How long does it take to get an FFL in Washington State?

The ATF's standard processing time is approximately 60 days from receipt of a completed application. Actual timelines can range from 30 to 90+ days depending on application volume, background check processing, and scheduling the mandatory ATF interview and premises inspection.

Does Washington have a waiting period for firearm purchases?

Yes. Washington State has a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period on all firearm purchases (effective January 1, 2023, expanded from a prior 3-day period on handguns). This applies to all firearm types — handguns and long guns. The waiting period begins when WSP receives the completed application for a background check.

Does Washington require a state firearms dealer license?

Washington does not require a separate firearms-specific dealer license beyond your federal FFL. However, all businesses must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) and hold a Washington State Business License (Unified Business Identifier, or UBI). Some cities require additional local business licenses.

Updated February 2026

How to Get an FFL in Washington State

Washington State presents a more complex compliance environment than most Western states — a state-run background check system through the Washington State Patrol (WSP), a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period on all firearm transfers, an assault weapons ban enacted in 2023, and a high-capacity magazine restriction. But it's also home to a large and active shooting sports community, strong hunting culture east of the Cascades, significant military populations around Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and a robust market for FFLs willing to navigate the regulatory landscape. Whether you're opening a gun store in Spokane, a home-based dealership in Yakima County, or a manufacturing operation near Tacoma — here's everything you need to know.

$200Application Fee
(3-year license)

10Business-Day
Waiting Period

WSPState POC
Background Checks

10+State Laws
Affecting FFLs

Eligibility Requirements

Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Washington State layers additional requirements on top of federal law — FFLs must be familiar with both.

⚠️ Washington Is a More Regulated State

Unlike firearms-permissive states, Washington has enacted significant state-level restrictions since 2018. Before applying for an FFL in Washington, thoroughly review current state law — including the assault weapons ban (SB 5515, 2023), magazine capacity limits (10 rounds), enhanced background check requirements, and waiting period rules. This guide reflects the law as of February 2026, but Washington's legislature has been active. Always verify current statutes with legal counsel.

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 State-Specific Eligibility 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 Washington State Department of Revenue
Washington's Business & Occupation (B&O) tax applies to gross receipts — register with the DOR
Washington has Retail Sales Tax (state rate 6.5% + local rates up to ~4%) — register and collect on all taxable sales
Washington State has no personal income tax
Zoning compliance is required — especially critical for home-based FFLs given Washington's more active local zoning landscape

FFL Types & 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 Washington's assault weapons ban and magazine restrictions, carefully consider your product mix before applying. Dealers who specialize in hunting firearms, historical collectors, accessories, and NFA-compliant items often find Washington's market particularly well-suited to their business.

Type	Description	Initial Fee (3 Yr)	Renewal Fee (3 Yr)	Common Use
01	Dealer in Firearms	$200	$90	Gun stores, home-based dealers
02	Pawnbroker	$200	$90	Pawn shops dealing in firearms
03	Collector of Curios & Relics	$30	$30	Personal collectors (not for business)
06	Manufacturer of Ammunition	$30	$30	Ammo reloaders and manufacturers
07	Manufacturer of Firearms	$150	$150	Gun builders, custom shops
08	Importer of Firearms	$150	$150	Firearms importers
09	Dealer in Destructive Devices	$3,000	$3,000	Specialized dealers
10	Manufacturer of Destructive Devices	$3,000	$3,000	Specialized manufacturers
11	Importer of Destructive Devices	$3,000	$3,000	Specialized importers

📋 NFA Items in Washington State

Washington is NFA-legal — suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and machine guns (pre-1986) are all legal with appropriate federal tax stamps. Washington does not have a state-level prohibition on NFA items. The strong military and hunting communities in Washington — particularly east of the Cascades — create genuine suppressor demand. If you plan to deal in NFA items, you'll need a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) in addition to your FFL. Class 3 SOT is $500/year for dealers with gross receipts under $500K. Note that NFA items are still subject to Washington's standard 10-business-day waiting period and WSP background check process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Prepare Your Business Structure

Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Washington Secretary of State if forming an LLC or corporation (WA LLC fee: $200 online). Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Apply for your Washington State Business License (UBI) through the DOR — this also registers you for B&O tax and retail sales tax. Check local zoning requirements, particularly if operating from home or in a city with active land use regulations.

