Ready to purchase your first firearm in WA?

Wanting to purchase your first firearm in the state of Washington? Follow these few steps and you shouldn’t have any hiccups.

What you will need:

  • Valid drivers license or photo ID with current address.

    • You will need to have a valid Washington state address and matching ID. If you have moved to Washington from another state, click here for instructions on how to get a Washington state ID.

    • For nonresidents looking to purchase firearms within the state of Washington, you may purchase rifles and shotguns, except those defined as semi-automatic rifles as per RCW 9.41.124

  • Completed I-1639 class fo semi-auto rifles

    • The I-1639 class is required by Washington state law. State residents who want to purchase any semi-automatic rifle must complete this firearms safety training course. It is best to have this completed prior to showing up to your firearms dealer. Take this course here for free and bring the printed certification to the gun store.

  • Washington state requires gun purchasers to take a safety training class that covers multiple topics related to the purchase of firearms. Your I-1639 course will satisfy the HB1143 requirement.

Familiarize yourself with these rules and regulations:

  • Washington state requires background checks to be completed with the purchase of every firearm.

    • Completed background checks expire after 30 days. If you wait longer than that to purchase your firearm you will have to repeat the background process.

  • Residents must have been in the state for at least 90 days.

  • Handguns, semi-auto rifles, and receivers can only be delivered within the state of residence.

  • As mentioned above, anyone purchasing a semi-automatic rifle is required to take a class - thanks to initiative 1639.

  • Mandatory 10 business day waiting period on all firearm purchases as well as an approval on background check. No longer able to release firearms in a delay or undetermined status.

  • A concealed pistol license (CPL) does not speed up the process.

  • Same day delivery on firearms is no longer available.

Now that you have what you need and understand some rules and regulations, here is what you can expect when purchasing your firearm.

  • Firstly, it is a good idea to understand which firearm you would like to buy and where you would like to buy. If you have no clue where to start feel free to reach out to us directly here and we will be happy to steer you in the right direction. For help finding a firearm dealer we trust, view our list of professional affiliations.

  • After you have that all figured out you will go to the gun store with all your above listed required items and purchase your firearm. Upon purchase of your firearm your firearms dealer will have you fill out your “Federal 4473 Form”. This is a firearms transfer form. Budget about 20 minutes for this whole process.

  • Once you have paid, your background check and 4473 form have been submitted, there will be a mandatory 10 business day processing period. You are unable to obtain your firearm during this period. Your firearms dealer will typically call you when your firearm is ready for pickup.

We hope this helped. After you have picked up your firearm this is just the beginning for your life as a gun owner. Visit our recommended gear list for products we use and love.

Here at Princeps Consulting Group we notice a massive gap between gun owner and competent training. Our mission is to bridge that gap and provide gun owners with the proper training and create a community of confident and competent gun owners who are prepared to protect themselves and their families. Take a look at our course catalog. If you do not see any group courses being offered in our shop, that means we are only offering private classes at that time.

“If you are not training as a gun owner, you are just a collector.”