Washington Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
Washington enacted an assault weapons sales ban in 2023 (HB 1240); magazines are limited to 10 rounds (effective 2022); short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilians; a 10-day waiting period and firearms safety training requirement applies to all purchases.
📅 Last updatedWashington Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes Washington's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Legal with NFA |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Permit Required to Purchase | No state permit required |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free WA Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in Washington
Washington's HB 1240 (RCW 9.41.390, effective April 25, 2023) prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of 'assault weapons.' The definition (RCW 9.41.010) covers semi-auto rifles, pistols, and shotguns by both named-model list (AR-15, AK-47 variants, etc.) and feature tests. POSSESSION of pre-ban firearms is currently legal but transfers are prohibited. The compliance checker applies the full statutory feature test for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in Washington. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Washington
Washington prohibits the sale or transfer of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (RCW 9.41.370). Possession of pre-ban magazines remains legal.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors are legal in Washington following federal NFA Form 4 approval.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. Washington separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
Washington does not require a permit to purchase but does require completion of a state-approved firearms safety training course and a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases.
Carry Laws
Shall-issue concealed carry. Open carry is generally permitted without a license.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Washington requires background checks on all firearm transfers, including private sales (Initiative 594, RCW 9.41.113). Family transfers and certain temporary transfers are exempt.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
Washington prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of unserialized firearms (RCW 9.41.190). All firearms manufactured for personal use must be serialized.
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in Washington adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key Washington Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for Washington's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- RCW 9.41.390 — Assault weapons sales prohibition
- RCW 9.41.370 — Large-capacity magazine prohibition
- RCW 9.41.090 — 10-day waiting period and training requirement
- RCW 9.41.113 — Universal background checks
Frequently Asked Questions: Washington Gun Laws
Does Washington's assault weapons ban prohibit possession?
No. Washington's HB 1240 prohibits the sale, manufacture, and importation of assault weapons but does not currently prohibit possession of pre-ban firearms. Owners may keep their existing assault weapons but cannot sell or transfer them within the state.
How long is the waiting period in Washington?
Washington requires a 10-day waiting period from the date of purchase to delivery of any firearm. The waiting period runs concurrently with the federal NICS check.
Are suppressors legal in Washington?
Yes. Civilian ownership of suppressors is legal in Washington following federal NFA Form 4 approval and the $200 federal tax stamp.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare Washington to Other States
Washington's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.