Choose Your FFL Type & Complete ATF Form 7

Select the FFL type matching your activities, then download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Given Washington's layered regulatory environment, errors on the application can compound delays — double-check every field before submitting. You may also apply through the ATF eApplication portal.

Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs

Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. Fingerprinting services are widely available in the Seattle/Tacoma metro, Spokane, Bellingham, Tri-Cities, and across the state through IdentoGO enrollment centers, UPS Store locations, and many county sheriff's offices.

Submit Application & Fee

Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and your application fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA. The correct mailing address is printed on the form instructions.

Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)

Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Washington has 39 counties. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required for your FFL.

Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection

An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will schedule a premises visit. They'll verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws — including 4473 procedures, A&D bound book requirements, NICS/WSP background check workflows, and multiple sale reporting. Washington falls under the ATF Seattle Field Division.

Set Up Your Compliance Systems

Washington's compliance environment requires more setup than most states. You must configure your WSP background check workflow (separate from federal NICS), implement the 10-business-day waiting period tracking, and ensure your inventory and sales processes comply with Washington's assault weapons and magazine restrictions. Bravo E4473 automates waiting period calculations and compliance tracking — critical in a state where manual tracking errors can result in illegal transfers.

Timeline & Process Flowchart

Here's a realistic timeline for the Washington State FFL application process:

Phase	Activity	Estimated Time
Pre-Application	Business setup, zoning check, entity registration, UBI number	1–2 weeks
Application	Complete ATF Form 7, fingerprints, photos, submit	1–2 weeks
ATF Processing	Background checks, application review	30–45 days
ATF Interview	Inspector visit, premises inspection	1–2 weeks (scheduling)
Approval	FFL issued	1–2 weeks after interview
Total	Business setup through FFL in hand	60–90 days typical

Business Setup & UBI1–2 weeks

→

ATF Form 7 + Fingerprints1–2 weeks

→

ATF Review + Background30–45 days

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IOI Interview1–2 weeks

→

FFL Approved ✓~60–90 days total

Washington State-Specific Requirements

Washington has one of the more complex state-level compliance environments for FFLs in the Western United States. Understanding these requirements before you open is critical — several carry significant penalties for non-compliance.

State Background Check System — Washington State Patrol (WSP)

Washington is a state point-of-contact (POC) state. Rather than submitting background checks directly to FBI NICS, Washington FFLs must route all checks through the Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Check Unit. WSP maintains its own records beyond the federal NICS database — including Washington State criminal history, restraining orders, and mental health adjudications — meaning WSP checks access records not always available through direct NICS.

WSP Firearms Background Check Unit: (360) 534-2000
WSP processes checks 7 days a week during business hours
Dealers must submit background checks through WSP — not directly to FBI NICS — for all firearm transfers
WSP may return Approved, Denied, or Pending (further review needed) responses
The 10-business-day waiting period begins when WSP receives the completed application

10-Business-Day Waiting Period

Effective January 1, 2023, Washington's waiting period was expanded to 10 business days for all firearm types (previously it was 10 days for semiautomatic rifles and 3 days for handguns). Key rules:

The waiting period applies to all firearm transfers — handguns, rifles, shotguns, and NFA items
The period 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
Washington law enforcement and active military are not exempt from the waiting period for personal purchases
Dealers who transfer before the 10-business-day window expires commit a gross misdemeanor

🚨 Critical: Track Every Waiting Period Date

Washington's 10-business-day waiting period is one of the most common compliance errors for new FFLs. "Business days" excludes weekends and state holidays — manual calculation is error-prone. Bravo E4473 calculates the earliest legal transfer date automatically for every Washington transaction, accounting for weekends and Washington State holidays, preventing illegal early releases.

