State guides for selling firearms Washington
Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 29, 2026
Sell Your Gun in Washington - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.
We buy used firearms statewide — Spokane to Seattle — and provide a fair market offer through a fully licensed, online process. Instead of navigating local shops or private buyers, we handle the shipping, paperwork, and support so you can sell with confidence from anywhere in Washington.
Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our Washington-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.
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State and federal laws for selling a gun in Washington
This section highlights a few common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in Washington. It is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by firearm type, buyer eligibility and local rules.
If you are unsure how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact our team for help navigating the process.
Quick checklist
- ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
- Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
- Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
- Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
- Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding Washington firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in Washington.
Understanding Washington firearm sale rules
Background checks and private transfers
Washington generally requires most firearm transfers, including many private-party sales, to be processed through a licensed dealer so a background check can be completed. Certain limited exceptions may apply.
- If you are selling to another Washington resident, plan on completing the transfer through an FFL unless a narrow exception clearly applies
- Selling to a licensed buyer online keeps the process straightforward because the receiving FFL handles intake and compliance on delivery
Waiting periods and delivery timing
In Washington, dealer deliveries can involve a required waiting period or a mandatory processing window while background checks and procedures are completed. Timing can vary by firearm type and transaction details.
- Expect a required processing window when an FFL is involved, even if the buyer is approved
- When selling to a licensed buyer online, we provide clear steps and expectations so you are not guessing about timing
Identification and residency considerations
Transfers handled by an FFL require government-issued identification and residency verification as part of the dealer process. Private-party transactions also commonly involve verifying identity and Washington residency.
- Confirm identity and in-state residency for any in-state transaction, then route the transfer through an FFL when required
- For out-of-state buyers, use an FFL so the transfer follows the correct interstate rules
Age and eligibility rules
Age requirements depend on firearm type and whether a dealer is involved. Federal rules apply nationwide and Washington may impose additional limits for certain categories of firearms.
- Confirm the buyer is legally eligible for the specific firearm type before proceeding
- If you are unsure, complete the transaction through an FFL or ask our team for help selecting the compliant path
Prohibited persons and restricted items
Washington restricts possession for certain individuals and also has limits on specific firearms and components. If you have any doubt about eligibility or whether an item is restricted, do not proceed with a private transfer.
- If anything feels off, stop the sale and use an FFL if you still want to proceed
- If a firearm or magazine may be restricted, verify classification before listing, shipping or transferring it
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.
Washington residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.
How to legally sell a firearm in Washington
Learn how to legally sell a gun in Washington — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.
Most private and estate sales route through a licensed dealer to ensure background checks and paperwork are handled correctly. This is required in interstate sales and highly recommended for documented compliance in state-to-state deals.
You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in Washington so long as you confirm eligibility and both parties understand federal and state compliance rules. This option suits sellers who already know the buyer and can complete the transaction safely.
Selling to a federally licensed online buyer offers a streamlined process with documented offers, insured shipping, and clear compliance steps. We handle the majority of process steps for you — from offer to payment.
Many Washington sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.
Sell your gun in Washington without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches
We Buy Guns purchases firearms from private sellers using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.
Our 100% U.S. based team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction.
We specialize in assessing and buying high-value collections and estates from Washington residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.
No matter where you are located in Washington, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status.
No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.
Major Washington metros we serve
If you can ship a package within Washington, you can sell directly to us.
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Bellevue
- Kent
- Everett
- Renton
- Yakima
- Federal Way
- Spokane Valley
- Bellingham
- Kirkland
- Kennewick
- Auburn
- Pasco
We service all of Washington. If you need cash for guns in Seattle, a fast firearm valuation in Spokane, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Vancouver, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.
Our process for Washington firearm sellers
WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help Washington sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.
If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.
- Tell us what you have
- Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
- Get an offer
- Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
- Ship with clear instructions
- If you accept our offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and clear, step-by-step instructions so your firearm is packaged and shipped correctly.
- Get paid quickly
- Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?
Call us at (317) 804-8713
Secure, compliant and trackable from start to finish
Our track record
We are trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.4 million to users on our platform.
- Sellers on the platform
- 39,500+
- Paid out to sellers
- $4.4 Million
- We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including Washington
- Fast nationwide service
- All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
- Licensed FFL with a class 3 SOT
What our most recent customers have to say
Washington firearm selling FAQs
These are the most common questions we hear from Washington sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.
Is it legal to sell a firearm online in Washington? +
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
What firearms can you buy from Washington residents? +
Do I need an FFL in Washington to ship my firearm? +
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
How long does the process take from Washington? +
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in Washington? +
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
Resources & guides
If you’re still deciding or your situation is more specific, these resources and guides on specific firearms and situations can help you move forward with confidence.
Guides for selling firearms in every state
Browse detailed state guidance, then submit for a compliant offer process that works nationwide.
Value guides by manufacturer
Estimate value ranges by make and model, then submit for a real offer based on photos and details.
Guide to selling a gun collection
What to expect when valuing and selling a complete firearm collection, from start to finish.
Pre-ban firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for pre-ban and collector firearms.
WWII Firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for WWII collector firearms.
Machine gun valuation guide
Transferability basics, pricing drivers and how compliant sale workflows work for NFA items.
Not sure where to start?
Our no obligation offers on firearms and collections are free — just submit photos and firearm details and we'll guide you through the entire process, even if you choose not to sell with us.