Washington HB 1143 took effect on January 1, 2024, and it put every firearm sold through a licensed dealer in the state under the same purchase rules that used to apply only to handguns and semiautomatic rifles. Whether you’re buying a pistol, an AR-style rifle, or a bolt-action deer rifle, you now need a recent firearm safety training certificate, a background check through the Washington State Patrol, and a ten-business-day wait before you can walk out with the gun.1Washington State Legislature. HB 1143 – 2023-24 A second phase of the law, arriving May 1, 2027, adds a formal permit-to-purchase step and live-fire training.
What Changed at the Dealer Counter
Before HB 1143, Washington ran two tracks at the point of sale. Handguns and semiautomatic assault rifles already required a dealer background check, a waiting period, and a detailed transfer application. Other long guns, including bolt-action rifles and pump shotguns, moved through with far less paperwork. The law erased that split by applying the application, recordkeeping, background check, training, and waiting-period rules to every firearm transferred through a dealer.2Washington State Legislature. House Bill Report HB 1143 – Summary of Substitute Bill
In plain terms, everything on the wall now follows the same process.
The Safety Training Certificate
A dealer cannot deliver a firearm to you until you show proof that you’ve completed a recognized firearms safety training program, and the completion date on that certificate must be within the last five years.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.090 – Dealer Deliveries Regulated – Hold on Delivery – Fees Authorized
The course has to cover basic firearms safety rules, secure storage, and the role of firearms in suicide and homicide. State law doesn’t currently require the training to be in person, so online options are available as long as the program meets the criteria under RCW 9.41.1132. It’s on you to confirm your course qualifies before you show up at the dealer.4Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.1132 – Firearm Sales and Transfers – Firearms Safety Training Program – Exceptions
There is no informal substitute. A concealed pistol license, a hunter education card, or decades of experience will not satisfy this requirement. If your certificate is missing or older than five years, the dealer will not process the sale.
Who Can Skip the Training
RCW 9.41.1132 exempts a narrow set of people, and each one has to present specific documentation at the counter:4Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.1132 – Firearm Sales and Transfers – Firearms Safety Training Program – Exceptions
- General authority, limited authority, specially commissioned, and federal peace officers who carry a firearm and have arrest powers as a normal part of their duties, plus tribal police officers.
- Active duty members of the armed forces, National Guard, and armed forces reserves, on presentation of a military ID.
- Licensed armed private investigators under Chapter 18.165 RCW, on presentation of the license card.
- Licensed armed security guards under Chapter 18.170 RCW, on presentation of the license card.
If you don’t fit one of those categories, plan on taking the class.
Paperwork and Age Rules
At the dealer, you’ll fill out an official firearm transfer application using your full legal name, current home address, and a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Firearm Transfer Application You’ll also disclose citizenship status and legal history on the form.
Two other items trip up first-time buyers. You need to hand over your training certificate showing completion within the last five years.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.090 – Dealer Deliveries Regulated – Hold on Delivery – Fees Authorized And you have to sign a mental health records release waiver prescribed by the Washington State Patrol, which authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services, the Health Care Authority, and mental health providers to share records with the background check system for the sole purpose of determining whether you’re eligible to possess a firearm.6Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.350
Age still varies by firearm type. You must be 21 to buy a handgun or a semiautomatic assault rifle from a dealer. For other long guns, the minimum is 18.
The Ten-Business-Day Wait
After the dealer submits your application, two independent conditions have to clear before the firearm goes home with you. The Washington State Patrol’s Firearms Background Check Program has to notify the dealer that you’re eligible, and ten business days have to pass since the dealer requested the check.7Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.092
Both clocks run separately. A background check that clears in two days doesn’t shorten the wait, and a background check still pending on day ten doesn’t shorten it either; the dealer has to receive the proceed notification.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.090 – Dealer Deliveries Regulated – Hold on Delivery – Fees Authorized Because the statute counts business days, weekends and state holidays don’t count. Plan on roughly two calendar weeks from the day you sign the paperwork.
If the background check comes back disqualifying, the dealer gets a denial and the sale ends. You’ll receive a separate notice from the State Patrol explaining why.
The Background Check Fee
Dealers collect a state fee from each buyer to cover the background check. The fee is capped at $18 and goes to the state, not the shop.8Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 43.43.580 – Firearms Background Check Program – Automated Firearms System Any processing charge the dealer adds on top of that is a separate line item.
If You’re Denied
A denial can be challenged through the Washington State Patrol. You submit a notarized copy of the WSP Firearms Background Check Appeal and Identity Verification Form along with a clear color image of the ID you showed the notary, emailed to firearmappeal@wsp.wa.gov as a .jpg, .png, or .pdf.9Washington State Patrol. Firearm Transfer Denial Notification and Appeal Process
Filing the appeal removes your name from the Denied Firearm Applicant database for one year while the State Patrol reviews the case. If you win, the entry is permanently removed for that specific denial. If you lose, your name goes back in for the remainder of the six-year retention period set by RCW 9.41.114. Questions on the process go to the Firearms Background Division at 360-704-7840.
Penalties for False Statements
Lying on a firearm transfer application creates exposure at both levels of government. Under Washington law, a knowing violation of the transfer requirements is a gross misdemeanor on a first offense and a class C felony on a second. Federally, a false statement in connection with a firearm purchase violates 18 U.S.C. ยง 922(a)(6), a felony carrying up to ten years in prison.10Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 USC 922 – Unlawful Acts11Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Federal Prosecutors Aggressively Pursuing Those Who Lie in Connection With Firearm Transactions ATF has said federal prosecutors are actively pursuing these cases. Read each question, answer carefully, and ask the dealer if something on the form is unclear.
What Changes on May 1, 2027
The current rules run through April 30, 2027. On May 1, 2027, HB 1143’s second phase takes effect and moves Washington to a permit-to-purchase system.4Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 9.41.1132 – Firearm Sales and Transfers – Firearms Safety Training Program – Exceptions Instead of presenting a training certificate at the counter, you’ll apply for a permit ahead of time and submit fingerprints to local law enforcement along with the certificate.12Washington State Legislature. House Bill Report HB 1143 – Summary of Substitute Bill
The training itself expands. The 2027 curriculum adds instruction on Washington’s self-defense and deadly force laws, techniques for avoiding and managing violent confrontations including conflict resolution, and live-fire exercises where you have to demonstrate safe handling and shooting proficiency. Online-only training won’t be enough after that date; you’ll spend time on a range, and you should expect the course to cost more and take longer to complete.