Washington Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs

Assault Weapons Ban (SB 5515, effective July 2023) — Washington prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, selling, or offering for sale of assault weapons as defined under Washington law. The definition covers many common semiautomatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns with specified features. FFLs cannot sell newly manufactured assault weapons as defined under Washington law. Consult legal counsel to identify which products in your inventory are affected. Existing inventory legally possessed before the ban may have different rules.
Magazine Capacity Restriction — Washington prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, selling, or offering for sale of large-capacity magazines (defined as capable of accepting more than 10 rounds). Existing magazines owned before July 1, 2022 may be retained by their owners but cannot be sold or transferred by dealers.
Minimum Age — 21 for All Firearms — Washington state law requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old for all firearm types, including long guns. Federal law allows 18+ for long gun purchases from licensed dealers, but Washington's stricter 21-minimum applies statewide.
No Permitless Carry — Washington does not have constitutional carry. A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required to carry a concealed pistol. Open carry of handguns without a CPL is generally legal but subject to local restrictions in some jurisdictions.
Concealed Pistol License (CPL) — Issued by county sheriffs and city police chiefs. Required for concealed carry. Washington CPL holders are not exempt from the background check or waiting period when purchasing from an FFL — unlike some states where a carry permit substitutes for a NICS check.
Universal Background Checks — Washington requires background checks for all firearm transfers including private party sales (I-594, now codified). Private party transfers must be facilitated through an FFL, creating additional transfer business for Washington dealers.
Safe Storage Requirement (Secure Storage Law) — Washington law (RCW 9.41.360) requires that firearms be stored in a locked container or with a trigger lock when not in the owner's control, if a prohibited person or anyone under 18 could access the firearm. Dealers should be aware of this for inventory security and can advise customers accordingly.
Partial Preemption — Washington has a partial firearms preemption law (RCW 9.41.290) that prevents cities and counties from enacting ordinances more restrictive than state law on most firearms topics. However, preemption has some exceptions and Seattle has historically pushed the boundaries — always verify local ordinances in your specific jurisdiction, particularly in King County.
No State Income Tax — Washington has no personal or corporate income tax, which is a notable business benefit.

⚠️ Washington's Assault Weapons Ban — Know Your Inventory

Washington's 2023 assault weapons ban (SB 5515) significantly restricts which firearms Washington FFLs can sell. The definition of "assault weapon" under Washington law is specific and broad — covering many common AR- and AK-pattern rifles, certain semiautomatic pistols with detachable magazines, and some shotguns. Before stocking inventory, have legal counsel review your intended product mix against the current statute and any agency guidance from the Washington State Attorney General's office. Violations carry significant criminal penalties.

💡 Universal Background Check = FFL Transfer Business

Washington's universal background check law (requiring all private party transfers to go through an FFL) is a genuine business opportunity for Washington dealers. Every private party sale in the state must be facilitated through a licensed dealer. Washington FFLs who offer convenient, competitively priced transfer services — particularly in suburban and rural areas — can build a reliable income stream from background check fees alone, with minimal inventory investment required.

CLEO Notification in Washington State

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 cannot approve or deny your FFL application.

How to Find Your CLEO

County Sheriff — Find your county sheriff via the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC)
Municipal Police Chief — If operating within a city or town with its own police department, notify that department's chief. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and other incorporated cities have their own police departments.
Washington has 39 counties — from densely populated King (Seattle), Pierce (Tacoma), Snohomish (Everett), and Spokane counties to vast rural counties like Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Garfield in Eastern Washington

⚠️ Don't Skip This Step

While CLEO notification is informational and does not require approval, skipping it can delay ATF processing. Send your CLEO notification at the same time you mail your ATF Form 7. Keep a copy of your mailing confirmation for your records.

Home-Based FFLs in Washington State

Home-based FFLs are permitted in Washington State, but the regulatory environment — particularly in western Washington — requires more careful preparation than in most states. Eastern Washington's rural counties tend to be far more permissive.

