title: RCW 9.41.098

text:
(1) The superior courts and the courts of limited jurisdiction of the state may order forfeiture of a firearm which is proven to be:
(a) Found concealed on a person not authorized by RCW 9.41.060 or 9.41.070 to carry a concealed pistol: PROVIDED, That it is an absolute defense to forfeiture if the person possessed a valid Washington concealed pistol license within the preceding two years and has not become ineligible for a concealed pistol license in the interim. Before the firearm may be returned, the person must pay the past due renewal fee and the current renewal fee;
(b) Commercially sold to any person without an application as required by RCW 9.41.090;
(c) In the possession of a person prohibited from possessing the firearm under RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045;
(d) In the possession or under the control of a person at the time the person committed or was arrested for committing a felony or committing a nonfelony crime in which a firearm was used or displayed;
(e) In the possession of a person who is in any place in which a concealed pistol license is required, and who is under the influence of any drug or under the influence of intoxicating liquor, as defined in chapter 46.61 RCW;
(f) In the possession of a person free on bail or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony or for a nonfelony crime in which a firearm was used or displayed, except that violations of Title 77 RCW shall not result in forfeiture under this section;
(g) In the possession of a person found to have been mentally incompetent while in possession of a firearm when apprehended or who is thereafter committed pursuant to chapter 10.77 RCW or committed for mental health treatment under chapter 71.05 RCW;
(h) Used or displayed by a person in the violation of a proper written order of a court of general jurisdiction; or
(i) Used in the commission of a felony or of a nonfelony crime in which a firearm was used or displayed.
(2) Upon order of forfeiture, the court in its discretion may order destruction of any forfeited firearm. A court may temporarily retain forfeited firearms needed for evidence.
(a) Except as provided in (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection, firearms that are: (i) Judicially forfeited and no longer needed for evidence; or (ii) forfeited due to a failure to make a claim under RCW 63.32.010 or 63.40.010; may be disposed of in any manner determined by the local legislative authority. Any proceeds of an auction or trade may be retained by the legislative authority. This subsection (2)(a) applies only to firearms that come into the possession of the law enforcement agency after June 30, 1993.
By midnight, June 30, 1993, every law enforcement agency shall prepare an inventory, under oath, of every firearm that has been judicially forfeited, has been seized and may be subject to judicial forfeiture, or that has been, or may be, forfeited due to a failure to make a claim under RCW 63.32.010 or 63.40.010.
(b) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, of the inventoried firearms a law enforcement agency shall destroy illegal firearms, may retain a maximum of ten percent of legal forfeited firearms for agency use, and shall either:
(i) Comply with the provisions for the auction of firearms in this section that were in effect immediately preceding May 7, 1993; or
(ii) Trade, auction, or arrange for the auction of, rifles and shotguns. In addition, the law enforcement agency shall either trade, auction, or arrange for the auction of, short firearms, or shall pay a fee of twenty-five dollars to the state treasurer for every short firearm neither auctioned nor traded, to a maximum of fifty thousand dollars. The fees shall be accompanied by an inventory, under oath, of every short firearm listed in the inventory required by (a) of this subsection, that has been neither traded nor auctioned. The state treasurer shall credit the fees to the firearms range account established in RCW 79A.25.210. All trades or auctions of firearms under this subsection shall be to licensed dealers. Proceeds of any auction less costs, including actual costs of storage and sale, shall be forwarded to the firearms range account established in RCW 79A.25.210.
(c) Antique firearms and firearms recognized as curios, relics, and firearms of particular historical significance by the United States treasury department bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives are exempt from destruction and shall be disposed of by auction or trade to licensed dealers or to museums or historical societies. For the purposes of this subsection (2)(c), "museum or historical society" means the same as in RCW 63.26.010 and is designated as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.
(d) Firearms in the possession of the Washington state patrol that are judicially forfeited and no longer needed for evidence, or forfeited due to a failure to make a claim under RCW 63.35.020, must be disposed of as follows: (i) Firearms illegal for any person to possess must be destroyed; (ii) the Washington state patrol may retain a maximum of ten percent of legal firearms for agency use; and (iii) all other legal firearms must be auctioned or traded to licensed dealers or destroyed, except as provided in (c) of this subsection. The Washington state patrol may retain any proceeds of an auction or trade.
(e)(i) Any firearms in the possession of a state or local government entity or law enforcement agency that are obtained through a firearm buy-back program conducted by the entity or agency must be destroyed except as provided in (e)(ii) or (c) of this subsection.
(ii) A state or local government entity or law enforcement agency conducting a firearm buy-back program shall establish procedures for: Returning relinquished firearms that are determined to be stolen to the rightful owners of the firearms; and determining whether any relinquished firearms have been used in the commission of a crime and retaining and storing such firearms until no longer needed for law enforcement investigation or evidence purposes.
(3) The court shall order the firearm returned to the owner upon a showing that there is no probable cause to believe a violation of subsection (1) of this section existed or the firearm was stolen from the owner or the owner neither had knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission involving the firearm which resulted in its forfeiture.
(4) A law enforcement officer of the state or of any county or municipality may confiscate a firearm found to be in the possession of a person under circumstances specified in subsection (1) of this section. After confiscation, the firearm shall not be surrendered except: (a) To the prosecuting attorney for use in subsequent legal proceedings; (b) for disposition according to an order of a court having jurisdiction as provided in subsection (1) of this section; or (c) to the owner if the proceedings are dismissed or as directed in subsection (3) of this section.
(5) For purposes of this section, "destroy" means the melting or shredding of all parts of a firearm that were attached to the firearm at the time the firearm came into the possession of the state or local government entity or law enforcement agency, including, but not limited to, the frame or receiver, barrel, bolt, and grip, as applicable, and any accessories or attachments including, but not limited to, any sight, scope, silencer, or suppressor, as applicable.
[ 2024 c 287 s 1; 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 281; 2003 c 39 s 5; 1996 c 295 s 10; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 414; 1993 c 243 s 1; 1989 c 222 s 8; 1988 c 223 s 2. Prior: 1987 c 506 s 91; 1987 c 373 s 7; 1986 c 153 s 1; 1983 c 232 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.
Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Effective date—1993 c 243: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 7, 1993]." [ 1993 c 243 s 2.]
Legislative findings and intent—1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.
Legislative finding, purpose—Severability—1987 c 373: See notes following RCW 46.61.502.
Severability—1983 c 232: See note following RCW 9.41.010.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 9.41.100

text:
Every dealer shall be licensed as provided in RCW 9.41.110 and shall register with the department of revenue as provided in chapters 82.04 and 82.32 RCW.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 415; 1935 c 172 s 10; RRS s 2516-10.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Dealer licensing and registration required.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 9.41.110

