How to Transfer a Firearm in Washington State
How to Transfer Ownership of a Gun in Washington
Gun ownership is a hot-button issue in Washington state, with new laws being passed every year that affect how people can buy, sell, and transfer firearms. If you’re thinking about transferring ownership of a gun, it’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply in your state.
In this article, we’ll provide a general overview of the process of transferring ownership of a gun in Washington state. We’ll cover the steps involved, the required paperwork, and the fees that you may have to pay. We’ll also discuss some of the common pitfalls to avoid when transferring a gun.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a good understanding of the process of transferring ownership of a gun in Washington state. You’ll be able to make informed decisions about whether or not to transfer a gun, and you’ll be able to do so safely and legally.
Step | Requirement | Instructions |
---|---|---|
1. | Washington state resident | You must be a Washington state resident to transfer ownership of a gun. |
2. | Complete a bill of sale | The seller and buyer must complete a bill of sale that includes the following information:
|
3. | Transfer the gun to the buyer | The seller must physically transfer the gun to the buyer. The buyer is responsible for ensuring that the gun is legal to own in their state. |
In Washington state, the process of transferring ownership of a gun is relatively straightforward. However, there are a number of requirements that must be met in order to complete the transfer legally. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in transferring ownership of a gun in Washington, as well as the requirements that you must meet.
Requirements for Transferring Ownership of a Gun in Washington
In order to transfer ownership of a gun in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old. The minimum age to purchase or possess a firearm in Washington is 18 years old.
- Be a resident of Washington state. You must be a resident of Washington state in order to purchase or transfer a firearm in the state.
- Have a valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card. You must have a valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card in order to purchase or transfer a firearm in the state.
- Not be a prohibited person. You must not be a prohibited person in order to purchase or transfer a firearm in the state. Prohibited persons include those who have been convicted of a felony, those who are under indictment for a felony, those who are a fugitive from justice, those who are addicted to a controlled substance, those who have been adjudicated mentally defective, those who have been dishonorably discharged from the military, and those who have renounced their citizenship.
- Complete a firearms transaction form (Form 4473). You must complete a firearms transaction form (Form 4473) in order to purchase or transfer a firearm in the state. This form is used to verify that you are not a prohibited person and that you are eligible to purchase or transfer a firearm.
- Have the gun inspected by a licensed firearms dealer. The gun must be inspected by a licensed firearms dealer before it can be transferred to the new owner. The dealer will check the serial number of the gun and ensure that it is not stolen or otherwise prohibited from being transferred.
- Pay the transfer fee. There is a transfer fee of $25 that must be paid to the licensed firearms dealer when you transfer a gun in Washington.
Steps for Transferring Ownership of a Gun in Washington
The following are the steps involved in transferring ownership of a gun in Washington:
1. Find a licensed firearms dealer. You can find a licensed firearms dealer in your area by visiting the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
2. Contact the licensed firearms dealer and schedule an appointment to transfer the gun.
3. Bring the following items to the appointment:
- The gun that you are transferring
- Your valid Washington state driver’s license or ID card
- The completed firearms transaction form (Form 4473)
- The transfer fee of $25
4. The licensed firearms dealer will inspect the gun and verify that you are not a prohibited person.
5. The licensed firearms dealer will complete the firearms transaction form (Form 4473) and transfer the gun to the new owner.
6. The new owner will receive a copy of the firearms transaction form (Form 4473) and a receipt for the transfer fee.
Transferring ownership of a gun in Washington is a relatively straightforward process. However, it is important to be aware of the requirements and steps involved in order to complete the transfer legally. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you transfer your gun safely and legally.
3. Find a licensed firearms dealer
To transfer ownership of a gun in Washington, you must first find a licensed firearms dealer. You can find a list of licensed firearms dealers on the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Once you have found a licensed firearms dealer, you will need to contact them to schedule an appointment. When you arrive at the dealer’s store, you will need to bring the following items:
- The gun you are transferring ownership of
- The original bill of sale for the gun
- Your driver’s license or other government-issued identification
- The completed firearms transaction form (Form 4473)
The dealer will then complete the Form 4473 and submit it to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF will then review the form and approve or deny the transfer of ownership.
If the transfer is approved, the dealer will give you a copy of the Form 4473 and the gun will be transferred to your name.
4. Complete a firearms transaction form (Form 4473)
The firearms transaction form (Form 4473) is a federal form that is used to transfer ownership of a gun. The form must be completed by both the buyer and the seller of the gun.
The Form 4473 asks for the following information:
- The buyer’s name
- The buyer’s address
- The buyer’s date of birth
- The buyer’s driver’s license number or other government-issued identification number
- The seller’s name
- The seller’s address
- The seller’s license number
- The type of gun being transferred
- The serial number of the gun
- The date of the transfer
The Form 4473 must be completed in ink and signed by both the buyer and the seller. The form must also be submitted to the ATF within 5 days of the transfer.
If you are a convicted felon or have been convicted of a domestic violence crime, you are prohibited from owning a gun. You will not be able to complete the Form 4473 and the transfer of ownership will be denied.
Transferring ownership of a gun in Washington is a simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and legally transfer ownership of a gun to another person.
How do I transfer ownership of a gun in Washington?
To transfer ownership of a gun in Washington, you must complete a Washington State Firearms Transfer Form (Form 4473). The form must be completed by both the buyer and seller, and it must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
What is required to complete a Washington State Firearms Transfer Form?
To complete a Washington State Firearms Transfer Form, you will need the following:
- The seller’s name, address, and date of birth
- The buyer’s name, address, and date of birth
- The make, model, and serial number of the gun
- The sale price of the gun
- A copy of the seller’s Washington State driver’s license or identification card
- A copy of the buyer’s Washington State driver’s license or identification card
**How much does it cost to transfer ownership of a gun in Washington?
There is no fee to transfer ownership of a gun in Washington. However, you may be required to pay a background check fee if the buyer is not a Washington state resident.
**How long does it take to transfer ownership of a gun in Washington?
The processing time for a Washington State Firearms Transfer Form is typically 2-3 business days. However, the processing time may be longer if the buyer is not a Washington state resident or if the gun is being transferred from a dealer to a private individual.
**What are the penalties for illegally transferring a gun in Washington?
The penalties for illegally transferring a gun in Washington can include fines, imprisonment, or both. In some cases, you may also be required to forfeit the gun.
**Where can I get more information about transferring ownership of a gun in Washington?
For more information about transferring ownership of a gun in Washington, you can contact the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The DOL’s website has a helpful guide to the firearm transfer process, and you can also call the DOL’s customer service line at 1-800-647-7705.
transferring ownership of a gun in Washington is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and procedures involved. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the transfer is completed legally and safely.
Here are some key takeaways from this guide:
- The seller must be a Washington resident and at least 18 years old.
- The buyer must be a Washington resident and at least 21 years old.
- The gun must be transferred through a licensed dealer.
- The seller must complete a Form 4473 and the buyer must complete a Form 4473 and a NICS background check.
- The seller must provide the buyer with a bill of sale.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the transfer of a gun in Washington is completed legally and safely.