Gun Laws in Washington
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Washington's low score of 25 reflects the state's extensive background check requirements, magazine capacity restrictions, assault weapons regulations, mandatory training requirements, and numerous restrictions on where firearms can be carried.
Washington Gun Laws Summary
Washington has established itself as one of the more restrictive states for gun ownership in the nation. The state has numerous regulations on firearms and ammunition that go well beyond federal requirements, creating additional burdens for law-abiding gun owners.
Washington is a shall-issue state for concealed pistol licenses (CPL). Local law enforcement agencies or the Department of Licensing handle permit issuance, and qualifying applicants must receive their permits unless they are prohibited by law. However, Washington does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state, making it challenging for visitors who wish to carry.
Since July 1, 2023, Washington has implemented extensive new restrictions through HB 1240 and other legislation. The state prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of many semi-automatic rifles deemed "assault weapons," has a 10-round magazine capacity limit, requires mandatory training for concealed carry permits, and mandates universal background checks for all firearm transfers including private sales.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
Washington requires background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, including private sales between individuals. All transfers must be conducted through a federally licensed dealer (FFL) who will run the background check through NICS or the state system.
There is a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period for semi-automatic rifle purchases. Purchasers of semi-automatic rifles must also provide proof of completing a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years. The state maintains records of all handgun and semi-automatic rifle sales.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Washington requires a concealed pistol license (CPL) to carry a concealed handgun. Open carry is legal without a permit for those 21 and older, but local ordinances may restrict open carry in certain areas. Washington does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state.
Concealed carry requires a CPL, which involves a background check, fingerprinting, and as of July 1, 2023, proof of firearms safety training. Numerous locations prohibit carry, including schools, courthouses, jails, mental health facilities, bars (21+ areas), airports, and any place where federal law prohibits firearms. Private property owners may also prohibit firearms on their premises.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Washington bans the sale, manufacture, and import of semi-automatic rifles defined as "assault weapons," which includes most AR-15 style rifles and many other common semi-automatic rifles. The state has a 10-round magazine capacity limit effective July 1, 2022. "Large capacity magazines" over 10 rounds cannot be manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold. NFA items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles/shotguns are legal with federal compliance, but machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986, are prohibited.
Local Laws
Washington has partial preemption of firearms laws. While the state generally preempts local firearm regulations, cities and counties retain some authority to regulate firearms. Local governments can regulate the discharge of firearms, and some cities like Seattle have enacted additional storage requirements and tax ordinances on firearms and ammunition. This creates a complex patchwork of regulations that gun owners must navigate carefully when traveling within the state.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Washington Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
In this piece, we cover the ammunition and firearms laws in Washington State. To be clear, we mean the West Coast state famous for Seattle, not the East Coast district that shares the same name.
Washington’s firearms laws are somewhat restrictive and have gotten more so over recent years, but the state’s rural traditions of hunting and hiking carry through to some less restrictive policies that are still in place today.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 9.41 governs most things firearms and ammunition related in the state, so it is the legal backbone of the discussion here. Luckily, Section 290 of that chapter makes it clear that the firearms laws at the state level are the only ones in the state, as it prohibits localities from making their own firearms laws that are more restrictive than those at the state level.
While this guide should not be considered legal advice, it should serve as a useful starting point for people who are interested in the firearms laws in the State of Washington. In this piece, we’ll start with the laws governing ammunition sales in the state before getting into the laws around firearm sales, carry, and possession. The state’s laws around firearms purchasing are restrictive, but comparatively permissive in terms of both ammunition sales and the carrying of firearms.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Washington
Next, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
Washington’s ammunition sales laws are generally permissive. As long as a buyer is not a prohibited person according to the ATF, they can have ammo shipped to their doors (assuming the buyer is 18 for shotgun and rifle ammunition and 21 for handgun ammunition). Generally, prohibited persons are felons, those who are in the US illegally, or have been deemed mentally unfit by a court.
Things are a little more restrictive on the seller side: Section 41.100 of RCW 9.41 mandates that anyone selling ammunition in the state for business purposes has to be registered with the state Department of Revenue to do so. Many online retailers and all in-state FFLs have registered, but this requirement is one reason that some companies choose not to do business in WA online.