text:
(1) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any pistol without being licensed as provided in this section.
(2) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any firearm other than a pistol without being licensed as provided in this section.
(3) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any ammunition without being licensed as provided in this section.
(4) The duly constituted licensing authorities of any city, town, or political subdivision of this state shall grant licenses in forms prescribed by the director of licensing effective for not more than one year from the date of issue permitting the licensee to sell firearms within this state subject to the following conditions, for breach of any of which the license shall be forfeited and the licensee subject to punishment as provided in this chapter. A licensing authority shall forward a copy of each license granted to the department of licensing. The department of licensing shall notify the department of revenue of the name and address of each dealer licensed under this section. Any law enforcement agency acting within the scope of its jurisdiction may investigate a breach of the licensing conditions established in this chapter.
(5)(a) A licensing authority shall, within 30 days after the filing of an application of any person for a dealer's license, determine whether to grant the license. However, if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card, or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive 90 days, the licensing authority shall have up to 60 days to determine whether to issue a license. No person shall qualify for a license under this section without first receiving a federal firearms license and undergoing fingerprinting and a background check. In addition, no person ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040 or ineligible for a concealed pistol license under RCW 9.41.070 shall qualify for a dealer's license.
(b) A dealer shall require every employee who may sell a firearm in the course of his or her employment to undergo fingerprinting and a background check in advance of engaging in the sale or transfer of firearms and to undergo a background check annually thereafter. An employee must be at least 21 years of age, eligible to possess a firearm, and must not have been convicted of a crime that would make the person ineligible for a concealed pistol license, before being permitted to sell a firearm. Every employee shall comply with requirements concerning purchase applications and restrictions on delivery of firearms that are applicable to dealers.
(6) As a condition of licensure, a dealer shall annually certify to the licensing authority, in writing and under penalty of perjury, that the dealer is in compliance with each licensure requirement established in this section.
(7)(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection, the business shall be carried on only in the building designated in the license. For the purpose of this section, advertising firearms for sale shall not be considered the carrying on of business.
(b) A dealer may conduct business temporarily at a location other than the building designated in the license, if the temporary location is within Washington state and is the location of a gun show sponsored by a national, state, or local organization, or an affiliate of any such organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community. Nothing in this subsection (7)(b) authorizes a dealer to conduct business in or from a motorized or towed vehicle.
In conducting business temporarily at a location other than the building designated in the license, the dealer shall comply with all other requirements imposed on dealers by RCW 9.41.090, 9.41.100, and this section. The license of a dealer who fails to comply with the requirements of RCW 9.41.080 and 9.41.090 and subsection (16) of this section while conducting business at a temporary location shall be revoked, and the dealer shall be permanently ineligible for a dealer's license.
(8) The license or a copy thereof, certified by the issuing authority, shall be displayed on the premises in the area where firearms are sold, or at the temporary location, where it can easily be read.
(9)(a) The business building location designated in the license shall be secured:
(i) With at least one of the following features designed to prevent unauthorized entry, which must be installed on each exterior door and window of the place of business:
(A) Bars or grates;
(B) Security screens; or
(C) Commercial grade metal doors; and
(ii) With a security alarm system that is:
(A) Properly installed and maintained in good condition;
(B) Monitored by a remote central station that can contact law enforcement in the event of an alarm;
(C) Capable of real-time monitoring of all exterior doors and windows, and all areas where firearms are stored; and
(D) Equipped with, at minimum, detectors that can perceive entry, motion, and sound.
(b) It is not a violation of this subsection if any security feature or system becomes temporarily inoperable through no fault of the dealer.
(10)(a) Dealers shall secure each firearm during business hours, except when the firearm is being shown to a customer, repaired, or otherwise worked on, in a manner that prevents a customer or other member of the public from accessing or using the firearm, which may include keeping the firearm in a locked container or in a locked display case.
(b) Other than during business hours, all firearms shall be secured (i) on the dealer's business premises in a locked fireproof safe or vault, (ii) in a room or building that meets all requirements of subsection (9)(a) of this section, or (iii) in a secured and locked area under the dealer's control while the dealer is conducting business at a temporary location.
(11)(a) A dealer shall ensure that its business location designated in the license is monitored by a digital video surveillance system that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) The system shall clearly record images and, for systems located inside the premises, audio, of the area under surveillance;
(ii) Each camera shall be permanently mounted in a fixed location. Cameras shall be placed in locations that allow the camera to clearly record activity occurring in all areas described in (a)(iii) of this subsection and reasonably produce recordings that allow for the clear identification of any person;
(iii) The areas recorded shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(A) Interior views of all exterior doors, windows, and any other entries or exits to the premises;
(B) All areas where firearms are displayed; and
(C) All points of sale, sufficient to identify the parties involved in the transaction;
(iv) The system shall be capable of recording 24 hours per day at a frame rate no less than 15 frames per second, and must either (A) record continuously or (B) be activated by motion and remain active for at least 15 seconds after motion ceases to be detected;
(v) The media or device on which recordings are stored shall be secured in a manner to protect the recording from tampering, unauthorized access or use, or theft;
(vi) Recordings shall be maintained for a minimum of 90 days for all recordings of areas where firearms are displayed and points of sale, and for a minimum of 45 days for all recordings of interior views of exterior doors, windows, and any other entries or exits;
(vii) Recorded images shall clearly and accurately display the date and time;
(viii) The system shall be equipped with a failure notification system that provides notification to the licensee of any interruption or failure of the system or storage device.
(b) A licensed dealer shall not use, share, allow access to, or otherwise release surveillance recordings, to any person except as follows:
(i) A dealer shall allow access to the system or release recordings to any person pursuant to search warrant or other court order.
(ii) A dealer may allow access to the system or release recordings to any person in response to an insurance claim or as part of the civil discovery process including, but not limited to, in response to subpoenas, request for production or inspection, or other court order.
(c) The dealer shall post a sign in a conspicuous place at each entrance to the premises that states in block letters not less than one inch in height: "THESE PREMISES ARE UNDER VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE. YOUR IMAGE AND CONVERSATIONS MAY BE RECORDED."
(d) This section does not preclude any local authority or local governing body from adopting or enforcing local laws or policies regarding video surveillance that do not contradict or conflict with the requirements of this section.
(e) It is not a violation of this subsection if the surveillance system becomes temporarily inoperable through no fault of the dealer.
(12) A dealer shall:
(a) Promptly review and respond to all requests from law enforcement agencies and officers, including trace requests and requests for documents and records, as soon as practicably possible and no later than 24 hours after learning of the request;
(b) Promptly notify local law enforcement agencies and the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives of any loss, theft, or unlawful transfer of any firearm or ammunition as soon as practicably possible and no later than 24 hours after the dealer knows or should know of the reportable event.
(13) A dealer shall:
(a) Establish and maintain a book, or if the dealer should choose, an electronic-based record of purchase, sale, inventory, and other records at the dealer's place of business and shall make all such records available to law enforcement upon request. Such records shall at a minimum include the make, model, caliber or gauge, manufacturer's name, and serial number of all firearms that are acquired or disposed of not later than one business day after their acquisition or disposition;
(b) Maintain monthly backups of the records required by (a) of this subsection in a secure container designed to prevent loss by fire, theft, or flood. If the dealer chooses to maintain an electronic-based record system, those records shall be backed up on an external server or over the internet at the close of each business day;
(c) Account for all firearms acquired but not yet disposed of through an inventory check prepared each month and maintained in a secure location;
(d) Maintain and make available at any time to government law enforcement agencies and to the manufacturer of the weapon or its designee, firearm disposition information, including the serial numbers of firearms sold, dates of sale, and identity of purchasers;
(e) Retain all bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives form 4473 transaction records on the dealer's business premises in a secure container designed to prevent loss by fire, theft, or flood;
(f) Maintain for six years copies of trace requests received, including notations for trace requests received by phone for six years;
(g) Provide annual reporting to the Washington state attorney general concerning trace requests, including at a minimum the following:
(i) The total number of trace requests received;
(ii) For each trace, the make and model of the gun and date of sale; and
(iii) Whether the dealer was inspected by the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, and copies of any reports of violations or letters received from the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives.
(14) The attorney general may create, publish, and require firearm dealers to file a uniform form for all annual dealer reports required by subsection (13)(g) of this section.
(15) A dealer shall carry a general liability insurance policy providing at least $1,000,000 of coverage per incident.
(16)(a) No firearm may be sold: (i) In violation of any provisions of this chapter; nor (ii) under any circumstances unless the purchaser is personally known to the dealer or shall present clear evidence of his or her identity.
(b) A dealer who sells or delivers any firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.080 is guilty of a class C felony. In addition to any other penalty provided for by law, the dealer is subject to mandatory permanent revocation of his or her dealer's license and permanent ineligibility for a dealer's license.
(c) The license fee for pistols shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. The license fee for firearms other than pistols shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. The license fee for ammunition shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. Any dealer who obtains any license under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section may also obtain the remaining licenses without payment of any fee. The fees received under this section shall be deposited in the state general fund.
(17)(a) A true record shall be made of every pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle sold, in a book kept for the purpose, the form of which may be prescribed by the director of licensing and shall be personally signed by the purchaser and by the person effecting the sale, each in the presence of the other, and shall contain the date of sale, the caliber, make, model and manufacturer's number of the weapon, the name, address, occupation, and place of birth of the purchaser, and a statement signed by the purchaser that he or she is not ineligible under state or federal law to possess a firearm. The dealer shall retain the transfer record for six years.
(b) The dealer shall transmit the information from the firearm transfer application through secure automated firearms e-check (SAFE) to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall transmit the application information for pistol and semiautomatic assault rifle transfer applications to the director of licensing daily. The original application shall be retained by the dealer for six years.
(18) Subsections (2) through (17) of this section shall not apply to sales at wholesale.
(19) Subsections (6) and (9) through (15) of this section shall not apply to dealers with a sales volume of $1,000 or less per month on average over the preceding 12 months. A dealer that previously operated under this threshold and subsequently exceeds it must comply with the requirements of subsections (6) and (9) through (15) of this section within one year of exceeding the threshold.
(20) The dealer's licenses authorized to be issued by this section are general licenses covering all sales by the licensee within the effective period of the licenses. The department shall provide a single application form for dealer's licenses and a single license form which shall indicate the type or types of licenses granted.
(21) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every city, town, and political subdivision of this state is prohibited from requiring the purchaser to secure a permit to purchase or from requiring the dealer to secure an individual permit for each sale.
[ 2024 c 288 s 1; 2023 c 161 s 8; 2019 c 3 s 10 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2009 c 479 s 10; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 416; 1979 c 158 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 227 s 4; 1963 c 163 s 1; 1961 c 124 s 8; 1935 c 172 s 11; RRS s 2516-11.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 288: "This act takes effect July 1, 2025." [ 2024 c 288 s 2.]
Effective date—2023 c 161: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Effective date—2009 c 479: See note following RCW 2.56.030.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
PDF
RCW 9.41.110
Dealer's licenses, by whom granted, conditions, fees—Employees, fingerprinting and background checks—Wholesale sales excepted—Permits prohibited. (Effective May 1, 2027.)
(1) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in the dealer's possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any pistol without being licensed as provided in this section.
