Legal Guides Washington
Published: February 11, 2026| Last legal review: Oct 2026 · Reviewed by Chris Wing
How to Sell a Gun in Washington Legally
Selling a firearm in Washington requires compliance with universal background check laws and mandatory dealer involvement. Nearly all firearm transfers must follow Washington’s regulated transfer process.
From Initiative 594 and I-1639 requirements to dealer processing and state background checks, Washington law leaves little room for informal firearm sales. Understanding these rules upfront helps avoid delays, denials and legal exposure.
How to sell a gun in Washington legally: quick steps
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Choose a private sale or an FFL transfer. Decide whether to sell privately to an eligible Washington resident or transfer through a licensed dealer (FFL). The state law table below shows what Washington requires. Details
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Handle the background check. Washington requires background checks for most firearm sales and transfers, including many private transfers, by routing the transfer through a dealer. Details
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Complete the paperwork and bill of sale. Dealer processing and required records typically replace a traditional private bill of sale. Keep your own documentation for your files. Details
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Shipping and out-of-state buyers. Private interstate transfers are prohibited. Firearms must be transferred through FFLs in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s home state rules. Details
Federal age update (as of Oct 2026): On Sep 17, 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice said it will not criminally enforce the federal 21+ age limit on licensed-dealer handgun sales to law-abiding 18–20-year-olds. The federal statute (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)) is unchanged, and state age limits still apply. DOJ announcement
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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.
Washington requires a 10-business-day wait for all firearm transfers, including private sales through a dealer, and the buyer must show proof of safety training (RCW 9.41.092). The firearm cannot be released until all requirements are satisfied.
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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.
Last legal review: Oct 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 (10 business days) | 10 business days for all firearm transfers, including private sales through a dealer, plus proof of safety training (RCW 9.41.092, since Jan 1 2024). Permit to purchase scheduled from May 1 2027 (HB 1163). |
| Assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds | Sale banned (possession allowed) | Washington bans the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of listed assault weapons (RCW 9.41.390, effective Apr 25 2023) and of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (RCW 9.41.370, effective Jul 1 2022). Possessing ones you already own is not banned. You may sell them to a licensed dealer or a buyer in another state where they are legal, not to a Washington resident. The magazine ban was upheld by the Washington Supreme Court (May 8, 2025). A petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review it is pending. No court has blocked the AWB; federal challenges such as Hartford v. Ferguson and Banta v. Ferguson are pending. |
| 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
Since Jan 1 2024, Washington requires a 10-business-day waiting period for all firearm transfers, including private sales processed through a dealer, and the buyer must show proof of safety training (RCW 9.41.092, HB 1143). Coming next: a permit to purchase (HB 1163) is scheduled to take effect May 1 2027.
- 10 business days for all firearms, plus proof of safety training
- Permit to purchase scheduled from May 1 2027
- 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 9.41.092 - 10-business-day waiting period and training requirement for all firearm transfers
- HB 1163 (2025 session law) - Permit to purchase, effective May 1 2027
- 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
Official & trusted resources
- U.S. Supreme Court docket 25-153 (Gator's Custom Guns petition)
- RCW 9.41.390 — Assault weapons
- RCW 9.41.370 — Large capacity magazines
- Washington Supreme Court — State v. Gator's Custom Guns (May 8 2025)
- RCW 9.41.092 — 10-business-day wait and training
- HB 1163 — permit to purchase (May 1 2027)
- Washington Legislature — RCW Chapter 9.41 (Firearms and dangerous weapons)
- Washington Attorney General — Firearms and gun laws (news and guidance)
- ATF — State Laws and Published Ordinances (Washington)
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 335 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is selling my firearm to WeBuyGuns.com legal in Washington?
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Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us. If the process seems daunting, just give us a call and we'll walk you through it.
- What if I inherited firearms and don’t know much about them?
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Inherited firearms are common. You can start by sending photos or a simple list of items and we’ll help identify what you have, explain what affects value and guide you through the next steps before anything is shipped.
- Can I sell a firearm I do not have the original box or paperwork?
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Yes. In most cases we only need clear photos and accurate details so we can make a documented offer. If anything else is needed, we will tell you during the review.
- How long are offers good for?
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Offers are valid for 14 days.
- Does We Buy Guns purchase gun collections or inherited estates?
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Yes. We frequently assist with firearm collections and inherited estates. After submitting one firearm you can add additional items from your user panel, or contact us directly for larger collections.
You can find additional guidance in our Estate Firearms Resource Center which includes resources for executors and families handling firearms in an estate.
- Can I sell a firearm privately in Washington?
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Not directly. Washington law requires nearly all firearm sales, including private party transfers, to be processed through a licensed firearms dealer (FFL). The dealer conducts the required background check before the transfer can be completed.
- Do private gun sales in Washington require a background check?
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Yes. Washington enforces universal background checks. All firearm transfers must go through a licensed dealer, who submits the background check through the appropriate state or federal system.
- Is there a waiting period when selling a firearm in Washington?
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Yes. Since Jan 1 2024, Washington requires a 10-business-day waiting period for all firearm transfers, including private sales processed through a dealer, plus proof of safety training (RCW 9.41.092). A permit-to-purchase requirement (HB 1163) is scheduled to start May 1 2027.
- Can I sell a firearm to someone who lives out of state?
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No. Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited. Firearms must be transferred through licensed dealers in compliance with both federal law and the buyer’s home state requirements.
- What if I inherited a firearm in Washington?
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Inherited firearms are common in Washington, but transfers are still regulated. Some transfers may qualify for limited exceptions, but many still require dealer involvement. Using an FFL ensures proper documentation and compliance.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment and consult official resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.