Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in Washington State?
Yes. Washington generally requires a 10-business-day waiting period before a firearm dealer can deliver a gun to a buyer. The wait applies even if a background check is completed sooner. A transfer may take longer if the required background check has not cleared or another legal issue needs review. The exact timing can depend on the firearm, the transfer method, and the buyer’s circumstances, so buyers should confirm the delivery date with the licensed dealer handling the transaction.
Meta description: Learn how Washington State’s 10-business-day gun waiting period works, when the clock starts, what can delay delivery, and which rules apply to private sales.
How Long Is the Gun Waiting Period in Washington?
For most purchases from a licensed dealer, Washington law sets a minimum waiting period of 10 business days. The period is not 10 calendar days: Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays generally do not count as business days. If the application is submitted on a Monday and there are no holidays, the 10 business days ordinarily run through the second Monday after the application date. The dealer can explain how it counts the days for a particular transaction.
The waiting period is separate from the background check. A buyer should not assume that a quick approval means the firearm can be taken home immediately. Washington’s rules require both the applicable waiting period and the required background-check clearance before delivery. If the check is delayed, the buyer may have to wait beyond the 10 business days.
The core requirements appear in Washington’s firearms statutes, including RCW 9.41.090 and RCW 9.41.092. Because state firearm laws can change, the current statute and the dealer’s instructions are more reliable than an older article, forum post, or prior purchase experience.
When Does the 10-Business-Day Clock Start?
For a dealer sale, the waiting-period calculation is generally tied to the date the buyer submits the required application or purchase paperwork. The dealer records the transaction and initiates the background-check process. The buyer should ask the dealer which date it is using as the start date and whether any missing information or incomplete paperwork affects processing.
Business-day counting can be confusing when a transaction begins near a weekend or holiday. For example, a Sunday is not a business day, and a state or federal holiday may affect the count. A dealer can provide the expected earliest delivery date, but that date is not a guarantee if the background check remains pending.
It is useful to distinguish between placing an order and completing the legal purchase process. Ordering a firearm online does not bypass Washington’s waiting-period requirements. A firearm shipped to a Washington buyer generally must be transferred through a licensed dealer, who completes the required paperwork and checks before delivery.
Why a Firearm May Take Longer Than 10 Business Days
Ten business days is a minimum waiting period, not a promise that every buyer will receive a firearm on the eleventh calendar day. The dealer must also follow the background-check and eligibility rules that apply to the firearm and transaction. A pending check, incomplete records, or a question about eligibility can extend the time before delivery.
Background checks may involve federal, state, and local records. If a record requires clarification, the relevant agency may need additional time to determine whether the buyer is legally eligible. A delayed check is not necessarily a denial, but the firearm cannot be delivered until the legal requirements are satisfied.
A dealer may also need to address administrative issues, such as a mismatch in identifying information, incomplete purchase paperwork, or a problem with the application. Buyers can help avoid preventable delays by providing accurate information, bringing required documents, and promptly responding to requests from the dealer.
If a check results in a denial, the dealer cannot complete the transfer. A buyer who believes a denial was made in error can ask the agency identified in the denial notice about its appeal or correction process. The dealer cannot override a prohibited status or substitute its own judgment for a required government approval.
Does the Waiting Period Apply to Handguns and Long Guns?
Washington’s purchase and transfer rules can differ depending on the firearm’s legal classification and the transaction details. The state’s recent purchase requirements are broad, and buyers should not assume that a rifle, shotgun, or other firearm is exempt from the waiting period simply because it is not a handgun.
Some firearms have additional rules. For example, Washington regulates semiautomatic assault rifles under separate provisions, including eligibility, training, and transfer restrictions. A firearm’s appearance or marketing name does not necessarily determine its legal classification. Buyers should ask the dealer to identify the applicable category and requirements rather than relying on a general label such as “rifle.”
Federal law also sets minimum rules for firearm transfers. Those federal requirements do not eliminate Washington’s stricter state requirements. When state and federal rules differ, a dealer must follow the rules that apply to the transaction, including the more restrictive applicable state requirement.