(2) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in the dealer's possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any firearm other than a pistol without being licensed as provided in this section.
(3) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in the dealer's possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any ammunition without being licensed as provided in this section.
(4) The duly constituted licensing authorities of any city, town, or political subdivision of this state shall grant licenses in forms prescribed by the director of licensing effective for not more than one year from the date of issue permitting the licensee to sell firearms within this state subject to the following conditions, for breach of any of which the license shall be forfeited and the licensee subject to punishment as provided in this chapter. A licensing authority shall forward a copy of each license granted to the department of licensing. The department of licensing shall notify the department of revenue of the name and address of each dealer licensed under this section. Any law enforcement agency acting within the scope of its jurisdiction may investigate a breach of the licensing conditions established in this chapter.
(5)(a) A licensing authority shall, within 30 days after the filing of an application of any person for a dealer's license, determine whether to grant the license. However, if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card, or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive 90 days, the licensing authority shall have up to 60 days to determine whether to issue a license. No person shall qualify for a license under this section without first receiving a federal firearms license and undergoing fingerprinting and a background check. In addition, no person ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040 or ineligible for a concealed pistol license under RCW 9.41.070 shall qualify for a dealer's license.
(b) A dealer shall require every employee who may sell a firearm in the course of employment to undergo fingerprinting and a background check in advance of engaging in the sale or transfer of firearms and to undergo a background check annually thereafter. An employee must be at least 21 years of age, eligible to possess a firearm, and must not have been convicted of a crime that would make the person ineligible for a concealed pistol license, before being permitted to sell a firearm. Every employee shall comply with requirements concerning purchase applications and restrictions on delivery of firearms that are applicable to dealers.
(6) As a condition of licensure, a dealer shall annually certify to the licensing authority, in writing and under penalty of perjury, that the dealer is in compliance with each licensure requirement established in this section.
(7)(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection, the business shall be carried on only in the building designated in the license. For the purpose of this section, advertising firearms for sale shall not be considered the carrying on of business.
(b) A dealer may conduct business temporarily at a location other than the building designated in the license, if the temporary location is within Washington state and is the location of a gun show sponsored by a national, state, or local organization, or an affiliate of any such organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community. Nothing in this subsection (7)(b) authorizes a dealer to conduct business in or from a motorized or towed vehicle.
In conducting business temporarily at a location other than the building designated in the license, the dealer shall comply with all other requirements imposed on dealers by RCW 9.41.090, 9.41.100, and this section. The license of a dealer who fails to comply with the requirements of RCW 9.41.080 and 9.41.090 and subsection (16) of this section while conducting business at a temporary location shall be revoked, and the dealer shall be permanently ineligible for a dealer's license.
(8) The license or a copy thereof, certified by the issuing authority, shall be displayed on the premises in the area where firearms are sold, or at the temporary location, where it can easily be read.
(9)(a) The business building location designated in the license shall be secured:
(i) With at least one of the following features designed to prevent unauthorized entry, which must be installed on each exterior door and window of the place of business:
(A) Bars or grates;
(B) Security screens; or
(C) Commercial grade metal doors; and
(ii) With a security alarm system that is:
(A) Properly installed and maintained in good condition;
(B) Monitored by a remote central station that can contact law enforcement in the event of an alarm;
(C) Capable of real-time monitoring of all exterior doors and windows, and all areas where firearms are stored; and
(D) Equipped with, at minimum, detectors that can perceive entry, motion, and sound.
(b) It is not a violation of this subsection if any security feature or system becomes temporarily inoperable through no fault of the dealer.
(10)(a) Dealers shall secure each firearm during business hours, except when the firearm is being shown to a customer, repaired, or otherwise worked on, in a manner that prevents a customer or other member of the public from accessing or using the firearm, which may include keeping the firearm in a locked container or in a locked display case.
(b) Other than during business hours, all firearms shall be secured (i) on the dealer's business premises in a locked fireproof safe or vault, (ii) in a room or building that meets all requirements of subsection (9)(a) of this section, or (iii) in a secured and locked area under the dealer's control while the dealer is conducting business at a temporary location.
(11)(a) A dealer shall ensure that its business location designated in the license is monitored by a digital video surveillance system that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) The system shall clearly record images and, for systems located inside the premises, audio, of the area under surveillance;
(ii) Each camera shall be permanently mounted in a fixed location. Cameras shall be placed in locations that allow the camera to clearly record activity occurring in all areas described in (a)(iii) of this subsection and reasonably produce recordings that allow for the clear identification of any person;
(iii) The areas recorded shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(A) Interior views of all exterior doors, windows, and any other entries or exits to the premises;
(B) All areas where firearms are displayed; and
(C) All points of sale, sufficient to identify the parties involved in the transaction;
(iv) The system shall be capable of recording 24 hours per day at a frame rate no less than 15 frames per second, and must either (A) record continuously or (B) be activated by motion and remain active for at least 15 seconds after motion ceases to be detected;
(v) The media or device on which recordings are stored shall be secured in a manner to protect the recording from tampering, unauthorized access or use, or theft;
(vi) Recordings shall be maintained for a minimum of 90 days for all recordings of areas where firearms are displayed and points of sale, and for a minimum of 45 days for all recordings of interior views of exterior doors, windows, and any other entries or exits;
(vii) Recorded images shall clearly and accurately display the date and time;
(viii) The system shall be equipped with a failure notification system that provides notification to the licensee of any interruption or failure of the system or storage device.
(b) A licensed dealer shall not use, share, allow access to, or otherwise release surveillance recordings, to any person except as follows:
(i) A dealer shall allow access to the system or release recordings to any person pursuant to search warrant or other court order.
(ii) A dealer may allow access to the system or release recordings to any person in response to an insurance claim or as part of the civil discovery process including, but not limited to, in response to subpoenas, request for production or inspection, or other court order.
(c) The dealer shall post a sign in a conspicuous place at each entrance to the premises that states in block letters not less than one inch in height: "THESE PREMISES ARE UNDER VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE. YOUR IMAGE AND CONVERSATIONS MAY BE RECORDED."
(d) This section does not preclude any local authority or local governing body from adopting or enforcing local laws or policies regarding video surveillance that do not contradict or conflict with the requirements of this section.
(e) It is not a violation of this subsection if the surveillance system becomes temporarily inoperable through no fault of the dealer.
(12) A dealer shall:
(a) Promptly review and respond to all requests from law enforcement agencies and officers, including trace requests and requests for documents and records, as soon as practicably possible and no later than 24 hours after learning of the request;
(b) Promptly notify local law enforcement agencies and the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives of any loss, theft, or unlawful transfer of any firearm or ammunition as soon as practicably possible and no later than 24 hours after the dealer knows or should know of the reportable event.
(13) A dealer shall:
(a) Establish and maintain a book, or if the dealer should choose, an electronic-based record of purchase, sale, inventory, and other records at the dealer's place of business and shall make all such records available to law enforcement upon request. Such records shall at a minimum include the make, model, caliber or gauge, manufacturer's name, and serial number of all firearms that are acquired or disposed of not later than one business day after their acquisition or disposition;
(b) Maintain monthly backups of the records required by (a) of this subsection in a secure container designed to prevent loss by fire, theft, or flood. If the dealer chooses to maintain an electronic-based record system, those records shall be backed up on an external server or over the internet at the close of each business day;
(c) Account for all firearms acquired but not yet disposed of through an inventory check prepared each month and maintained in a secure location;
(d) Maintain and make available at any time to government law enforcement agencies and to the manufacturer of the weapon or its designee, firearm disposition information, including the serial numbers of firearms sold, dates of sale, and identity of purchasers;
(e) Retain all bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives form 4473 transaction records on the dealer's business premises in a secure container designed to prevent loss by fire, theft, or flood;
(f) Maintain for six years copies of trace requests received, including notations for trace requests received by phone for six years;
(g) Provide annual reporting to the Washington state attorney general concerning trace requests, including at a minimum the following:
(i) The total number of trace requests received;
(ii) For each trace, the make and model of the gun and date of sale; and
(iii) Whether the dealer was inspected by the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, and copies of any reports of violations or letters received from the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives.
(14) The attorney general may create, publish, and require firearm dealers to file a uniform form for all annual dealer reports required by subsection (13)(g) of this section.
(15) A dealer shall carry a general liability insurance policy providing at least $1,000,000 of coverage per incident.
(16)(a) No firearm may be sold or transferred: (i) In violation of any provisions of this chapter; nor (ii) under any circumstances unless the purchaser or transferee is personally known to the dealer or shall present clear evidence of the purchaser's or transferee's identity and the purchaser or transferee presents a valid permit to purchase firearms.
(b) A dealer who sells or delivers any firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.080 is guilty of a class C felony. In addition to any other penalty provided for by law, the dealer is subject to mandatory permanent revocation of the dealer's license and permanent ineligibility for a dealer's license.
(c) The license fee for pistols shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. The license fee for firearms other than pistols shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. The license fee for ammunition shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars. Any dealer who obtains any license under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section may also obtain the remaining licenses without payment of any fee. The fees received under this section shall be deposited in the state general fund.
(17)(a) A true record shall be made of every firearm sold or transferred, which shall contain the date of sale, the caliber, make, model and manufacturer's number of the weapon, the name, address, occupation, and place of birth of the purchaser or transferee, the identification number of the purchaser's or transferee's permit to purchase firearms, and a statement signed by the purchaser or transferee that the purchaser or transferee is not ineligible under state or federal law to possess a firearm.
(b) The dealer shall transmit the information from the firearm transfer application, and the information from the sale or transfer record, through secure automated firearms e-check (SAFE) to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall transmit the application information for firearm transfer applications and firearm sale or transfer records to the director of licensing daily.
(18) Subsections (2) through (17) of this section shall not apply to sales at wholesale.
(19) Subsections (6) and (9) through (15) of this section shall not apply to dealers with a sales volume of $1,000 or less per month on average over the preceding 12 months. A dealer that previously operated under this threshold and subsequently exceeds it must comply with the requirements of subsections (6) and (9) through (15) of this section within one year of exceeding the threshold.
(20) The dealer's licenses authorized to be issued by this section are general licenses covering all sales by the licensee within the effective period of the licenses. The department shall provide a single application form for dealer's licenses and a single license form which shall indicate the type or types of licenses granted.
(21) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every city, town, and political subdivision of this state is prohibited from requiring the purchaser to secure a permit to purchase or from requiring the dealer to secure an individual permit for each sale.
[ 2025 c 370 s 13; 2024 c 288 s 1; 2023 c 161 s 8; 2019 c 3 s 10 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2009 c 479 s 10; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 416; 1979 c 158 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 227 s 4; 1963 c 163 s 1; 1961 c 124 s 8; 1935 c 172 s 11; RRS s 2516-11.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 370: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Effective date—2024 c 288: "This act takes effect July 1, 2025." [ 2024 c 288 s 2.]
Effective date—2023 c 161: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Effective date—2009 c 479: See note following RCW 2.56.030.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Dealer's licenses, by whom granted, conditions, fees—Employees, fingerprinting and background checks—Wholesale sales excepted—Permits prohibited. (Effective until May 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 9.41.111

