What Do I Need To Purchase A Gun In Washington?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

What Do I Need to Purchase a Gun in Washington?

The process of purchasing a gun in Washington can be complex and confusing. There are a number of different laws and regulations that you need to be aware of, and it’s important to make sure that you follow all of the necessary steps. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to purchasing a gun in Washington. We will cover everything from the legal requirements to the different types of guns that are available. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the process and be able to make an informed decision about whether or not purchasing a gun is right for you.

Requirement Description Evidence
Be at least 18 years old You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) in Washington. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. Your driver’s license or other government-issued ID
Pass a background check All gun purchases in Washington must be subject to a background check. The background check will be conducted by the Washington State Patrol. Your fingerprints
Complete a firearms safety course You are not required to complete a firearms safety course in order to purchase a gun in Washington. However, many gun dealers will require you to complete a course before they will sell you a gun. A certificate of completion from a firearms safety course

Age Requirements

In Washington, the minimum age to purchase a firearm is 18 years old. This is the same age requirement for purchasing a rifle or shotgun. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, persons under the age of 18 may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. Additionally, persons under the age of 18 may purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer if they have a valid hunting license.

Firearm License

In Washington, a firearm license is required for all purchases except rifles and shotguns. The firearm license application process is relatively straightforward. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must submit a completed application form, a copy of their driver’s license or state ID, and a photograph. Applicants must also pass a background check. The firearm license is valid for five years.

Types of Firearm Licenses

There are two types of firearm licenses in Washington: a basic firearm license and an enhanced firearm license. The basic firearm license allows the holder to purchase, possess, and transport rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The enhanced firearm license allows the holder to purchase, possess, and transport all types of firearms, including assault weapons and machine guns.

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How to Get a Firearm License

To get a firearm license in Washington, you must submit a completed application form, a copy of your driver’s license or state ID, and a photograph. You must also pass a background check. The firearm license is valid for five years.

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Firearm License Fees

The fee for a basic firearm license is $30. The fee for an enhanced firearm license is $100.

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Firearm License Renewal

Firearm licenses must be renewed every five years. To renew your firearm license, you must submit a completed renewal application form, a copy of your driver’s license or state ID, and a photograph. You must also pass a background check.

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Firearm License Restrictions

There are a number of restrictions on who can own a firearm in Washington. These restrictions include:

  • Persons convicted of a felony or a domestic violence crime are prohibited from owning a firearm.
  • Persons who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are prohibited from owning a firearm.
  • Persons who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent are prohibited from owning a firearm.
  • Persons who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution are prohibited from owning a firearm.

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Purchasing a firearm in Washington is a serious responsibility. It is important to understand the age requirements, firearm license requirements, and other restrictions before you buy a gun. If you have any questions, you should contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

3. Background Check

All gun purchases in Washington state are subject to a background check. This check is conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and is designed to ensure that people who are prohibited from owning guns are not able to do so.

The background check includes a review of the following information:

  • Your criminal history
  • Your mental health history
  • Your history of domestic violence
  • Your drug use history

If you have any of the following, you will be prohibited from purchasing a gun in Washington state:

  • A felony conviction
  • A domestic violence conviction
  • A restraining order against you
  • A history of mental illness
  • A history of drug abuse

If you are not prohibited from owning a gun, the background check will take about 30 days to complete. Once the check is complete, you will be able to pick up your gun from the dealer.

4. Storage Requirements

In addition to the background check, Washington state also has strict storage requirements for guns. These requirements are designed to prevent children and unauthorized people from accessing guns.

The storage requirements for guns in Washington state are as follows:

  • Guns must be stored unloaded
  • Guns must be stored in a locked container
  • Guns must be stored in a place that is inaccessible to children

If you do not comply with the storage requirements, you could be charged with a crime.

Purchasing a gun in Washington state is a serious responsibility. By understanding the requirements and following the law, you can help to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them.

If you have any questions about the gun laws in Washington state, you can contact the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The WSP can be reached at (360) 753-3000.

What Do I Need To Purchase A Gun In Washington?

  • A valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card.
  • Proof of age. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun and 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
  • A completed firearms purchase application (Form 4473).
  • A background check. The seller must conduct a background check on you through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • The purchase price of the gun.
  • A transfer fee. The seller may charge a fee for transferring the gun to you.

What are the specific requirements for purchasing a handgun in Washington?

In addition to the general requirements listed above, you must also meet the following specific requirements to purchase a handgun in Washington:

  • You must have a Washington state concealed pistol license (CPL).
  • You must have completed a firearms safety course approved by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • You must not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal prison for more than one year.
  • You must not be a fugitive from justice.
  • You must not be an illegal alien.
  • You must not be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
  • You must not be mentally ill.

What are the specific requirements for purchasing a long gun in Washington?

In addition to the general requirements listed above, you must also meet the following specific requirements to purchase a long gun in Washington:

  • You must not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal prison for more than one year.
  • You must not be a fugitive from justice.
  • You must not be an illegal alien.
  • You must not be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
  • You must not be mentally ill.

Where can I purchase a gun in Washington?

You can purchase a gun from a licensed gun dealer in Washington. You can find a list of licensed gun dealers in Washington on the website of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

What are the laws regarding open carry in Washington?

Open carry is legal in Washington for people who are 18 years of age or older and who have a valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card. However, there are some restrictions on open carry. For example, you cannot open carry a gun in a school, government building, or place of worship. You also cannot open carry a gun while intoxicated.

What are the laws regarding concealed carry in Washington?

Concealed carry is legal in Washington for people who have a Washington state concealed pistol license (CPL). To get a CPL, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card, and meet the other requirements listed above.

What are the penalties for illegally possessing a gun in Washington?

The penalties for illegally possessing a gun in Washington vary depending on the type of gun and the circumstances of the offense. For example, the penalties for illegally possessing a handgun are more severe than the penalties for illegally possessing a long gun.

Where can I get more information about gun laws in Washington?

You can get more information about gun laws in Washington from the following sources:

  • The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife: [https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/firearms/](https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/firearms/)
  • The National Rifle Association: [https://www.nra.org/](https://www.nra.org/)
  • The National Shooting Sports Foundation: [https://www.nssf.org/](https://www.nssf.org/)

    purchasing a gun in Washington is a serious undertaking. There are a number of steps involved, and it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in place. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are legally and safely able to purchase a gun in Washington.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun in Washington.
  • You must have a valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card.
  • You must pass a background check.
  • You must complete a firearms safety course.
  • You must purchase your gun from a licensed dealer.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that you are a responsible gun owner and that you are keeping yourself and others safe.

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