Selling your firearm checklist
This is a practical checklist for a compliant transfer. If anything feels unclear or high-risk, using a licensed dealer is the simplest way to ensure the transfer is correctly documented and legally compliant.
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1
Confirm the transfer must go through a licensed dealer.
In Washington, nearly all firearm sales—including private party transfers—must be processed by a licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Informal or undocumented private sales are not permitted.
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2
Bring the firearm and required identification to the dealer.
Both buyer and seller must appear at the Washington FFL with valid government-issued photo ID. The dealer verifies identity, residency and eligibility.
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3
Complete the background check process.
The dealer submits the background check through the appropriate system, which may include state-level review depending on the firearm type.
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4
Observe any applicable waiting periods.
Certain firearms, including semiautomatic rifles, are subject to mandatory waiting periods in Washington. The firearm cannot be released until all requirements are satisfied.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com simplifies the process by handling compliance, shipping and documentation without the uncertainty of private meetups.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Washington
Washington requires background checks for most firearm transfers, including many private sales. Dealer processing and state requirements can add time and complexity compared to a simple private transaction.
If any part of the buyer’s eligibility or the firearm type is unclear, route the transfer through a licensed dealer and confirm details using the official links below.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Washington requires background checks for most firearm sales and transfers, including many private transfers, by routing the transfer through a dealer. |
| Waiting period | YES (common) | Transfers are not completed until the background check is approved and dealer delivery requirements are met. Expect delays depending on firearm type and processing. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate transfers are prohibited. Firearms must be transferred through FFLs in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s home state rules. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Federal minimums apply (18+ long guns, 21+ handguns). Washington also restricts purchase of certain firearms by persons under 21. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Private transfers generally must be processed through a dealer and follow the same eligibility and age rules enforced for dealer deliveries. |
| Bill of sale | Dealer-handled | Dealer processing and required records typically replace a traditional private bill of sale. Keep your own documentation for your files. |
State law details
Understanding Washington firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Washington firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Washington firearm transfers are not a casual exchange in many scenarios. Dealer processing is commonly required, which means identity and eligibility documentation matter. Plan for dealer intake, ID checks, and transaction records.
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID for dealer processing
- If the dealer requires additional documentation to confirm eligibility, do not proceed until it is resolved
- Keep your own record of the transfer details (make, model, serial, date) for your files
- RCW 9.41.090 - Dealer deliveries and conditions for transferring a firearm
Background checks & dealer processing
Washington generally requires background checks for firearm sales and transfers by routing the transfer through a licensed dealer. Treat most private sales as dealer-facilitated unless a narrow statutory exception clearly applies.
- Many private transfers must be processed through a dealer
- The dealer completes required background check steps before delivery
- If the buyer’s eligibility is uncertain, stop the transaction or use a dealer who can verify compliance
- RCW 9.41.113 - Firearm sales or transfers and background check requirements
Age & eligibility
Washington applies both federal age rules for dealer sales and additional state restrictions for certain firearms. If you are not fully confident the buyer meets the required age and eligibility rules for the firearm type, do not proceed.
- Dealers enforce federal age minimums and eligibility checks
- Washington restricts purchase of certain firearms by persons under 21
- When age or eligibility is unclear, route the transfer through a dealer and confirm before proceeding
- RCW 9.41.240 - Restrictions on possession or purchase of certain firearms by persons under 21
Waiting periods
Washington does not treat every transfer as an instant transaction. Dealer delivery rules and background check processing can create a practical waiting period. If timing matters, plan for delays and follow dealer instructions closely.
- Delivery cannot occur until required background check steps are completed
- Processing time varies by dealer, agency response, and firearm type
- Delays are common when paperwork is incomplete or eligibility is unclear
- RCW 9.41.090 - Dealer delivery timing and conditions for releasing a firearm
Prohibited persons
Federal law sets baseline prohibited-person rules and Washington adds state-level restrictions. For private sellers, your risk increases if you ignore red flags or proceed when you reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited.
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags include refusal to provide ID, urgency to bypass the dealer, or evasive answers about residency or eligibility
- If anything feels off, stop the transaction or route it through a licensed dealer
- RCW 9.41.040 - Unlawful possession of firearms and prohibited persons
Avoid background check delays and transfer friction
Washington requires nearly all firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer with background checks and waiting periods. Private sales often stall due to dealer availability or approval delays. Selling directly to a licensed buyer removes uncertainty and streamlines compliance.
We’ve purchased over 220 firearms from Washington sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Washington residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
Local ordinances, city rules and county policies
In Washington, the core rules for selling and transferring firearms are set by state and federal law, including background-check and dealer-processing requirements. Local ordinances still matter for practical logistics like where you meet, where firearms can be carried, and rules tied to locally owned property or facilities.
- Public property and facility rules: Cities and counties can set policies for buildings and facilities they operate, including screening requirements, posted restrictions, or rules about bringing firearms onto local property.
- Discharge regulations and safety zones: Local governments often regulate firearm discharge within city limits or in designated areas. This does not change transfer legality but can affect where you meet or how you transport a firearm for a sale.
- Local process friction: Even when the law is statewide, local logistics can create friction, like limited dealer availability in certain areas, appointment bottlenecks, or extra documentation preferences by specific dealers.
Local rules usually do not change whether a firearm can be transferred, but they can impact how smooth the process feels. If you want to reduce risk and avoid logistical surprises, use a licensed buyer and follow a documented, dealer-supported transfer process.