text:
(1) Beginning on the date that is thirty days after the Washington state patrol issues a notification to dealers that a state firearms background check system is established within the Washington state patrol, a dealer shall use the state firearms background check system to conduct background checks for purchases or transfers of firearm frames or receivers in accordance with this section.
(2) A dealer may not deliver a firearm frame or receiver to a purchaser or transferee unless the dealer first conducts a background check of the applicant through the state firearms background check system and the requirements and time periods in RCW 9.41.092 have been satisfied.
(3) When processing an application for the purchase or transfer of a firearm frame or receiver, a dealer shall comply with the application, recordkeeping, and other requirements of this chapter that apply to the sale or transfer of a pistol.
(4) A signed application for the purchase or transfer of a firearm frame or receiver shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that the health care authority, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release, to an inquiring court, law enforcement agency, or the Washington state patrol firearms background check program, information relevant to the applicant's eligibility to possess a firearm. Any mental health information received by a court, law enforcement agency, or the Washington state patrol firearms background check program pursuant to this section shall not be disclosed except as provided in RCW 42.56.240(4).
(5) The department of licensing shall keep copies or records of applications for the purchase or transfer of a firearm frame or receiver and copies or records of firearm frame or receiver transfers in the same manner as pistol and semiautomatic assault rifle application and transfer records under RCW 9.41.129.
(6) A person who knowingly makes a false statement regarding identity or eligibility requirements on the application to purchase a firearm frame or receiver is guilty of false swearing under RCW 9A.72.040.
(7) This section does not apply to sales or transfers of firearm frames or receivers to licensed dealers.
[ 2024 c 289 s 3; 2020 c 36 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 289: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 26, 2024]." [ 2024 c 289 s 8.]

