Private Party Transfers (Person-to-Person Sales)

Selling a firearm to a friend, neighbor, or another private buyer in Washington? State law requires most person-to-person firearm sales to go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) so a background check can be completed on the buyer. We handle that process for you.

Pricing

  • Semi-automatic rifles – $38 per firearm (includes Washington’s $18 state background check fee).
  • Handguns, shotguns & non-semi-automatic rifles – $15 per firearm.
  • Receivers / frames – $15 each for the first three, then $5 for each additional receiver.

Why a Private Party Transfer Is Required

Under Washington’s universal background check law, most firearm sales between private individuals must be processed through an FFL. That means before the buyer can take possession of the firearm, we must:

  • Perform a background and criminal history check on the buyer, and
  • Follow all applicable waiting-period requirements before releasing the firearm.

These transactions are commonly referred to as “private party” or “person-to-person” transfers.

How the Transfer Works

  1. Buyer and seller come to the shop.
    Bring the firearm, valid government-issued photo ID, and any relevant paperwork.
  2. We complete the transfer paperwork.
    We’ll gather information from both parties, complete the required forms, and submit the background check on the buyer.
  3. The firearm stays with us during the background check.
    Once the background check is approved and any required waiting period has passed, we contact the buyer to complete the transfer and pick up the firearm.

In general, you can expect a waiting period of 8–11 days. If law enforcement places a hold on the background check, it may take up to 40 days before the transfer can be completed.

Use Tax

We are required to collect Washington State sales/use tax when applicable. This does not apply if the firearm owner can provide proof that retail sales tax was already paid to Washington or another state. Private party sales are generally exempt from sales tax on the sale itself, but any tax that is required is in addition to our transfer fees.

You can check current Washington tax rates here .

Waiting Periods by Firearm Type

  • Shotguns, bolt-action rifles & receivers – These typically require only a NICS check and are often eligible for same-day transfer, assuming the check is approved.
  • Semi-automatic rifles – Washington uses your local law enforcement agency (LEA) to complete background checks for these firearms. A Firearm Transfer Application is submitted to your LEA. There is a mandatory waiting period, and processing times can vary; some are completed before the minimum waiting period, others take longer.
  • Pistols – Background checks for handguns are also processed through your local LEA using the same Firearm Transfer Application . Many approvals are completed before the minimum waiting period, but actual times vary by agency and individual circumstances.

Denied Firearms Transactions

If a buyer is denied during the background check process, Washington law requires FFLs to report that information to law enforcement. You can learn more about denied firearms transactions here .

Puget Sound Firearms follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws. By choosing us to complete your transfer, you agree to our terms and policies. For firearms involved in a denied transfer:

  • We will hold the firearm for 30 days while we attempt to arrange its return to the original owner.
  • If the firearm cannot be returned, it may be sold at auction, and 80% of the proceeds will be provided to the denied transferee.

Questions?

Private party transfers can feel complicated, but we do them every day. If you have any questions about your specific situation, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

This information is provided as a general overview and is not legal advice. Firearm laws can change; please verify current requirements or consult an attorney if you have legal questions.