How to Get an FFL in Washington
Washington has a more complex compliance environment than most Western states: a state-run background check system through the Washington State Patrol (WSP), a 10-business-day waiting period on all transfers, an assault weapons ban enacted in 2023, and a 10-round magazine limit. It also has a large shooting sports community, strong hunting culture east of the Cascades, and significant military populations. Whether you are opening a gun store in Spokane or a home-based dealership in Yakima County, here is what you need to know.
Eligibility requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Washington layers additional requirements on top of federal law, so FFLs must be familiar with both. The state has enacted significant restrictions since 2018, including the assault weapons ban (SB 5515, 2023), a 10-round magazine limit, enhanced background checks, and waiting-period rules. Always verify current statutes with legal counsel before applying.
Federal requirements (all states):
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Not under indictment or convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Not a fugitive from justice
- Not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Not adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- Not dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- Not subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child
- Not convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Have premises for conducting business (home-based is allowed with restrictions)
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Washington-specific notes:
- Washington does not require a separate state firearms dealer license. Your federal FFL is sufficient.
- You will need a Washington State Business License (UBI number) from the Department of Revenue.
- Washington's Business and Occupation (B&O) tax applies to gross receipts. Register with the DOR.
- Retail Sales Tax applies (state rate 6.5% plus local rates). Register and collect on taxable sales.
- Washington has no personal income tax.
- Zoning compliance is required, which is especially important for home-based FFLs.
FFL types and cost breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Washington gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Given the assault weapons ban and magazine restrictions, carefully consider your product mix before applying. Dealers who specialize in hunting firearms, collectors, accessories, and NFA-compliant items often find Washington's market well-suited to their business.
- Type 01 Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices. The standard retail gun store license. $200 for three years, $90 to renew.
- Type 02 Pawnbroker dealing in firearms. $200 for three years.
- Type 07 Manufacturer of firearms and ammunition. $150 for three years.
- Type 06 Manufacturer of ammunition. $30 for three years.
- Type 03 Collector of Curio and Relic firearms. $30 for three years.
NFA items
Washington is NFA-legal: suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and pre-1986 machine guns are legal with the appropriate federal tax stamp, with no state-level prohibition. Dealers handling NFA items need a Special Occupational Tax (SOT), $500 per year for dealers with gross receipts under $500K. NFA transfers are still subject to Washington's 10-business-day waiting period and WSP background check.
Step-by-step application process
1. Prepare your business structure. Decide on your business entity. Register with the Washington Secretary of State if forming an LLC or corporation, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and apply for your Washington State Business License (UBI) through the DOR, which also registers you for B&O tax and retail sales tax. Check local zoning requirements, especially for home-based operations.
2. Choose your FFL type and complete ATF Form 7. Select the FFL type matching your activities, then complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Given Washington's layered regulatory environment, errors compound delays, so double-check every field. You may also apply through the ATF eApplication portal.
3. Complete fingerprint cards and photographs. Each responsible person completes two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provides two 2x2 passport-style photographs. Fingerprinting is available through IdentoGO centers and many county sheriff's offices statewide.
4. Submit your application and fee. Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and fee to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center. The correct address is printed on the form instructions.
5. Notify your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. This is a notification only; CLEO approval is not required.
6. Complete the ATF interview and inspection. An ATF Industry Operations Inspector will schedule a premises visit to verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws, including 4473 procedures, A&D Book requirements, and background check workflows. Washington falls under the ATF Seattle Field Division.
7. Set up your compliance systems. Configure your WSP background check workflow (separate from federal NICS), implement 10-business-day waiting period tracking, and ensure your processes comply with Washington's assault weapons and magazine restrictions. Starting digital with e4473 automates waiting-period calculations and compliance tracking, which is critical in a state where manual tracking errors can result in illegal transfers.
Timeline and process flowchart
A realistic Washington FFL timeline runs about 8 to 12 weeks from submission to approval: business and application prep, ATF intake, the inspector interview, and final approval. Washington's layered state requirements mean compliance setup should begin well before your first transfer.
Washington-specific requirements
Washington has one of the more complex state-level compliance environments for FFLs in the Western United States. Several requirements carry significant penalties for non-compliance, so understanding them before you open is critical.
