A Washington firearm bill of sale, more accurately referred to as a Firearms Transfer Application, is a record of a firearm transfer between a buyer and a seller. All private sales of firearms must be conducted through a licensed dealer and all dealers are required by law to keep a record of the transaction for six (6) years. The form describes the type of firearm being sold and provides information on the dealer and the buyer. By signing the form, the buyer certifies that they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm. The dealer is required to perform a background check on the buyer. The Firearms Transfer Application does not include the sale price, so the buyer and seller may wish to complete the bill of sale as well to keep for their personal records.
- Firearm laws – RCW Title 9, Chapter 9.41
- Background check required? Yes, private firearm sales must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by law to perform a background check on the buyer (RCW 9.41.113(3)(b)).
- Permit required to purchase? For handguns and most long guns, a permit is not required to purchase. However, a new law was enacted in July of 2019 requiring proof of a firearm safety training program when purchasing a semi-automatic rifle (RCW 9.41.090(2)(a)).
Concealed Carry Laws
Statute – RCW 9.41.050 and 9.41.070
A person can carry a concealed firearm only if they have a concealed pistol license (CPL). Unless a person is under twenty-one (21) years old or prohibited from carrying a firearm in accordance with RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045, the state shall issue a CPL within thirty (30) days of the individual filing a license application. A CPL is valid for five (5) years, at which point the licensee will have to renew. To apply for a concealed pistol license, residents must complete the following steps:
- Applications are handled by the local law enforcement agency (LEA) in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants will have to call or visit the LEA website to obtain a Concealed Pistol License Application.
- A valid driver’s license or ID must be presented to the agency.
- LEA will take the applicant’s fingerprints and perform a full background check.
- The applicant must pay the $36 application fee plus any fingerprinting fees (list of firearms license fees).