Faq’s

Q. What disqualifies you from buying a gun in Washington State?

A. Generally these are the following rules that disqualify someone from owning a gun in WA State:

• 1. 1. Found culpable or acquitted by reason of insanity for a serious offense; 
  2. 2. Found guilty of various misdemeanors including stalking, cyberstalking, and unlawful firearm handling, among others, within a specified timeframe;
  3. 3. Violated court orders pertaining to surrendering weapons or protection orders, post a defined date;
  4. 4. Convicted of specific domestic violence offenses or subject to certain restraining orders;
  5. 5. Underwent involuntary mental health treatment as per outlined statutes without subsequent firearm possession rights restoration;
  6. 6. Had felony charges dismissed due to incompetency findings by the court;
  7. 7. Had non-felony, significant charges dropped due to incompetency with a court-established history of violent behavior;
  8. 8. Detained for seventy-two-hour evaluation and treatment based on potential harm likelihood, without subsequent involuntary commitment (with a six-month prohibition);
  9. 9. Below 18 years of age, with exceptions detailed in the Washington Minimum Age guidelines;
  10. 10. Released on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a “serious offense.”
• Q. Do I need a permit to purchase a firearm in Washington State?
  A. As of Feb 2025, no, Washington State does not require a permit to purchase a firearm. However, background checks are required for all firearm sales, including private transactions.  The process is actually quite simple for FFLs, like ours, who do it all the time. We’ll walk you through it. 
•  
• Q. Can I buy a handgun from a private seller without a background check in Washington?
  No, in Washington State, all firearm sales, including private sales, require a background check conducted by a licensed firearms dealer.
• Exception: The WA Attorney General says direct family members can give each without any background check needed. There are certain rules you’ll need to follow, like it has to be a legit gift and if your family member is a felon… well then you’re not allowed to give him or her a gun.
•  
• Q. What is the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Washington State?
  The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a licensed firearms dealer is 21 years old. 
• Rifles and shotguns can be purchased by individuals aged 18 and above.
•  
• Q. Am I required to register my firearms in Washington State?
  No, Washington State does not have a firearm registration requirement for most types of firearms, as this has been deemed unconstitutional. Legally all background checks are purged from government databases within a certain amount of time. Do note certain cities and States may have their own registration ordinances, such as Hawaii for example.
•  
• Q. Can I carry a concealed firearm in Washington State?
  Yes, Washington is a “shall-issue” state for concealed carry permits. You must apply to your local law enforcement agency for a concealed pistol license (CPL), which requires completion of a firearms safety training course among other requirements. 
•  
• Q. Are there any places where carrying firearms is prohibited in Washington State?
  Yes, firearms are generally prohibited in certain places such as schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and areas with signs indicating firearms restrictions. Private property owners may also prohibit firearms on their premises, but signage has to be posted visibly. 
•  
• Q. Do I need to complete a background check to borrow a firearm in Washington State?
  Yes, anyone who borrows a firearm from someone who is not an immediate family member must undergo a background check conducted by a licensed firearms dealer (FFL).
•  
• Q. Can I purchase a firearm if I have a misdemeanor on my record in Washington State?
  A. It depends on the nature of the misdemeanor. Certain misdemeanor convictions, such as domestic violence offenses, can prohibit you from purchasing or possessing firearms.
•  
• Q. What is the waiting period for purchasing a firearm in Washington State?
  A. There is a mandatory 10 business day waiting period for purchasing firearms in Washington State.  Most background checks come back in less than 24 hours, but new laws still require customers to wait… even if it’s proven they are law-abiding citizens.

  Q. Do bad guys who break the law generally wait for 10 business days when buying a gun? 
  A. No. They’re criminals. That’s what they do. The only ones following the laws are good guys. 

•  
• Q. Can I openly carry a firearm in Washington State?
  A. Yes, Washington State allows open carry of firearms for individuals who are legally allowed to possess firearms. However, local ordinances and locations (e.g. State buildings, bars, etc) may restrict open carry in certain areas, so it’s important to check local laws.
• 
  Q. Can a felon own a Byrna gun in Washington state?
  A. Yep. 
  
  Q. Can you still buy AR-15 in Washington?
  A. Generally speaking, no. Mainl because they call it an “assault weapon” and those are banned in Washington.  There are certain exceptions, such as if it’s a duty weapon (police, military) or if it’s a bolt action AR-15, then it wouldn’t be a semi-auto and it wouldn’t fall under the definition of an “Assault Weapon.” Also if it’s a .22 caliber, then it’s not an “assault weapon,” so you can get a 22 AR-15, if a FFLs are willing to sell it. (some steer clear of all “AR” platforms)
  
  Q. Can I carry a gun without a permit in Washington?
  A. Generally, yes. As long as it’s open carry and you’re not carrying it in restricted places (e.g. jails, bars, courthouses). There are some other exceptions, such as if you’re a felon. But if you’re a law abiding citizen with a clean record, generally you can carry a gun on your belt, just like hunters do. No licenses needed. 
  
  Q. What background checks are needed to buy a gun?
  A. An FFL, like Happy Guns, will run your information and the serial # of the gun through the Washington State Patrol (WSP). If your background check comes back as clean, the gun is yours. You just need to wait the inconvenient 10 business day waiting period (even if your background check comes back as clean in just 60 minutes, they still require you to wait). 
• 
  Q. How long does it take to get a firearms license in WA?
  A. Washington does not require a “firearm license.” Your right to own a gun is called the 2nd Amendment. Now if we’re talking about concealed carry licenses (CPLs), the time can vary dramatically depending on whether it’s election season or not. Some get theirs in as little as 6 weeks. For others it can take 6 months. 

Updated Feb 16, 2025 – Be sure to check with your FFL as WA State laws tend to change nearly weekly. You can text our Enumclaw FFL at 657-229-5665 if you’re interested in buying a gun online and it transferred to a registered gun shop. We’d be happy to conduct all the background check(s) and get you going on all the proper paperwork. (e.g. ATF Form 4473)