Do Private Sales Have a Waiting Period?
Most private firearm transfers in Washington must go through a licensed dealer. The dealer generally conducts the required background check and observes the applicable waiting period before completing the transfer. A private seller should not assume that a direct handoff is lawful just because the buyer and seller know each other or the buyer says they have passed a check before.
Washington law provides limited exceptions to the dealer-transfer requirement for certain types of transfers, such as some transfers between immediate family members, temporary transfers, or transfers involving particular circumstances. An exception to the dealer requirement does not automatically mean that every other firearm law is waived. Eligibility restrictions, safe-transfer rules, and other legal requirements may still apply.
Because exceptions are specific and can be easy to misunderstand, anyone considering a private transfer should review the current language of RCW 9.41.113 and seek guidance from a licensed dealer or a qualified attorney when needed. A buyer or seller should not rely solely on an informal description of an exception.
Other Requirements That Can Affect a Washington Purchase
The waiting period is only one part of buying a firearm in Washington. State law also imposes age and eligibility requirements, background checks, and purchase-related paperwork. Since January 1, 2026, state law has required firearms purchasers to provide proof of qualifying firearm-safety training, subject to the statute’s terms and any applicable exceptions. Buyers should confirm with the dealer what documentation is accepted and whether the training meets current requirements.
A purchaser may be prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law. Restrictions can relate to certain criminal convictions, qualifying protection orders, specific court findings, or other legally defined circumstances. The categories are fact-specific; a person should not assume that an old conviction or court order has no effect without checking the law or obtaining legal advice.
Washington also has separate rules concerning concealed pistol licenses, firearm storage, and particular firearm types. A concealed pistol license is not a general exemption from every purchase requirement. Buyers should ask the dealer whether a license changes any part of their transaction rather than assuming it removes the waiting period.
What Buyers Can Do to Avoid Unnecessary Delays
- Contact the dealer before placing an order. Ask how the 10 business days are counted, what documents are needed, and whether the firearm’s classification triggers additional steps.
- Bring accurate identification. Make sure the information on the purchase paperwork matches the buyer’s current records and identification.
- Prepare training documentation. Ask the dealer what proof of safety training is acceptable under current Washington requirements.
- Plan around weekends and holidays. The wait is measured in business days, so the calendar date of delivery may be farther out than 10 days.
- Do not arrange an early pickup. A dealer cannot lawfully deliver a firearm before the applicable waiting period and background-check requirements are met.
Online purchases need the same planning. A seller outside Washington may ship a firearm to a Washington-licensed dealer, but the buyer typically must complete the required state and federal procedures through that dealer. Shipping time is separate from the statutory waiting period, so the total time from order to pickup can be longer.
Washington Waiting Period at a Glance
| Question | General answer |
|---|---|
| How long is the waiting period? | At least 10 business days for most dealer purchases and covered transfers. |
| Do weekends count? | No. Saturdays and Sundays are not business days; holidays can also affect timing. |
| Can a buyer pick up the firearm as soon as the check clears? | No. The applicable waiting period must also be satisfied. |
| Can delivery take longer than 10 business days? | Yes. A pending background check or other legal or administrative issue can delay delivery. |
| Does ordering online avoid the wait? | No. A firearm transferred through a Washington dealer remains subject to applicable state requirements. |
| Are all private transfers exempt? | No. Most private transfers must use a licensed dealer, although the law lists limited exceptions. |
Where to Check the Current Rules
Washington’s official statutes are the best starting point for checking the current requirements. The relevant provisions include RCW 9.41.090 on dealer delivery requirements, RCW 9.41.092 on firearm delivery and background checks, and RCW 9.41.113 on dealer involvement in private transfers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provides federal firearms information, while a Washington-licensed dealer can explain the steps for a specific purchase.
In practical terms, Washington buyers should budget at least 10 business days and be prepared for a longer wait. The firearm can be delivered only after the waiting-period and background-check requirements that apply to the transaction have been met.