Washington's New Gun Law: What You Need to Know | FT4RC

Washington State HB 1163 — Effective May 1, 2027

Buying a Gun in Washington Is About to Get a Lot More Complicated

What every gun owner — and anyone thinking about becoming one — needs to know before the deadline.

See What's Changing

60–90

Days minimum wait to buy after May 1, 2027

$400+

Estimated new cost before you can purchase

200K

Permit applications WSP expects per year

The Big Picture

Today vs. After May 1, 2027

Right now, buying a firearm in Washington is a one-day process for most people. Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1163 in 2025, and when it takes effect, that simplicity disappears. Here's an honest side-by-side look at what changes.

Today (Before May 2027)

✓ Complete a free HB 1143 Firearms Safety Certificate course (available online or in-person)
✓ Walk into a licensed gun store
✓ Complete a standard background check
✓ Wait the standard 10-day waiting period
✓ Take your firearm home
✓ Total added cost: $0
✓ No fingerprinting required

After May 1, 2027

✗ Complete a certified firearms safety course (with live fire)
✗ Get fingerprinted by local law enforcement
✗ Apply to WSP for a Permit to Purchase
✗ Sign a waiver giving WSP access to your mental health records
✗ Wait 30–60 days for permit processing
✗ Then complete your firearm purchase
✗ Total added cost: $300–$400+

✅ Already Own a Firearm? Mostly Not Affected — With One Important Exception. HB 1163 applies only to the purchase or transfer of a firearm. If you already own firearms, this law does not change anything about your ability to keep, use, or carry them. No permit, no new training, no action required — for guns you already own. These new requirements only kick in the next time you want to buy a firearm.

However, there is one exception: your Concealed Pistol License (CPL). When it comes time to renew your existing CPL, the new permit requirements under HB 1163 will apply — meaning you will need to complete a WSP-certified training course, be fingerprinted, and obtain a Permit to Purchase just as if you were buying a new firearm. If your CPL is coming up for renewal or you want to get a CPL for the first time, take care of it before May 1, 2027.

Step by Step

The New Process to Buy a Firearm

Under HB 1163, purchasing any firearm in Washington will require completing all of the following before any dealer can transfer a gun to you.

Complete a Certified Firearms Safety Course

You must complete a training program certified by the Washington State Patrol. The course must include a live-fire component. Certificates are valid for 5 years. Any prior certificate — including one from a Basic Pistol or Hunter Safety course — will not satisfy this requirement unless the course is WSP-certified under the new standards.

Est. Cost: $300–$400 | Time: 1 day

Get Fingerprinted by Local Law Enforcement

You must have a complete set of fingerprints taken by your local law enforcement agency. This is separate from the background check and is required for the permit application.

Est. Cost: Varies | Time: Appointment required

Apply for a Permit to Purchase

Submit your application to the Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Check Program along with your training certificate, fingerprints, background check fee ($33.00), and a signed waiver. By signing this application, you are legally authorizing WSP to access your mental health records from courts, the Health Care Authority, mental health institutions, and other health facilities to verify your eligibility.

Fee: $33.00 + fingerprint processing

Wait for Permit Approval

WSP has 30–60 days to process your application. With an estimated 200,000 applications expected per year — and a massive surge anticipated as the law first takes effect — real-world wait times could be significantly longer, particularly in the months surrounding the May 2027 launch.

⚠ Wait time: 30–60+ days

Purchase Your Firearm

Only after receiving your Permit to Purchase can you complete a purchase at a licensed dealer. Your permit is valid for 5 years and must be renewed. This law does not affect firearms you already own.

Permit valid for 5 years

⚠ Mental Health Records Waiver Signing the permit application is a legal waiver of confidentiality. You are authorizing WSP to request records from courts, the Health Care Authority, mental health institutions, and other healthcare facilities. You do not submit these records yourself — but your signature gives the state the authority to retrieve them. The scope is limited to information relevant to firearm eligibility, such as any history of involuntary psychiatric commitment.

The Real Cost

What It Will Cost You

Beyond the price of the firearm itself, here is what the new law adds to every purchase.

Requirement	Notes	Est. Cost
WSP-Certified Firearms Safety Course	Includes classroom instruction & live fire. Required every 5 years.	$300–$400
Fingerprinting	Must be done at a local law enforcement agency	TBD by agency
WSP Background Check Fee	Includes $12 FBI fee + $21 WSP processing	$33.00
Time off work / scheduling	Course day, fingerprint appointment, waiting period	Varies
Estimated Total New Cost	Before you even buy the firearm	$333–$450+

Compare that to today, when the only requirement beyond the purchase price is a standard federal background check completed at the point of sale — at no additional cost to you.

Act Now

Why Waiting Is a Mistake

If you are considering purchasing a firearm — for home defense, sport shooting, or any other lawful purpose — here is why putting it off until after May 2027 will cost you time, money, and options.

📦 Inventory Will Dry Up As May 2027 approaches, expect a buying rush at gun stores across Washington. Popular models will sell out. Prices on remaining inventory will rise. Don't count on your local shop having what you want when you're ready.

⏳ You'll Wait 60–90 Days to Take Possession After the law takes effect, even if you complete your training immediately, you still face a 30–60 day permit processing window before you can buy — and that's if there's no backlog. WSP expects 200,000 applications per year. Plan for delays.

💰 The Price of Entry Goes Up Dramatically What costs $0 in extra fees today will cost $333–$450 or more starting May 2027, before you even consider the firearm itself.

⚖ Legal Challenges Will Take Time Firearm ownership is a constitutional right, and legal challenges to this law are likely. However, lawsuits cannot be filed until the law is enforced — and even when courts rule, those cases take months or years to resolve. You cannot rely on a legal challenge to protect your access in the meantime.

🪪 Concealed Carry Permits Are Affected Too If you are thinking about getting — or renewing — a Concealed Pistol License, the new permit requirements will apply to that process as well. Take care of it before May 2027.

Get Your Training Certificate Before the Rush

FT4RC is updating its courses to meet the new WSP certification standards as soon as those requirements are finalized. Getting certified now — while it's still simple and affordable — is the smart move.

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