catchline: Firearm frames or receivers—Background check—Penalty.


title: RCW 9.41.113

text:
(1) All firearm sales or transfers, in whole or part in this state including without limitation a sale or transfer where either the purchaser or seller or transferee or transferor is in Washington, shall be subject to background checks unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The background check requirement applies to all sales or transfers including, but not limited to, sales and transfers through a licensed dealer, at gun shows, online, and between unlicensed persons.
(2) No person shall sell or transfer a firearm unless:
(a) The person is a licensed dealer;
(b) The purchaser or transferee is a licensed dealer; or
(c) The requirements of subsection (3) of this section are met.
(3) Where neither party to a prospective firearms transaction is a licensed dealer, the parties to the transaction shall complete the sale or transfer through a licensed dealer as follows:
(a) The seller or transferor shall deliver the firearm to a licensed dealer to process the sale or transfer as if it is selling or transferring the firearm from its inventory to the purchaser or transferee, except that the unlicensed seller or transferor may remove the firearm from the business premises of the licensed dealer while the background check is being conducted. If the seller or transferor removes the firearm from the business premises of the licensed dealer while the background check is being conducted, the purchaser or transferee and the seller or transferor shall return to the business premises of the licensed dealer and the seller or transferor shall again deliver the firearm to the licensed dealer prior to completing the sale or transfer.
(b) Except as provided in (a) of this subsection, the licensed dealer shall comply with all requirements of federal and state law that would apply if the licensed dealer were selling or transferring the firearm from its inventory to the purchaser or transferee, including but not limited to conducting a background check on the prospective purchaser or transferee in accordance with federal and state law requirements, fulfilling all federal and state recordkeeping requirements, and complying with the specific requirements and restrictions on semiautomatic assault rifles in chapter 3, Laws of 2019.
(c) The purchaser or transferee must complete, sign, and submit all federal, state, and local forms necessary to process the required background check to the licensed dealer conducting the background check.
(d) If the results of the background check indicate that the purchaser or transferee is ineligible to possess a firearm, then the licensed dealer shall return the firearm to the seller or transferor.
(e) The licensed dealer may charge a fee that reflects the fair market value of the administrative costs and efforts incurred by the licensed dealer for facilitating the sale or transfer of the firearm.
(4) This section does not apply to:
(a) A transfer between immediate family members, which for this subsection shall be limited to spouses, domestic partners, parents, parents-in-law, children, siblings, siblings-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, first cousins, aunts, and uncles, that is a bona fide gift or loan;
(b) The sale or transfer of an antique firearm;
(c) A temporary transfer of possession of a firearm if such transfer is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the person to whom the firearm is transferred if:
(i) The temporary transfer only lasts as long as immediately necessary to prevent such imminent death or great bodily harm; and
(ii) The person to whom the firearm is transferred is not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law;
(d) A temporary transfer of possession of a firearm if: (i) The transfer is intended to prevent suicide or self-inflicted great bodily harm; (ii) the transfer lasts only as long as reasonably necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm; and (iii) the firearm is not utilized by the transferee for any purpose for the duration of the temporary transfer;
(e) Any law enforcement or corrections agency and, to the extent the person is acting within the course and scope of his or her employment or official duties, any law enforcement or corrections officer, United States marshal, member of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard, or federal official;
(f) A federally licensed gunsmith who receives a firearm solely for the purposes of service or repair, or the return of the firearm to its owner by the federally licensed gunsmith;
(g) The temporary transfer of a firearm (i) between spouses or domestic partners; (ii) if the temporary transfer occurs, and the firearm is kept at all times, at an established shooting range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located; (iii) if the temporary transfer occurs and the transferee's possession of the firearm is exclusively at a lawful organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or while participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group that uses firearms as a part of the performance; (iv) to a person who is under 18 years of age for lawful hunting, sporting, or educational purposes while under the direct supervision and control of a responsible adult who is not prohibited from possessing firearms; (v) under circumstances in which the transferee and the firearm remain in the presence of the transferor; or (vi) while hunting if the hunting is legal in all places where the person to whom the firearm is transferred possesses the firearm and the person to whom the firearm is transferred has completed all training and holds all licenses or permits required for such hunting, provided that any temporary transfer allowed by this subsection is permitted only if the person to whom the firearm is transferred is not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law;
(h) A person who (i) acquired a firearm other than a pistol by operation of law upon the death of the former owner of the firearm or (ii) acquired a pistol by operation of law upon the death of the former owner of the pistol within the preceding 60 days. At the end of the 60-day period, the person must either have lawfully transferred the pistol or must have contacted the department of licensing to notify the department that he or she has possession of the pistol and intends to retain possession of the pistol, in compliance with all federal and state laws;
(i) A sale or transfer when the purchaser or transferee is a licensed collector and the firearm being sold or transferred is a curio or relic; or
(j)(i) A transfer, loan, gift, or bequest to a museum or historical society, or the return of loaned firearm(s) to its lender from a museum or historical society, and museum personnel while acting in the scope of their official duties, provided, however, that before returning a loaned firearm to its lender, a museum or historical society or personnel of the museum or historical society must comply with the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.
(ii) For the purposes of this subsection [(4)](j), "museum or historical society" means the same as in RCW 63.26.010 and is designated as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.
[ 2023 c 403 s 1; 2019 c 3 s 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2017 c 264 s 2; 2015 c 1 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 594, approved November 4, 2014).]
Notes:
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Finding—2015 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 594): See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Firearm sales or transfers—Background checks—Requirements—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.1132

text:
(1) A person applying for the purchase or transfer of a firearm must provide proof of completion of a recognized firearms safety training program within the last five years that, at a minimum, includes instruction on:
(a) Basic firearms safety rules;
(b) Firearms and children, including secure gun storage and talking to children about gun safety;
(c) Firearms and suicide prevention;
(d) Secure gun storage to prevent unauthorized access and use;
(e) Safe handling of firearms;
(f) State and federal firearms laws, including prohibited firearms transfers and locations where firearms are prohibited;
(g) State laws pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense; and
(h) Techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution.
(2) The training must be sponsored by a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, a college or university, a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or a firearms training school with instructors certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training. The proof of training shall be in the form of a certification that states under the penalty of perjury that the training included the minimum requirements.
(3) The training may include stories provided by individuals with lived experience in the topics listed in subsection (1)(a) through (g) of this section or an understanding of the legal and social impacts of discharging a firearm.
(4) The firearms safety training requirement of this section does not apply to:
(a) A person who is a:
(i) General authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020;
(ii) Limited authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm;
(iii) Specially commissioned Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm; or
(iv) Federal peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm; or
(b) A person who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, an active member of the national guard, or an active member of the armed forces reserves who, as part of the applicant's service, has completed, within the last five years, a course of training in firearms proficiency or familiarization that included training on the safe handling and shooting proficiency with firearms.
[ 2023 c 161 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 161: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
PDF
RCW 9.41.1132
Firearm sales and transfers—Firearms safety training program—Exceptions. (Effective May 1, 2027.)
(1) A person applying for a permit to purchase firearms must provide a certificate of completion of a certified firearms safety training program within the last five years that, at a minimum, includes instruction on:
(a) Basic firearms safety rules;
(b) Firearms and children, including secure gun storage and talking to children about gun safety;
(c) Firearms and suicide prevention;
(d) Secure gun storage to prevent unauthorized access and use;
(e) Safe handling of firearms;
(f) State and federal firearms laws, including prohibited firearms transfers and locations where firearms are prohibited;
(g) State laws pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense;
(h) Techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution; and
(i) Live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range that include a demonstration by the applicant of the safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, firearms.
(2) As it relates to the renewal of a permit to purchase firearms pursuant to RCW 9.41.121, the live-fire component of subsection (1)(i) of this section must be completed within the last 10 years.
(3) The training must be sponsored by a federal, state, tribal, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, a college or university, a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or a firearms training school with instructors certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training. The certificate of training shall be in the form and manner of documentation developed by the Washington state patrol under RCW 43.43.575.
(4) The training may include stories provided by individuals with lived experience in the topics listed in subsection (1)(a) through (g) of this section or an understanding of the legal and social impacts of discharging a firearm.
(5) The firearms safety training requirement of this section does not apply to:
(a) Upon showing proper identification, a person who is a:
(i) General authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020;
(ii) Limited authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm;
(iii) Specially commissioned Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm;
(iv) Federal peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 who as a normal part of their duties has arrest powers and carries a firearm; or
(v) Tribal police officer;
(b) Upon showing proper identification, a person who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, an active member of the national guard, or an active member of the armed forces reserves. For the purposes of this section, proper identification includes the armed forces identification card or other written documentation certifying that the individual is an active military member;
(c) Upon showing proper identification, a person who is an armed private investigator licensed pursuant to chapter 18.165 RCW. For the purposes of this section, proper identification includes the armed private investigator license card issued pursuant to RCW 18.165.080 or other written documentation certifying that the individual is a licensed armed private investigator; or
(d) Upon showing proper identification, a person who is an armed security guard licensed pursuant to chapter 18.170 RCW. For the purposes of this section, proper identification includes the armed security guard license card issued pursuant to RCW 18.170.070 or other written documentation certifying that the individual is a licensed armed security guard.
(6) The exceptions to the firearms safety training requirement established in subsection (5)(c) and (d) of this section shall only apply so long as the criminal justice training commission's private security firearms certificate training meets the requirements of this section.
[ 2025 c 370 s 3; 2023 c 161 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 370: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Effective date—2023 c 161: See note following RCW 9.41.090.

catchline: Firearm sales and transfers—Firearms safety training program—Exceptions. (Effective until May 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 9.41.1135

text:
(1) Beginning on the date that is thirty days after the Washington state patrol issues a notification to dealers that a state firearms background check system is established within the Washington state patrol under RCW 43.43.580, a dealer shall use the Washington state patrol firearms background check program to conduct background checks for all firearms transfers. A dealer may not sell or transfer a firearm to an individual unless the dealer first contacts the Washington state patrol firearms background check program for a background check to determine the eligibility of the purchaser or transferee to possess a firearm under state and federal law and the requirements and time periods established in RCW 9.41.090 and 9.41.092 have been satisfied.
(2) A dealer shall charge a purchaser or transferee a background check fee in an amount determined by the Washington state patrol and remit the proceeds from the fee to the Washington state patrol on a monthly basis. The background check fee does not apply to any background check conducted in connection with a pawnbroker's receipt of a pawned firearm or the redemption of a pawned firearm.
(3) This section does not apply to sales or transfers to licensed dealers or to the sale or transfer of an antique firearm.
[ 2023 c 161 s 9; 2020 c 28 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 161: See note following RCW 9.41.090.

catchline: Firearms sales or transfers—Use of Washington state patrol firearms background check system.