Thus, it’s legal for most people to have ammunition delivered to them in WA as long as they meet the age requirements, though package carriers may well impose additional requirements such as requiring a signature for ammunition deliveries. Overall, Washington is fairly permissive in terms of buying and shipping ammo within the state.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Washington
Buying firearms in Washington presents a pretty stark contrast to the relatively lax ammunition laws in that state. Many of the new, most restrictive changes in Washington gun laws came into effect in April of 2023 with the passage of House Bill 1240. The bill recodifies a pre-existing ban on magazines of greater than 10 rounds (though it does not mandate, for example, that pre-ban magazines be turned in or registered). The main text of the bill is a ban on so-called assault weapons, which has two major components:
The first component of note is a long list of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that is several pages long, banning them by name. This list includes all AR and AK pattern weapons and even some exceptionally rare weapons like the .50 caliber semi-automatic rifles sold by the Barrett company.
Second, and perhaps most restrictive, the bill has a list of features that make a gun an assault weapon, including accessories like vertical foregrips. Some particularly vague language on page 5 of the bill is worth quoting at length here. Some of the things that are banned include:
“A conversion kit, part, or combination of parts, from which an assault weapon can be assembled or from which a firearm can be converted into an assault weapon if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person”
Because of the aforementioned list of features, that bit of text makes it unclear as to whether the mere buying or possession of, for example, a foregrip you could potentially add to an otherwise legal rifle would make it an illegal assault weapon in the state. Many online and in-state retailers are thus stopping the sale of many accessories to the state, as there is not much case law as of the time of this piece’s writing.
Starting on January 1, 2024, a new law will mandate ten-day waiting periods for all firearms transfers in the state. Since the state also requires an FFL to facilitate the transfer of firearms from one person to another in the state, even private party sales will require that same waiting period beginning in 2024.
Carrying firearms in the state is a less convoluted affair. Washington is an open carry state: assuming that a person owns firearms legally, it is generally allowable for them to carry those firearms in public.
For those who would prefer concealed carry, there is a permitting system within the state that has relatively simple paperwork: the application asks for a small fee, a background check, and some fingerprints. There are a few hurdles to actually filling out that application, however.
Since localities handle fingerprinting and background checks, the first thing you have to do to get the permit is to figure out which jurisdiction you live in. The permitting might be at the city police station, county sheriff’s office, or, for out-of-state residents, any of the above. From there, actually setting the appointment to be fingerprinted is more or less up to the whims of whoever does scheduling at the local law enforcement office. Once the appointment takes place, and assuming that the background check goes well, the pistol license is mailed to the applicant’s listed address in about a month.
Whether open carrying or concealed carrying, there are some restrictions on where people can carry firearms in the state. Generally, the following are off limits:
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Court buildings
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Jails
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K-12 schools
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Airport Terminals
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Bars that have over half of their income through alcohol sales
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Mental hospitals
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Law enforcement offices
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At protests or demonstrations
These restrictions are common to even the most permissive states, so Washington is not especially restrictive when it comes to carrying a firearm, and the provision for open carry makes the state among the more permissive in terms of carry. Somewhere greater than 15% of all adults in WA have their concealed carry permits, making the practice quite common in the state. Buying firearms, on the other hand, is more legally difficult in Washington than it is in many other states
Interestingly, Aero Precision, a maker of high-end AR 15 receivers and parts, is located in Washington. They have launched a lawsuit against the state over HB1240: but, as of the writing of this piece, Aero is manufacturing AR15 receivers in the state but cannot sell a single one to a civilian within the state. This shows that the state of firearms law in Washington is very much in flux.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Washington
Washington has a general sales tax of 6.5%, making it one of the highest in the nation to begin with. From there, localities can and do impose separate sales taxes: the state has a tool to look up taxes levied down to the individual address. There is also a .4% Business and Occupation tax for retailers and an $18 fee for any transfer or sale of an assault rifle within the state.
More Resources:
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The ATF has a list of all FFLs in the country, including in Washington. The list is reasonably up to date and, generally, gun stores are Type 1 and 2 FFLs.
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There are a number of well-reviewed gun stores in the state, even in the notoriously anti-gun Puget Sound and Seattle areas.
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The natural beauty of Washington is truly world-class, and the state’s Department of Natural Resources offers several outdoor ranges and lists the rules for shooting on public land in the state.
WaGuns.org is a fairly active forum, where people who are into firearms and shooting share recommendations, meet up with one another, and even help each other figure out what is, and is not, legal under the new assault weapons ban.