Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Yakima or the Olympic Peninsula: Washington buyers can order from JCM Armory and pick up at a licensed dealer near them. JCM Armory is a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in Joppa, Maryland. We ship to local FFLs in 49 states (not California). Washington has some of the more detailed firearm rules in the country, so please read this page, and check with your dealer, before you order.
How buying a gun online works in Washington
- Pick your firearm and your dealer. Add the gun to your cart and choose a licensed Washington dealer at checkout. Expect a waiting period, and confirm the item is legal to sell in Washington before you order.
- Direct to the FFL. With your dealer’s license on file, the firearm ships to them. We do not deliver firearms to homes.
- State check, wait and pickup. Show ID, complete ATF Form 4473 and the state application, and the dealer submits your check to the Washington State Patrol. Washington requires a 10-business-day wait before delivery.
What to know about firearm transfers in Washington
State background check and 10-day wait. Washington State Patrol runs firearm background checks for dealers, and the state requires a waiting period of 10 business days before a dealer can deliver a firearm.
Sale bans. Since April 25, 2023, Washington bans the manufacture, import and sale of firearms it defines as “assault weapons” (possession isn’t banned). Washington also bans the sale of magazines over 10 rounds.
Permit to purchase starting May 1, 2027. Under House Bill 1163 (2025), buyers will need a five-year permit to purchase from the Washington State Patrol, with fingerprints and a certified safety course. If you’re planning a purchase that may not be picked up before May 1, 2027, plan on needing the permit. This law could still be challenged in court and may change; we follow the stricter rule until it’s settled. Ask us before ordering.
Semi-automatic rifle rules. Washington buyers must be at least 21 to buy a semi-automatic rifle and must show proof of a recognized firearm safety training course completed within the last five years. Washington also requires a background check on almost every private sale, done through a licensed dealer.
Please treat this page as general information only. It is not legal advice. Each buyer must comply with federal, state and local law, and laws change over time. Check with your Washington FFL on anything specific. Some items we sell may not be legal to buy in Washington; your dealer will not transfer an item that state law prohibits. Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.
Shipping and fees
- $300+ firearm? Free shipping.
- $750+ in ammunition? Free shipping on the ammo.
- Anything else ships for $15 flat; firearms and ammunition always go in separate packages.
- A $40 hazmat fee applies to any order with powder or primers.
- Your Washington dealer charges their own transfer fee.
Popular categories for Washington buyers
- Bolt-action rifles for elk and deer
- Shotguns for waterfowl and upland birds
- Handguns (compliant magazines)
- Optics
- Ammunition
- Holsters
Washington hunting rules are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Check current regulations for your game management unit.
Before you order in Washington
Washington buyers often ask how the 10-business-day clock is counted. It’s counted in business days, so weekends and state holidays stretch the calendar time. Before checkout, think about your pickup schedule, pick a dealer whose hours suit you, and ask whether they’re already preparing for the 2027 permit-to-purchase rules. Hunters heading to eastern Washington for elk or mule deer should order early enough that the waiting period ends well before opening day.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waiting period in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a 10-business-day waiting period before a dealer can deliver a firearm.
Will Washington require a permit to purchase?
Yes. House Bill 1163 requires a five-year permit to purchase starting May 1, 2027.
Can I buy an AR-15 in Washington?
Not new from a dealer. Washington has banned the sale of firearms it defines as assault weapons since April 2023.
Can a gun be shipped to my house in Washington?
No. Firearms ship only to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete the paperwork and background check before pickup.
What will I pay for shipping?
Nothing on firearms of $300 or more, and nothing on ammo once you reach $750 in ammunition. Otherwise shipping is $15 flat, plus $40 hazmat on powder or primers.
Do you ship to every state?
We ship firearms to local FFL dealers in 49 states. We do not ship to California.