title: RCW 9.41.114

text:
Upon denying an application for the purchase or transfer of a firearm as a result of a background check by the Washington state patrol firearms background check program or completed and submitted firearm purchase or transfer application that indicates the applicant is ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, the dealer shall:
(1) Provide the applicant with a copy of a notice form generated and distributed by the Washington state patrol firearms background check program under RCW 43.43.823(6), informing denied applicants of their right to appeal the denial; and
(2) Retain the original records of the attempted purchase or transfer of a firearm for a period not less than six years.
[ 2024 c 289 s 4; 2020 c 28 s 5; 2017 c 261 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 289: See note following RCW 9.41.111.
Contingent effective date—2020 c 28 ss 5-9: "Sections 5 through 9 of this act take effect on the date that is thirty days after the Washington state patrol issues a notification to dealers that a state firearms background check system is established under section 1 of this act. The Washington state patrol shall provide written notice of the effective date of sections 5 through 9 of this act to the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the Washington state patrol." [ 2020 c 28 s 10.] The Washington state patrol has provided notice required by 2020 c 28 s 10, establishing February 1, 2024, as the effective date of 2020 c 28 ss 5-9.

catchline: Firearm sales or transfers—Denial of application report—Dealer's duties.


title: RCW 9.41.115

text:
Notwithstanding the penalty provisions in this chapter, any person knowingly violating RCW 9.41.113 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. If a person previously has been found guilty under this section, then the person is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent knowing violation of RCW 9.41.113. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every gun sold or transferred without complying with the background check requirements of RCW 9.41.113. It is an affirmative defense to any prosecution brought under this section that the sale or transfer satisfied one of the exceptions in RCW 9.41.113(4).
[ 2015 c 1 s 9 (Initiative Measure No. 594, approved November 4, 2014).]
Notes:
Finding—2015 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 594): See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Penalties—Violations of RCW 9.41.113.


title: RCW 9.41.120

text:
No person other than a duly licensed dealer shall make any loan secured by a mortgage, deposit or pledge of a pistol. Any licensed dealer receiving a pistol as a deposit or pledge for a loan shall keep such records and make such reports as are provided by law for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers in cities of the first class. A duly licensed dealer may mortgage any pistol or stock of pistols but shall not deposit or pledge the same with any other person.
[ 1961 c 124 s 9; 1935 c 172 s 12; RRS s 2516-12.]
Notes:
Pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers: Chapter 19.60 RCW.

catchline: Firearms as loan security.


title: RCW 9.41.121

text:
(1) A person may apply for a permit to purchase firearms with the Washington state patrol firearms background check program.
(2) An applicant for a permit to purchase firearms must submit to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program:
(a) A completed permit application as provided in subsection (3) of this section;
(b) A complete set of fingerprints taken by the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the applicant resides;
(c) A certificate of completion of a certified firearms safety training program within the last five years, or proof that the applicant is exempt from the training requirement, as provided in RCW 9.41.1132; and
(d) The permit application fee as provided in subsection (11) of this section.
(3) An application for a permit to purchase firearms must include the applicant's:
(a) Full name and place and date of birth;
(b) Residential address and current mailing address if different from the residential address;
(c) Driver's license number or state identification card number;
(d) Physical description;
(e) Race and gender;
(f) Telephone number and email address, at the option of the applicant; and
(g) Electronic signature.
(4) The application must contain questions about the applicant's eligibility to possess firearms under state and federal law and whether the applicant is a United States citizen. If the applicant is not a United States citizen, the applicant must provide the applicant's country of citizenship, United States-issued alien number or admission number, and the basis on which the applicant claims to be exempt from federal prohibitions on firearm possession by noncitizens. The applicant shall not be required to produce a birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship. A person who is not a citizen of the United States shall, if applicable, meet the additional requirements of RCW 9.41.173 and produce proof of compliance with RCW 9.41.173 upon application.
(5) A signed application for a permit to purchase firearms shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that courts, the health care authority, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release information relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a permit to purchase firearms to an inquiring court or the Washington state patrol firearms background check program.
(6) The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall issue a permit to purchase firearms to an eligible applicant, or deny the completed application, within 30 days of the date the completed application was filed, or within 60 days of when the completed application was filed if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive 90 days, unless additional time is necessary in order to obtain all required information and records needed for determining the applicant's eligibility for the permit.
(7)(a) A permit to purchase firearms shall be issued unless the applicant is disqualified because the applicant:
(i) Is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law;
(ii) Is subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms issued pursuant to chapter 7.105, 9A.40, 9A.44, 9A.46, 9A.88, 10.99, 26.09, 26.26B, or 26.26A RCW, or any of the former chapters 10.14, 26.10, and 26.50 RCW;
(iii) Has an outstanding warrant for the applicant's arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor making a person ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040; or
(iv) Has failed to produce a certificate of completion of a certified firearms safety training program within the last five years, or proof that the applicant is exempt from the training requirement.
(b) If an application for a permit to purchase firearms is denied, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall send the applicant a written notice of the denial stating the specific grounds on which the permit to purchase firearms is denied. If the applicant provides an email address at the time of application, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program may send the denial notice to the applicant's email address.
(8)(a) In determining whether the applicant is eligible for a permit to purchase firearms, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall check with the national instant criminal background check system, the Washington state patrol electronic database, the health care authority electronic database, the administrative office of the courts, LInX-NW, and with other agencies or resources as appropriate.
(b) A background check for an original permit must be conducted through the Washington state patrol criminal records division and shall include a national check from the federal bureau of investigation through the submission of fingerprints. The results will be returned to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program. The applicant may request and receive a copy of the results of the background check from the Washington state patrol. If the applicant seeks to amend or correct their record, the applicant must contact the Washington state patrol for a Washington state record or the federal bureau of investigation for records from other jurisdictions.
(9) The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall develop procedures to verify on an annual basis that persons who have been issued a permit to purchase firearms remain eligible to possess firearms under state and federal law and continue to meet other firearm eligibility requirements. If a person is determined to be ineligible, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall revoke the permit under subsection (14) of this section, and provide notification of the revocation and relevant information to the chief of police or the sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the permit holder resides so that local law enforcement may take steps to ensure the permit holder is not illegally in possession of firearms.
(10) The permit to purchase firearms must be in a form prescribed by the Washington state patrol firearms background check program and must contain a unique permit number, expiration date, and the name, date of birth, residential address, and brief description of the licensee.
(11)(a) A permit to purchase firearms is valid for a period of five years. A person may renew a permit to purchase firearms by applying for renewal in accordance with the requirements of this section within 90 days before or after the expiration date of the permit. A renewed permit to purchase firearms takes effect on the expiration date of the prior permit to purchase firearms and is valid for a period of five years.
(b)(i) The Washington state patrol firearms background check program may charge permit application fees which will cover as nearly as practicable the direct and indirect costs to the Washington state patrol incurred in creating and administering the permit to purchase firearms program. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall establish a late penalty for late renewal of a permit to purchase firearms. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall transmit the fees collected to the state treasurer for deposit in the state firearms background check system account created in RCW 43.43.590.
(ii) In addition to the permit application fee, an applicant for a permit to purchase firearms must pay the fingerprint processing fee under RCW 43.43.742.
(12) The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall mail a renewal notice to the holder of a permit to purchase firearms approximately 90 days before the expiration date of the permit at the address listed on the application, or to the permit holder's new address if the permit holder has notified the Washington state patrol firearms background check program of a change of address. If the permit holder provides an email address at the time of application, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program may send the renewal notice to the permit holder's email address. The notice must contain the date the permit to purchase firearms will expire, the amount of the renewal fee, the penalty for late renewal, and instructions on how to renew the permit to purchase firearms.
(13) A permit to purchase firearms issued under this section does not authorize the holder of the permit to carry a concealed pistol.
(14) The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall revoke a permit to purchase firearms on the occurrence of any act or condition that would prevent the issuance of a permit to purchase firearms. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall send the permit holder a written notice of the revocation stating the specific grounds on which the permit is revoked.
(15) If a permit application is denied or a permit is revoked, a person aggrieved by the denial or revocation is entitled to seek relief of the denial or revocation in superior court pursuant to RCW 9.41.0975.
(16) Not later than one year after May 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program shall submit to the state legislature a report that includes all of the following information for the preceding year:
(a) The number of permit applications submitted, issued, and denied;
(b) Aggregate and anonymized demographic data on the number of applicants seeking permits that were issued, including race, gender, date of birth, and county of residence;
(c) Aggregate and anonymized demographic data on the number of applicants seeking permits that were denied, including race, gender, date of birth, and county of residence;
(d) The frequency with which permits were denied for each of the statutory disqualifying factors listed in this section;
(e) The number of permit denial decisions appealed by permit applicants and the disposition of those appeals;
(f) The number of issued permits revoked; and
(g) The number of cases that the Washington state patrol has provided notice of permit revocations and relevant information to local law enforcement agencies, and the number of cases that local law enforcement agencies have taken action to remove firearms purchased with a permit that was subsequently revoked and the number of firearms recovered in such cases.
[ 2026 c 36 s 14; 2025 c 370 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2026 c 36 ss 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 30: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Application—2025 c 370 ss 2, 4, and 5: "The Washington state patrol may adopt rules and undertake actions necessary for the implementation and administration of sections 2, 4, and 5 of this act." [ 2025 c 370 s 6.]
Effective date—2025 c 370: See note following RCW 9.41.090.

