligible
Request a valid government-issued photo ID and confirm the buyer is at least 21. Use GunTransfer to run a full background check on the buyer before completing the sale. Never transfer to someone you believe may be a prohibited person.
3
Agree on Terms and Inspect the Firearm
Agree on price, condition, and transfer location. Both parties should inspect the firearm together — confirming make, model, caliber, and serial number. Document condition details in the GunTransfer bill of sale.
4
Document the Transfer with GunTransfer
Use GunTransfer.com to generate the bill of sale. GunTransfer runs the full background check, records both parties’ information, captures the firearm serial number and description, documents the sale price and transfer date, and produces a signed record. Both parties receive a copy — keep yours permanently.
5
Hand Over the Firearm Safely
Transfer the firearm unloaded. Confirm the serial number on the physical firearm matches your GunTransfer bill of sale. Your signed bill of sale is your permanent, dated proof that the firearm legally left your possession.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy a Gun Privately in Washington
Buying a firearm privately in Washington requires following specific Washington state law requirements. Follow these steps to protect yourself and complete the purchase legally.
Confirm Your Legal Eligibility
Confirm you are legally eligible to possess firearms under federal and Washington law. You must be at least 21 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and not a prohibited person. You must also hold a valid required state permit in Washington.
Inspect the Firearm Thoroughly
Inspect the firearm carefully. Confirm the make, model, caliber, and that the serial number is present and intact. Check mechanical function and overall condition. Request any available documentation — prior bills of sale or service records.
Use GunTransfer to Document the Transfer
Request that the seller use GunTransfer.com to complete the transfer. GunTransfer runs a full background check confirming your eligibility and generates a bill of sale both parties sign. Your signed copy is permanent proof of legal ownership as of the transfer date.
Take Possession Safely
Accept the firearm unloaded. Confirm the serial number matches your GunTransfer bill of sale. Store your bill of sale with your important documents — it is your proof of legal ownership if the firearm is ever questioned.
Risks of Informal Private Gun Sales
Private firearm sales in Washington are permitted with requirements — but undocumented “handshake” transactions leave both parties exposed in ways most sellers don’t appreciate until something goes wrong.
- No proof the firearm left your possession — if the gun is later used in a crime or reported stolen, law enforcement may contact you with no way to prove you sold it
- Unknown buyer eligibility — without a background check, you can't confirm the buyer isn't a prohibited person; selling to one (even unknowingly) can trigger a federal investigation under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)
- Disputed terms — no written record of price, condition, or serial number creates risk of fraud disputes
- No transfer date on record — without documentation, extremely difficult to prove when the firearm changed hands if it's later tied to an incident
GunTransfer eliminates every one of these risks. The background check confirms buyer eligibility. The bill of sale documents the exact transfer date, firearm serial number, buyer and seller details, and a signed buyer eligibility acknowledgment. The whole process takes minutes.
Why Many Washington Gun Owners Use GunTransfer
Thousands of responsible Washington gun owners use GunTransfer for every private transaction — for one simple reason: protection.
GunTransfer.com is a firearm documentation platform — not a marketplace. It provides two services that make every private transaction legally sound:
- Full background check on the buyer — if the buyer is a prohibited person, the check fails and the transfer stops
- Legally sound bill of sale — documents both parties, the firearm serial number and description, sale price, transfer date, and a signed buyer eligibility acknowledgment
- Permanent proof of transfer — your signed copy proves the firearm left your possession on a specific date
- No dealer required — complete the entire process without visiting a gun store or paying dealer fees
- Completed in minutes — background checks typically clear quickly, not days
GunTransfer is the responsible standard for private gun sales in Washington — whether you’re selling a single firearm or documenting a transfer to a family member.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Are private gun sales legal in Washington?
Private gun sales are permitted in Washington, but all private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a full background check. Direct person-to-person transfers without a dealer are not legal in Washington. See RCW § 9.41.113 (universal background checks); RCW § 9.41.220 (assault weapons); RCW § 9.41.010 et seq..
Do private gun sales require a background check in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a background check for all private firearm transfers. The transfer must go through a licensed FFL dealer. GunTransfer also performs its own full background check on every buyer and generates a complete bill of sale documenting the transaction.
Do I need an FFL dealer for a private gun sale in Washington?
Yes. In Washington, all private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer. GunTransfer works alongside this process to provide a full background check and generate a complete bill of sale for both parties.
Is a bill of sale required for a private gun sale in Washington?
Washington requires FFL records for all a bill of sale for private gun sales. However, a GunTransfer bill of sale is strongly recommended — it documents when the firearm left your possession, buyer eligibility, and the firearm’s serial number, protecting you if the firearm is ever traced to an incident after your sale.
Can you gift a firearm in Washington?
Yes. Firearms may be gifted in Washington when the recipient is legally eligible and at least 21 years old. Use GunTransfer to document a gift transfer even when no money changes hands — the documentation protects both parties.
What is the minimum age for a private gun sale in Washington?
21 years old for all private firearm transfers — handguns and long guns alike. This minimum is set by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922). For dealer sales: 21+ for handguns, 21+ for long guns.
Ready to Transfer ?
Washington Private Gun Sale Law Resources: RCW 9.41 — Firearms | ATF — Identifying Prohibited Persons | ATF — Interstate Transfer Rules | 18 U.S.C. § 922 — Federal Firearms Law | Giffords — Washington Gun Laws
A handshake isn’t a transfer.
Make it legal.
In Washington, the seller carries the federal liability. One undocumented sale to the wrong person is the difference between a clean record and 18 U.S.C. § 922(d). For \$50, you get proof you did it right.
- Real background check on the buyerMulti-source federal, state & county criminal + sex-offender records.
- Official bill of sale, signed by both partiesElectronic. Documented to hold up in court.
- Lifetime digital records in your Gun VaultPull them 5, 10, 20 years from now.
- Routed to a local licensed dealer — no markupWashington requires an FFL; we handle the paperwork and records.
I almost burned half a Saturday driving to a gun shop. Instead I did it from my phone for fifty bucks.— Brandon T., verified seller
Secure checkout · No FFL markup · No range fees · Flat $50 every time.
