Private Gun Sales in Washington State

Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
Hey all...I have a handgun that I'd like to sell, but I'm curious about a few things.

1. Face to face sales: I've seen WTS posts saying FTF sales are preferred, so I'd assume FTF sales are legal, specifically in WA. What is required for a FTF sale? Is a CPL required for the buyer? What's required for the seller?

2. Out of State sales: I do know that I have to use an FFL if the firearm is sold to someone out of state. What's the process for this?

3. Pricing: I've seen WTS posts that haven't been real clear on the addition of shipping and/or the transfer fee. I'm not out to cheat anybody, and I want to make sure the total pricing is fair, but I also want to maximize my profit from the sale. What and/or how should price be listed for complete understanding?

Handgun XXX: $400
Shipping: $20 (should this be listed with the gun asking price?)
Transfer Fee: $25 (shipping only)
Total Price: $445

Like I said, I'm not looking to cheat anybody, and I want the pricing to be fair. Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated....THANKS!!!

4. Regardless of the type of sale, FTF or shipping, what is required by the seller to keep everything legal?

Thanks in advance!!!!
 
Mar 2011
38
0
Beaverton
There are no rules on gun sales/trades between two residents of Washington (or Oregon) conducting a FTF transaction. Many sellers prefer to get a Bill of Sale but it is not a requirement. Verifying that the person you are doing business with is a resident can be accomplished by seeing a valid ID. A CPL is not required, I repeat, not required for firearm transactions in WA or OR. Some sellers will only do business with someone with a CPL but this requirement is not a law and greatly reduces your selling/buying/trading pool. Sales between residents of different states require an FFL licensee to be involved (your local gun dealer generally will do this for as little as $20 but some charge upwards of $75). If you want to sell a firearm to a non-resident, meeting them at a gun dealer is acceptable but you'll still have to pay the dealer a fee. You can only ship a firearm to a licensed FFL unless you're sending your gun in for service to a gunsmith or the manufacturer, then and only then, an FFL does need to be involved on either end.

Basically: If the firearm is changing hands and you both live in WA or OR, nothing other than verification of residency is required. If the firearm is changing hands and either party is not a resident, the transaction must involve an FFL.
 
Last edited:
Jun 2011
49
0
Vancouver, Wa
Thanks for the reply. Between your reply, replies from other forums, and my reading of Chapter 9.41 RCW, I think I've gotten all my answers. Thanks again.
 
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