catchline: Firearms—Permit to purchase application. (Effective May 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 9.41.122

text:
Residents of Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns in a state other than Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. 90-351 as administered by the United States secretary of the treasury: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That such residents are eligible to purchase or possess such weapons in Washington and in the state in which such purchase is made: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That when any part of the transaction takes place in Washington , including, but not limited to, internet sales, such residents are subject to the procedures and background checks required by this chapter.
[ 2015 c 1 s 6 (Initiative Measure No. 594, approved November 4, 2014); 1970 ex.s. c 74 s 1. Formerly RCW 19.70.010.]
Notes:
Finding—2015 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 594): See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Out-of-state purchasing.


title: RCW 9.41.124

text:
Residents of a state other than Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns, except those firearms defined as semiautomatic assault rifles, in Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. 90-351 as administered by the United States secretary of the treasury: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That such residents are eligible to purchase or possess such weapons in Washington and in the state in which such persons reside: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That such residents are subject to the procedures and background checks required by this chapter.
[ 2019 c 3 s 12 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2015 c 1 s 7 (Initiative Measure No. 594, approved November 4, 2014); 1970 ex.s. c 74 s 2. Formerly RCW 19.70.020.]
Notes:
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Finding—2015 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 594): See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Purchasing of rifles and shotguns by nonresidents.


title: RCW 9.41.129

text:
The department of licensing shall keep copies or records of applications for concealed pistol licenses provided for in RCW 9.41.070, copies or records of applications for noncitizen firearm licenses, copies or records of applications to purchase pistols or semiautomatic assault rifles provided for in RCW 9.41.090, and copies or records of pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle transfers provided for in RCW 9.41.110. The copies and records shall not be disclosed except as provided in RCW 42.56.240(4).
[ 2026 c 36 s 15; 2019 c 3 s 14 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2005 c 274 s 203; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 417.]
Notes:
Expiration dates—2026 c 36 ss 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 29: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Finding—Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Contingent expiration date—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
PDF
RCW 9.41.129
Recordkeeping requirements. (Effective May 1, 2027.)
The department of licensing shall keep copies or records of applications for concealed pistol licenses provided for in RCW 9.41.070, copies or records of applications for noncitizen firearm licenses, copies or records of applications for the purchase or transfer of firearms provided for in RCW 9.41.090, and copies or records of firearm transfers provided for in RCW 9.41.110. The copies and records shall not be disclosed except as provided in RCW 42.56.240(4).
[ 2026 c 36 s 16; 2025 c 370 s 14; 2019 c 3 s 14 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 2005 c 274 s 203; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 417.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2026 c 36 ss 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 30: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Effective date—2025 c 370: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Finding—Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Contingent expiration date—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Recordkeeping requirements. (Effective until May 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 9.41.135

text:
(1) At least once every twelve months, the department of licensing shall obtain a list of dealers licensed under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923(a) with business premises in the state of Washington from the United States bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. The department of licensing shall verify that all dealers on the list provided by the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms are licensed and registered as required by RCW 9.41.100.
(2) At least once every twelve months, the department of licensing shall obtain from the department of revenue and the department of revenue shall transmit to the department of licensing a list of dealers registered with the department of revenue, and a list of dealers whose names and addresses were forwarded to the department of revenue by the department of licensing under RCW 9.41.110, who failed to register with the department of revenue as required by RCW 9.41.100.
(3) At least once every twelve months, the department of licensing shall notify the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms of all dealers licensed under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923(a) with business premises in the state of Washington who have not complied with the licensing or registration requirements of RCW 9.41.100. In notifying the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, the department of licensing shall not specify whether a particular dealer has failed to comply with licensing requirements or has failed to comply with registration requirements.
[ 1995 c 318 s 6; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 418.]
Notes:
Effective date—1995 c 318: See note following RCW 82.04.030.
Finding—Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Contingent expiration date—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Verification of licenses and registration—Notice to federal government.


title: RCW 9.41.137

text:
The department of licensing shall have the authority to adopt rules for the implementation of this chapter as amended. In addition, the department of licensing shall report any violation of this chapter by a licensed dealer to the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives within the United States department of justice and shall have the authority, after notice and a hearing, to revoke the license of any licensed dealer found to be in violation of this chapter.
[ 2015 c 1 s 8 (Initiative Measure No. 594, approved November 4, 2014).]
Notes:
Finding—2015 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 594): See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Department of licensing, authority to adopt rules—Reporting of violations—Authority to revoke licenses.


title: RCW 9.41.139

text:
(1) Within twelve months of July 1, 2019, the department of licensing shall, in conjunction with the Washington state patrol and other state and local law enforcement agencies as necessary, develop a cost-effective and efficient process to:
(a) Verify, on an annual or more frequent basis, that persons who acquired pistols or semiautomatic assault rifles pursuant to this chapter remain eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law; and
(b) If such persons are determined to be ineligible for any reason, (i) notify and provide the relevant information to the chief of police or the sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the purchaser resides and (ii) take steps to ensure such persons are not illegally in possession of firearms.
(2) The department of licensing, where appropriate, may consult with individuals from the public and private sector or ask the individuals to establish a temporary advisory committee to accomplish the purposes in subsection (1) of this section. Members of such an advisory committee are not entitled to expense reimbursement.
[ 2019 c 3 s 15 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Notes:
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.

catchline: Department of licensing—Eligibility to possess firearms.


title: RCW 9.41.140

text:
No person may change, alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's number, or other mark of identification on any firearm. Possession of any firearm upon which any such mark shall have been changed, altered, removed, or obliterated, shall be prima facie evidence that the possessor has changed, altered, removed, or obliterated the same. This section shall not apply to replacement barrels in old firearms, which barrels are produced by current manufacturers and therefor do not have the markings on the barrels of the original manufacturers who are no longer in business. This section also shall not apply if the changes do not make the firearm illegal for the person to possess under state or federal law.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 419; 1961 c 124 s 10; 1935 c 172 s 14; RRS s 2516-14.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Alteration of identifying marks—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.171

text:
It is a class C felony for any person who is not a citizen of the United States to carry or possess any firearm, unless the person: (1) Is a lawful permanent resident; (2) has obtained a valid noncitizen firearm license pursuant to RCW 9.41.173; (3) is a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient lawfully employed as a peace officer as defined in RCW 10.120.010 or a corrections officer as defined in RCW 43.101.010; or (4) meets the requirements of RCW 9.41.175.
[ 2026 c 36 s 17; 2024 c 330 s 4; 2009 c 216 s 2.]

catchline: Individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States possession of firearms—Requirements—Penalty.


