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(Updated July 2024)
In Washington State, a transfer of a firearm takes place when the ownership or possession of a firearm is passed from one person to another. This includes selling, gifting, or loaning a firearm. All transfers must go through a licensed firearms dealer, with a few exceptions such as transfers between immediate family members (as long as itâs within the State and not a currently banned firearm).
And although the process is relatively simple, there are a lot of steps involved, which can get confusing. So we thought it would be a good idea to put together an online gun transfer tutorial. There remain a lot of questions out there about the firearms transfer process among the gun-buying and gun-owning public.
But the good news is that the process is easy to navigate when you have professionals on your side. Sporting Systems, your gun dealer in Vancouver, Washington, is here to answer any questions you may have about how to transfer a gun. Weâll go over the firearms transfer process in general, including federal and state laws, and the online transfer process specifically.
Let us know if we can help clarify any of the information presented in this blog piece and/or the accompanying video (below).
Sporting Systemsâ Firearm Transfer Process
First of all, congrats on your online firearm purchase! Youâve found the firearm youâve been searching for and are ready to add it to your collection. The next step is to transfer that firearm.
Itâs easy. The process to follow is simple and youâll be in full compliance with the law in just a few stepsâso letâs get started.
First, click on the Transfers tab at the top of this page. Make sure you read the instructions listed there. Thereâs a lot of valuable information contained in a few short paragraphs for both buyers and sellers. First and foremost, Washington residents are now REQUIRED to take a safety Permit to Purchase training class covering 8 specific topics before purchasing or transferring any firearm. This class is FREE of chargeâplease complete it before you come to the store.
Next, fill out the form at the bottom of the Transfers page. Either the buyer or the seller can complete the form. Donât worry if you donât have all the information such as the serial number; just complete as much of the form as you can.
Finally, hit that submit button. Our FLL (Federal Firearms License) and SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayers) are automatically sent to the sellerâs email address so make sure youâve included it on the form.
Weâll contact you when your firearm arrives, so thatâs why we need all this information by the way. Please do not call asking for updates because we simply wonât know when any given firearm will reach us. Thank you for being patient!
But first, thereâs an additional step on our end. We have to enter the firearm into the âFirearms Acquisition and Disposition Recordâ â aka the bound book. The FADR is a form used by licensed firearms dealers in the United States, including Washington State, to keep track of firearm transactions. Hereâs what it typically includes:
- Acquisition Information: This section records details about how the dealer acquired the firearm, such as from whom it was purchased or obtained.
- Disposition Information: This part documents details about the sale or transfer of the firearm to a buyer, including the buyerâs information and the date of the transaction.
- Firearm Details: Information about the firearm itself, such as the make, model, serial number, and any other identifying features.
- Background Check Documentation: Records related to the completion of background checks for buyers, including the Firearms Transfer Application and any associated paperwork.
- Compliance Requirements: The FADR helps dealers comply with federal and state laws regarding the sale and transfer of firearms. It ensures that all necessary information is documented and that proper procedures are followed during transactions.
The FADR serves as a crucial record-keeping tool for licensed firearms dealers, enabling them to maintain accurate and organized records of firearm acquisitions and dispositions. This helps track the movement of firearms through legal channels and ensures accountability in the firearms sales process.
Once everything is recorded, weâll give you a call!
What To Bring When You Pick Up Your Firearm
When you arrive to pick up your firearm, be sure to bring the following:
- Valid photo identification with current address showing state residency
- Your sales receipt from the seller. If this is a private party sale or gift, provide a private party/gift receipt for tax purposes.
- Completed HB1143/I-1639 class for purchase of any firearm. This is a requirement in the state of Washington. We offer the class for free!
Once you arrive, weâll collect the FFL transfer fee, background check fee and any applicable sales taxes.
One last bit of info for you: We start the background check requirements in the store with you in person. (This canât be done online.) All firearms now have a mandatory 10 business-day waiting period. When we get the approval from WSP we will call you with a pickup date.
Background checks expire after 30 days. After that, we have to start all over and you will have to pay the background check fee again! So please make sure you are able to pick up the firearm within 30 days of approval. Storage fees/application fees may apply if background checks expire without retrieval. After 90 days, it is possible that the firearm has to be declared abandoned and monies forfeited to Sporting Systems.
We appreciate your patience as we work through these processes. As an FFL dealer, we follow the letter of the law â both state and federal law requirements.
We make sure that each of our firearm transactions is done completely and properly. We donât take shortcuts or skip any steps. This is to protect both those who receive a firearm (you) and those who sell the firearm (us).
As always, weâre here to help! Get in touch with any questions or concerns about possession of a firearm, long guns, temporary transfers, and more. We can also help out with other related topics, including law enforcement, gun shows, shooting ranges, and other items of interest.
And thank you for visiting with Sporting Systems today. Let us know how we can be of service.
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17 Comments
I’m concerned about the potential delays in the transfer process due to the requirement of entering the firearm into the Firearms Acquisition and Disposition Record, and how this might impact the overall efficiency of the system.
Delays can happen, but the process is designed to ensure compliance with the law and public safety, so it’s a necessary step.
The process of transferring a firearm in Washington seems straightforward, but I’m curious about the timeline for completing the Firearms Acquisition and Disposition Record, also known as the bound book, and how it affects the overall transfer process.
The fact that Washington residents can complete the safety Permit to Purchase training class for free is a positive step towards promoting gun safety and responsibility.
Understanding that the firearms transfer process is easy to navigate with professional help, such as that provided by Sporting Systems, can make a significant difference for those who are new to buying or transferring firearms.
The online gun transfer tutorial provided by Sporting Systems is a great resource for those looking to understand the firearms transfer process in Washington State, including the steps involved and the laws that apply.
The step-by-step guide provided for the transfer process, including clicking on the Transfers tab and filling out the form, makes the process more accessible and less intimidating for first-time buyers or sellers.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of the required safety Permit to Purchase training class, covering 8 specific topics, in preventing gun accidents and ensuring public safety.
I understand your skepticism, but the class is free of charge and provides valuable information, so it’s worth considering its potential benefits.
I was surprised to learn that in Washington State, all transfers of firearms must go through a licensed firearms dealer, with exceptions for immediate family members, and that a safety Permit to Purchase training class is now required before purchasing or transferring any firearm.
As a gun owner, I appreciate the clarification on the transfer process, especially the step of filling out the form on the Transfers page and the automatic sending of the FLL and SOT to the seller’s email address.
It’s interesting to note that the transfer process involves both federal and state laws, and that Sporting Systems is available to answer questions and provide clarification on these regulations.
I’m curious about how the transfer process differs for currently banned firearms and how Sporting Systems handles such cases, given the exceptions for transfers between immediate family members.
I’ve gone through the transfer process with Sporting Systems in Vancouver, Washington, and found their guidance on navigating federal and state laws to be very helpful.
The emphasis on patience during the transfer process, especially when waiting for the firearm to arrive, is important, as it allows the necessary background checks and paperwork to be completed thoroughly.
The detail about not calling for updates because the arrival time of the firearm is unknown highlights the importance of planning and preparation in the transfer process.
For those who are new to gun ownership, the requirement to take a safety Permit to Purchase training class before purchasing or transferring a firearm is a crucial step in ensuring they understand their responsibilities and how to handle firearms safely.