Individual Buyer Requirements

Quick Reference: What to Bring

Identification Requirements

Acceptable Primary ID

You must present one of the following valid, unexpired identification documents:

• Washington State Driver's License
• Washington State ID Card
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card (with proof of WA residency)
• Military ID (with proof of WA residency)
• Tribal ID issued by federally recognized tribe (with proof of WA residency)

ID Must Show

• Your current legal name
• Your date of birth
• Your photograph
• Your current physical address in Washington State

If Your ID Address Differs from Current Address

If you have recently moved and your ID shows a different address, you must provide secondary proof of your current Washington residence:

• Recent utility bill (within 90 days)
• Bank or credit card statement (within 90 days)
• Vehicle registration
• Voter registration card
• Property tax statement
• Lease agreement

Out-of-State Residents

If you are not a Washington State resident, the following restrictions apply:

• Handguns: Cannot be transferred to non-residents
• Long Guns: May be purchased in person if legal in both Washington and your home state
• NFA Items: Must be transferred to an FFL in your home state

Out-of-state residents must present valid government ID from their state of residence and may be asked for additional proof of identity.

Age Requirements by Purchase Type

The Purchase Process

Step 1: Selection

Browse our inventory or let us know what you're looking for. We can special order firearms and search our distributor network.

Step 2: Paperwork

Complete ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record). This federal form collects your personal information and asks eligibility questions. You must answer all questions truthfully—false statements are a federal felony.

Step 3: Background Check

We submit your information to NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). For semi-automatic rifles, Washington State Patrol conducts an enhanced check.

Step 4: Waiting Period

If a waiting period applies, we will hold your firearm until the period elapses. We will contact you when it's ready for pickup.

• All firearms in Washington: 10 days waiting period or longer depending on state regulations
• See waiting periods by state chart for details

Step 5: Pickup

Return to our location with your ID. We'll verify your identity, complete the transaction, and you'll take possession of your firearm.

Semi-Automatic Rifle Training Requirements

Washington State requires proof of firearms safety training for semi-automatic rifle purchases (I-1639). Training must have been completed within the past 5 years.

Accepted Training Documentation

Online Training Options

Washington-approved online safety courses are available and satisfy the training requirement. Look for courses specifically designed to meet I-1639 requirements.

NFA Purchases as an Individual

Purchasing NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, machine guns, etc.) as an individual has specific requirements.

Required Documentation

• ATF Form 4: Application for Tax Paid Transfer (we help you complete this). See NFA transfer process.
• Passport Photos: Two 2"x2" photos, taken within the last year
• Fingerprint Cards: Two FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards (we can assist)
• Tax Payment: $200 check or money order payable to ATF
• CLEO Notification: We send a copy to your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer

Individual vs. Trust

You may purchase NFA items as an individual or through a trust/legal entity:

We can provide guidance but recommend consulting an attorney for trust-related decisions.

Private Party Transfers

Washington State requires all private party firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer with a background check.

How It Works

1. Both buyer and seller come to Arsenal Armory together
2. Seller presents the firearm; we log it into our A&D book
3. Buyer completes ATF Form 4473
4. We conduct NICS background check
5. Applicable waiting period observed (pistols, semi-auto rifles)
6. Upon approval, buyer takes possession
7. Both parties pay applicable fees

What to Bring

Seller:

• The firearm (unloaded, cased)
• Valid government-issued ID
• Any documentation of ownership (recommended but not required)

Buyer:

• Valid government-issued photo ID with current address
• Payment for firearm (to seller) and transfer fee (to us)
• Training documentation (if semi-automatic rifle)

Prohibited Persons

Federal law prohibits certain persons from possessing firearms or ammunition. If any of the following apply to you, you cannot legally purchase or possess firearms:

• Convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment (felony)
• Under indictment for such a crime
• Fugitive from justice
• Unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances (including marijuana, even where state-legal)
• Adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Illegal alien or unlawfully in the United States
• Discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
• Renounced U.S. citizenship
• Subject to a qualifying restraining order
• Convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

Frequently Asked Questions