title: RCW 9.41.173

text:
(1) In order to obtain a noncitizen firearm license, a nonimmigrant noncitizen residing in Washington must apply to the sheriff of the county in which he or she resides.
(2) The sheriff of the county shall within sixty days after the filing of an application of a nonimmigrant noncitizen residing in the state of Washington, issue a noncitizen firearm license to such person to carry or possess a firearm for the purposes of hunting and sport shooting. The license shall be good for two years. The issuing authority shall not refuse to accept completed applications for noncitizen firearm licenses during regular business hours. An application for a license may not be denied, unless the applicant's noncitizen firearm license is in a revoked status, or the applicant:
(a) Is ineligible to possess a firearm under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045;
(b) Is subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms pursuant to chapter 7.105 RCW, or RCW 9A.46.080, 10.99.040, 10.99.045, 26.09.050, 26.09.060, * 26.10.040, 26.26B.020, or 26.26A.470, or any of the former RCW 10.14.080, 26.10.115, 26.50.060, and 26.50.070;
(c) Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense; or
(d) Has an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor.
No license application shall be granted to a nonimmigrant noncitizen convicted of a felony unless the person has been granted relief from disabilities by the attorney general under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 925(c), or unless RCW 9.41.040 (3) or (4) applies.
(3) The sheriff shall check with the national crime information center, the Washington state patrol electronic database, the health care authority electronic database, and with other agencies or resources as appropriate, to determine whether the applicant is ineligible under RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045 to possess a firearm.
(4) The license application shall bear the full name, residential address, telephone number at the option of the applicant, date and place of birth, race, gender, description, a complete set of fingerprints, and signature of the applicant, a copy of the applicant's passport and visa showing the applicant is in the country legally, and a valid Washington hunting license or documentation that the applicant is a member of a sport shooting club.
A signed application for a noncitizen firearm license shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that the health care authority, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release information relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a noncitizen firearm license to an inquiring court or law enforcement agency.
The application for an original license shall include a complete set of fingerprints to be forwarded to the Washington state patrol.
The license and application shall contain a warning substantially as follows:
CAUTION: Although state and local laws do not differ, federal law and state law on the possession of firearms differ. If you are prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, you may be prosecuted in federal court. A state license is not a defense to a federal prosecution.
The license shall contain a description of the major differences between state and federal law and an explanation of the fact that local laws and ordinances on firearms are preempted by state law and must be consistent with state law. The application shall contain questions about the applicant's eligibility under RCW 9.41.040 to possess a firearm. The nonimmigrant noncitizen applicant shall be required to produce a passport and visa as evidence of being in the country legally.
The license may be in triplicate or in a form to be prescribed by the department of licensing. The original thereof shall be delivered to the licensee, the duplicate shall within seven days be sent to the director of licensing and the triplicate shall be preserved for six years, by the authority issuing the license.
The department of licensing shall make available to law enforcement and corrections agencies, in an online format, all information received under this section.
(5) The sheriff has the authority to collect a nonrefundable fee, paid upon application, for the two-year license. The fee shall be fifty dollars plus additional charges imposed by the Washington state patrol and the federal bureau of investigation that are passed on to the applicant. No other state or local branch or unit of government may impose any additional charges on the applicant for the issuance of the license. The fee shall be retained by the sheriff.
(6) Payment shall be by cash, check, or money order at the option of the applicant. Additional methods of payment may be allowed at the option of the sheriff.
(7) A political subdivision of the state shall not modify the requirements of this section, nor may a political subdivision ask the applicant to voluntarily submit any information not required by this section.
(8) A person who knowingly makes a false statement regarding citizenship or identity on an application for a noncitizen firearm license is guilty of false swearing under RCW 9A.72.040. In addition to any other penalty provided for by law, the noncitizen firearm license of a person who knowingly makes a false statement shall be revoked, and the person shall be permanently ineligible for a noncitizen firearm license.
[ 2026 c 36 s 18; 2021 c 215 s 95; 2019 c 46 s 5005; 2018 c 201 s 6006; 2017 c 174 s 2; 2009 c 216 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.10.040 was repealed by 2020 c 312 s 905.
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

catchline: Individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States possession of firearms—Firearm license—Political subdivisions may not modify requirements—Penalty for false statement.


title: RCW 9.41.175

text:
(1) A nonimmigrant noncitizen, who is not a resident of Washington or a citizen of Canada, may carry or possess any firearm without having first obtained a noncitizen firearm license if the nonimmigrant noncitizen possesses:
(a) A valid passport and visa showing he or she is in the country legally;
(b) If required under federal law, an approved United States department of justice ATF-6 NIA application and permit for temporary importation of firearms and ammunition by nonimmigrant aliens; and
(c)(i) A valid hunting license issued by a state or territory of the United States; or
(ii) An invitation to participate in a trade show or sport shooting event being conducted in this state, another state, or another country that is contiguous with this state.
(2) A citizen of Canada may carry or possess any firearm so long as he or she possesses:
(a) Valid documentation as required for entry into the United States;
(b) If required under federal law, an approved United States department of justice ATF-6 NIA application and permit for temporary importation of firearms and ammunition by nonimmigrant aliens; and
(c)(i) A valid hunting license issued by a state or territory of the United States; or
(ii) An invitation to participate in a trade show or sport shooting event being conducted in this state, another state, or another country that is contiguous with this state.
(3) For purposes of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the firearms may only be possessed for the purpose of using them in the hunting of game while such persons are in the act of hunting, or while on a hunting trip, or while such persons are competing in a bona fide trap or skeet shoot or any other organized contest where rifles, pistols, or shotguns are used. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow noncitizens to hunt or fish in this state without first having obtained a regular hunting or fishing license.
[ 2026 c 36 s 19; 2009 c 216 s 4.]

catchline: Individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States possession of firearms—Possession without license—Conditions.


title: RCW 9.41.185

text:
The use of "coyote getters" or similar spring-triggered shell devices shall not constitute a violation of any of the laws of the state of Washington when the use of such "coyote getters" is authorized by the state department of agriculture and/or the state department of fish and wildlife in cooperative programs with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, for the purpose of controlling or eliminating coyotes harmful to livestock and game animals on range land or forest areas.
[ 1999 c 143 s 3; 1988 c 36 s 3; 1965 c 46 s 1.]

catchline: Coyote getters.


title: RCW 9.41.190

text:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Manufacture, including by use of a three-dimensional printer, computer numerical control milling machine, or other means, or own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, or have in possession or under control, any machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle;
(b) Manufacture, including by use of a three-dimensional printer, computer numerical control milling machine, or other means, or own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, or have in possession or under control, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in a machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, or in converting a weapon into a machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle;
(c) Assemble or repair any machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle; or
(d) Manufacture, including by use of a three-dimensional printer, computer numerical control milling machine, or other means, or cause to be manufactured, assemble, or cause to be assembled, an untraceable firearm with the intent to sell the untraceable firearm.
(2) It is not unlawful for a person to manufacture, own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, assemble, or repair, or have in possession or under control, a short-barreled rifle, or any part designed or intended solely and exclusively for use in a short-barreled rifle or in converting a weapon into a short-barreled rifle, if the person is in compliance with applicable federal law.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to:
(a) Any peace officer in the discharge of official duty or traveling to or from official duty, or to any officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington in the discharge of official duty or traveling to or from official duty; or
(b) A person, including an employee of such person if the employee has undergone fingerprinting and a background check, who or which is exempt from or licensed under federal law, and engaged in the production, manufacture, repair, or testing of machine guns, bump-fire stocks, short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles:
(i) To be used or purchased by the armed forces of the United States;
(ii) To be used or purchased by federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agencies; or
(iii) For exportation in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.
(4) It shall be an affirmative defense to a prosecution brought under this section that the machine gun or short-barreled shotgun was acquired prior to July 1, 1994, and is possessed in compliance with federal law.
(5) Any person violating this section is guilty of a class C felony.
[ 2026 c 203 s 4; 2022 c 105 s 3; 2019 c 243 s 3; 2018 c 7 s 3; (2018 c 7 s 2 expired July 1, 2019); 2016 c 214 s 1; 2014 c 201 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 420; 1982 1st ex.s. c 47 s 2; 1933 c 64 s 1; RRS s 2518-1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2026 c 203: "The legislature finds the production of undetectable and untraceable firearms and firearm components through three-dimensional printing and computer numerical control (CNC) milling presents a growing threat to public safety. The legislature further finds the production of firearms by unlicensed manufacturers allows prohibited individuals to evade background checks and obtain firearms they could not otherwise lawfully obtain. The legislature intends to address these problems by strengthening the state's existing firearms laws." [ 2026 c 203 s 1.]
Effective date—2026 c 203: "Except for section 3, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 24, 2026]." [ 2026 c 203 s 10.]
Effective date—2022 c 105: See note following RCW 7.80.120.
Effective date—2019 c 243: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Effective dates—2018 c 7: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Expiration date—2018 c 7 s 2: "Section 2 of this act expires July 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 7 s 12.]
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 47: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 47 s 31.]

catchline: Unlawful firearms—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.220

text:
All machine guns, bump-fire stocks, undetectable firearms, short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles, or any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in a machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, or in converting a weapon into a machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, illegally held or illegally possessed are hereby declared to be contraband, and it shall be the duty of all peace officers, and/or any officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington, to seize said machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, or parts thereof, wherever and whenever found.
[ 2019 c 243 s 4; 2018 c 7 s 4; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 421; 1933 c 64 s 4; RRS s 2518-4.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2018 c 7: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Unlawful firearms and parts contraband.