Zoning — Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and most King County cities have strict home occupation ordinances that typically prohibit customer traffic, exterior signage, and certain commercial activities in residential zones. Snohomish, Pierce, and Thurston counties vary by city and unincorporated area. Eastern Washington cities (Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities) and rural counties generally have far fewer restrictions. Always verify with your local planning or zoning department before applying.
Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify secure firearm storage. Washington's safe storage law (RCW 9.41.360) also applies to dealer inventory when not in the dealer's direct control. A quality gun safe or dedicated locked storage room is required.
UBI Number and B&O Tax — Washington home-based dealers must hold a Washington State Business License (UBI number) and report gross receipts for B&O tax purposes, even if no sales tax is collected (e.g., on transfers only).
HOA Restrictions — Many Washington communities — especially in the suburbs of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond — have HOAs with restrictions on home-based commercial activity, customer visits, and business signage. Review your CC&Rs carefully before applying.
Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance will not cover commercial firearms inventory or business liability. A dedicated commercial firearms dealer policy is essential before taking any inventory into your home.
Universal Background Check Transfers — Home-based Washington FFLs are well-positioned to capture private party transfer business — a major source of revenue that does not require maintaining inventory.

💡 Eastern vs. Western Washington FFLs

The regulatory and cultural landscape for FFLs differs dramatically between western and eastern Washington. Western Washington (King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston counties) has denser regulation, higher costs, more restrictive zoning, and a generally more challenging market environment. Eastern Washington — Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, and the rural Palouse and Columbia Basin areas — is significantly more firearms-friendly, with fewer local restrictions, stronger hunting and shooting culture, and a more receptive customer base. Many prospective Washington FFLs find eastern Washington the more viable location for a new firearms business.

4473 & Background Check Requirements in Washington State

Every firearm transfer from a Washington FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473, a Washington State Patrol (WSP) background check, and a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period. Washington's compliance workflow differs materially from direct-NICS states and requires careful setup.

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Standard Federal 4473: Washington uses the standard ATF Form 4473 (Rev. Dec. 2022) — no Washington-specific supplemental form is required at the federal form level. However, Washington dealers must separately submit the state background check application to WSP and track the 10-business-day waiting period independent of the 4473 process.

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Washington State Patrol (WSP) — State POC: Washington is a state point-of-contact state. All background checks must be routed through WSP Firearms Background Check Unit: (360) 534-2000. WSP accesses both FBI NICS and Washington-specific state records. Do not submit directly to FBI NICS — Washington dealers must use WSP. Bravo E4473 supports Washington's WSP workflow to keep your background check records and 4473s synchronized.

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10-Business-Day Waiting Period: Washington mandates a 10-business-day waiting period for all firearm transfers (effective January 1, 2023). The waiting period begins when WSP receives the background check application. Even an immediate "Approved" response does not allow early release — the full 10 business days must elapse. Bravo E4473 calculates the earliest legal transfer date automatically for every Washington transaction, accounting for weekends and Washington State holidays.

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Electronic 4473 Authorized: Per ATF Ruling 2016-2, electronic 4473 systems are fully authorized in Washington. Bravo's E4473 provides real-time validation, digital signatures, and instant searchability for ATF Seattle Field Division traces. Washington's more complex compliance workflow makes digital record management especially valuable — paper systems are far more prone to waiting period tracking errors.

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Minimum Age 21 — All Firearms: Washington requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old for all firearms. Federal law allows 18+ for long gun purchases, but Washington's stricter requirement governs. Bravo E4473 flags age compliance issues at the point of form entry — before the background check is submitted.

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20-Year Retention: Completed 4473 records must be retained for at least 20 years (27 CFR 478.129). Bravo E4473 Cloud Storage handles this automatically — encrypted, access-controlled, with a built-in ATF audit portal. Washington's layered compliance requirements make organized digital recordkeeping essential for surviving ATF inspections.

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Multiple Sale Reports: When a buyer purchases two or more handguns within 5 consecutive business days, ATF Form 3310.4 must be filed with ATF and your local CLEO. Bravo E4473 auto-detects these events and generates the required forms automatically.

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A&D Bound Book: Washington FFLs must maintain an Acquisition and Disposition record per 27 CFR 478.125 for every firearm entering and leaving inventory. Bravo E4473's integrated A&D module keeps your bound book updated automatically as transfers are completed — critical in Washington, where inventory compliance intersects with assault weapons and magazine restrictions.