State background check system (Washington State Patrol):
- Washington is a state point-of-contact (POC) state. FFLs route all background checks through the WSP Firearms Background Check Unit, not directly to FBI NICS.
- WSP accesses Washington state criminal history, restraining orders, and mental health adjudications beyond the federal NICS database.
- WSP may return Approved, Denied, or Pending responses.
- The 10-business-day waiting period begins when WSP receives the completed application.
10-business-day waiting period:
- Applies to all firearm transfers: handguns, rifles, shotguns, and NFA items.
- Begins when WSP receives the completed background check application.
- Even if WSP returns an Approved response immediately, the dealer must still wait 10 business days before completing the transfer.
Other Washington restrictions:
- Assault weapons ban: SB 5515 (2023) restricts the sale of firearms defined as assault weapons under state law.
- Magazine capacity: sale of magazines over 10 rounds is restricted.
- Confirm your product mix complies with current state law before stocking inventory.
Recordkeeping
All FFLs in Washington must maintain an A&D Book per 27 CFR 478.125 and retain completed ATF Form 4473 records for at least 20 years per 27 CFR 478.129. Electronic systems like e4473 with cloud storage make this far easier than paper, and automate the waiting-period tracking Washington requires.
CLEO notification in Washington
Federal law requires you to provide a copy of your ATF Form 7 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction, typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Washington has 39 counties. This is a notification only; the CLEO does not have the authority to approve or deny your FFL application.
How to find your CLEO:
- County sheriff: contact your county sheriff's office directly
- City police chief: contact your municipal police department
- ATF EZ Check can help verify existing FFL information
Send the CLEO copy with the same mailing or shortly after submitting your ATF Form 7 to avoid delays.
Home-based FFLs in Washington
Home-based FFLs are allowed in Washington, but the state's more active local zoning landscape makes premises planning especially important. Practical considerations:
- Zoning: many Washington cities and counties have active land-use regulations. Confirm home-based business is permitted at your address before you apply.
- Storage and security: the ATF inspector will verify secure storage for firearms. A gun safe or locked room is typically expected.
- Signage: some local ordinances require or prohibit business signage on residential properties.
- Foot traffic: consider neighbors and any HOA restrictions if customers will visit.
- Insurance: standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover business activities. Consider a commercial rider or separate business liability policy.
Many home-based FFLs in Washington operate as transfer agents, online dealers, or gunsmithing shops with appointment-only visits, which minimizes foot traffic while still allowing you to operate legally from your residence.
4473 and background check requirements in Washington
Every firearm transfer from an FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473. In Washington the background check itself routes through the WSP rather than directly to FBI NICS, and the 10-business-day waiting period applies on top of the 4473 process. For a full walkthrough of the form, see what questions are asked on a 4473 form.
Official resources and links
- ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC)
- ATF Form 7 (5310.12) application and eApplication portal
- Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Check Unit
- Washington State Department of Revenue (business license, UBI, B&O, sales tax)
- Washington Secretary of State (business registration)
- FBI NICS (federal background check reference)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a state license to sell firearms in Washington?
No. Washington does not require a separate state firearms dealer license. Your federal FFL is sufficient, but you will need a Washington State Business License (UBI) and must register for B&O tax and retail sales tax.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a 10-business-day waiting period on all firearm transfers, beginning when the WSP receives the completed background check application. The wait applies even if the check is approved immediately.
Does Washington use NICS or a state background check?
Washington is a point-of-contact state. FFLs route all background checks through the Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Check Unit, not directly to FBI NICS.
Can I run an FFL from my home in Washington?
Yes, home-based FFLs are allowed, but Washington's active local zoning makes premises planning important. You must meet ATF storage requirements and comply with local zoning, signage, and HOA rules.
Are suppressors and NFA items legal in Washington?
Yes. NFA items such as suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and pre-1986 machine guns are legal in Washington with the appropriate federal tax stamp. They remain subject to the 10-business-day waiting period and WSP background check.
Running an FFL in Washington?
Move your store off the paper ATF Form 4473 to a fully digital, audit-ready workflow that syncs with your point of sale and A&D Book.