About firearms dealer licenses
Anyone who sells firearms, wholesale or retail, must have a federal firearms license.
How to apply
- Contact the law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction where your business is located.
- The law enforcement agency will tell you what documents you need to apply and where to get them.
About the application process
- You must be fingerprinted and pass a background check.
- It takes around 30 – 60 days to get your firearm dealer license.
- Your license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
- If your employees handle firearms, they must also pass background checks.
- If you move your business, you must notify your local law enforcement to get a replacement dealer license.
- If you open additional stores, contact your local law enforcement for dealer license requirements.
Related laws
- RCW 9.41.010: Terms defined
- RCW 9.41.110: Dealer's licenses, by whom granted, conditions, fees — Employees, fingerprinting and background checks — Wholesale sales excepted — Permits prohibited
- RCW 9.41.810: Penalties
Related information
- Firearms Online
- Subscribe to email updates for firearms dealers.
- Firearms Safety, Suicide Awareness, The Law, and You (wdfw.wa.gov)