Official Resources & Links

Bookmark these — you'll reference them throughout the application process and during ongoing operations.

📄 ATF Form 7 (FFL Application) 🖐️ FD-258 Fingerprint Card 💻 ATF FFL eApplication Portal 🔍 ATF FFL EZ Check 🔒 WSP Firearms Background Checks ⭐ WA Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (CLEO) 📑 Washington Secretary of State 🏛️ Washington Business License (UBI)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an FFL cost in Washington State? ▼

The ATF application fee for Type 01 (Dealer) and Type 02 (Pawnbroker) is $200 for the initial 3-year license and $90 for renewal. Type 07 (Manufacturer) is $150 initial and $150 renewal. Washington does not charge a state-level firearms dealer license fee. Budget for Washington Secretary of State LLC registration ($200 online), a Washington State Business License/UBI number (fee varies), and any city-level business licenses required by your municipality. Washington's B&O tax is assessed on gross receipts — there is no income tax.

Does Washington State use its own background check system? ▼

Yes. Washington is a state point-of-contact (POC) state. All background checks for firearm transfers must be routed through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Firearms Background Check Unit at (360) 534-2000 — not submitted directly to FBI NICS. WSP maintains Washington-specific records including state criminal history, civil protection orders, and mental health adjudications that supplement the federal NICS database. Dealers must use WSP for every transfer background check.

What is Washington's waiting period for firearm purchases? ▼

Washington mandates a 10-business-day waiting period for all firearm transfers (effective January 1, 2023). This applies to handguns, rifles, shotguns, and NFA items. The waiting period begins when WSP receives the completed background check application. Even if WSP returns an immediate "Approved" response, dealers must wait the full 10 business days before completing the transfer. "Business days" excludes weekends and Washington State holidays. Transferring a firearm before the 10-business-day window is a gross misdemeanor under Washington law.

What firearms cannot be sold by Washington FFLs? ▼

Washington's 2023 assault weapons ban (SB 5515) prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, selling, or offering for sale of assault weapons as defined under Washington law. The definition covers many semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specified features — including many AR- and AK-pattern firearms and some common semiautomatic pistols with detachable magazines. Washington also prohibits the sale of magazines capable of accepting more than 10 rounds. Consult with legal counsel and review current Attorney General guidance to determine which specific products are affected before stocking inventory.

Does Washington require a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to purchase a firearm? ▼

No. A CPL is not required to purchase a firearm in Washington — it is required to carry a concealed pistol. Washington does not have permitless carry. Notably, Washington CPL holders are not exempt from the background check process or the 10-business-day waiting period when purchasing from an FFL — the CPL does not substitute for a background check as it does in some other states.

Can I get a home-based FFL in Washington State? ▼

Yes, home-based FFLs are permitted in Washington. However, the viability varies dramatically by location. Western Washington cities (Seattle metro, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond) have strict home occupation ordinances that often prohibit customer traffic and commercial activities in residential areas. Eastern Washington cities and rural counties are far more permissive. You must hold a Washington State Business License (UBI number), comply with Washington's safe storage law, and demonstrate secure storage during the ATF inspection. HOA restrictions are common in western Washington planned communities — review your CC&Rs before applying.

Are electronic 4473 forms accepted in Washington State? ▼

Yes. ATF Ruling 2016-2 authorizes electronic 4473 systems nationwide including Washington. Bravo E4473 is fully compliant and is particularly valuable in Washington given the additional complexity of the WSP background check workflow and mandatory 10-business-day waiting period tracking. Electronic systems that automatically calculate waiting period end dates and flag early-release violations are strongly advisable for Washington FFLs — manual tracking of Washington's 10-business-day rule is a common source of compliance errors.

See How Bravo E4473 Works for Washington FFLs

Automatic 10-business-day waiting period tracking. WSP background check workflow support. Smart 4473 forms. Integrated A&D Bound Book. Cloud storage with ATF audit portal.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Washington firearms law has changed frequently in recent years. Always verify current requirements with the ATF, Washington State Patrol, and your legal counsel before applying.