Thread: private sales - WA

What are the legalitis for a private firearm sale in WA? I've been told that a simple bill of sale is all that is necessary but I've also been told that the buyer must have a CCP?

Originally Posted by TRD1911

What are the legalitis for a private firearm sale in WA? I've been told that a simple bill of sale is all that is necessary but I've also been told that the buyer must have a CCP?

Not true...the law does not require a CWP to make a private purchase In Washington state. Alot of times the person selling the gun will ask for a CWP or a WAC membership, something to cover there butt. You are not even required to have a bill of sale. But...now days it is very wise to cover your a$$ in case that firearm ends up in a crime. You can tell the authorities that you sold it to this person. At the bare minimum I would want to see a valid drivers license and write down there driver license number and address with a full name.

Or the other side, as the buyer, you need to CYA - either the gun could be stolen, or the seller could have second thoughts and report the gun stolen. Not saying that anyone here would, but I'm sure it's happened out there somewhere.

Good to know guys, Thanks. Now I'm off to the classfieds.......

There are no paperwork or ID requirements for private party transactions in Washington State. You may want to verify that the buyer is a state resident as that is the main requirement. Of course if the person is prohibited from owning a firearm and you know that you can't sell to them but you are not required to check their background. As far as what happens to the firearm afterwards all you have to tell police is you don't own the firearm anymore. That's even if they could trace it to you. They would have to have possesion of the firearm to do that. In my opinion the less paperwork the better but I do buy from an FFL dealer if they have something I want.

Another option is on th DOL website. It is a simple release of interest form that covers firearms. Both sides fill out there section and then the seller sends it off to the State. End of story.

SIGMan,
Good luck with that!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by SgtKashim

Or the other side, as the buyer, you need to CYA - either the gun could be stolen, or the seller could have second thoughts and report the gun stolen. Not saying that anyone here would, but I'm sure it's happened out there somewhere.

I've always wondered what would happen if someone did that. Short of using an FFL or bill of sale, I guess making sure there is a trail, paper or digital, is your best bet. Emails between you and the person who reported a gun stolen regarding the sale of that gun would probably make their claims of theft much less believable.

Not saying a bill of sale is not a good idea. I think it is. It is just it is not any of the states business. A sale between you and me is just that. Our business!!

Big Brother has no business knowing what I own. Don't be so quick to give up your rights.

The less paperwork, the better. It is only the buyer and seller's business, no one elses. Take a quick look at a driver's license to make sure the guy is a state resident, exchange cash and goods and be on your respective ways.

Guys I use to have LOTS of guns without paperwork. Then a Tacoma cop friend of mine who had a break in 8 years prior finally noticed that one of his hide outs guns was missing. For 8 years there was a gun out there not reported stolen.

I call all used guns I am buying into the local police and don't buy if it comes back as stolen. Now imagine getting pulled over for speeding and you tell the cop of your concealed handgun. He runs the numbers and low and behold you are now a felon!

Also keep in mind not all states allow private sale.

Originally Posted by sigman

Guys I use to have LOTS of guns without paperwork. Then a Tacoma cop friend of mine who had a break in 8 years prior finally noticed that one of his hide outs guns was missing. For 8 years there was a gun out there not reported stolen.

I call all used guns I am buying into the local police and don't buy if it comes back as stolen. Now imagine getting pulled over for speeding and you tell the cop of your concealed handgun. He runs the numbers and low and behold you are now a felon!

Also keep in mind not all states allow private sale.

While I understand what you are saying, your own post is contradictory whereas you say you call in all used guns to check if it is stolen. What if it comes back clear but then turns out like the gun you cited above that went 8 yrs without being reported as stolen? Unless you call back and check it regularly you might just end up in the "instant felon" category you mentioned when it is finally reported as stolen.

I suppose the only true defense to that scenario would be to use a gun purchased from a FFL as your CCW.

Slickx45

Slickx45

Originally Posted by sigman

Guys I use to have LOTS of guns without paperwork. Then a Tacoma cop friend of mine who had a break in 8 years prior finally noticed that one of his hide outs guns was missing. For 8 years there was a gun out there not reported stolen.

I call all used guns I am buying into the local police and don't buy if it comes back as stolen. Now imagine getting pulled over for speeding and you tell the cop of your concealed handgun. He runs the numbers and low and behold you are now a felon!

Also keep in mind not all states allow private sale.

Your story has NOTHING to do with this topic. Also, your Tacoma cop friend was an idiot for either not knowing everywhere he had stashed weapons or not checking on them and doing an inventory.

I've found a buyer for a handgun I'm trying to sell. The buyer is 19. I plan to fill out a private party transfer form for the gun. Anyone know where I can find the laws regarding this ? I think HG buyer must be 21, but not sure.

Originally Posted by Redcap

Your story has NOTHING to do with this topic. Also, your Tacoma cop friend was an idiot for either not knowing everywhere he had stashed weapons or not checking on them and doing an inventory.

Everyone has their own way of doing things. I have been carring a concealled pistol for almost 20 years now and also carried in the army as an infantryman, that makes it close to 25 years. It is up to you if you want to trust somebody on their word. I USE TO. Not anymore. I will not buy without at least a bill of sale and a call to the local police dept. It is a buyer be warned market out there. I work the gun shows and I know of someone who is tracking down the seller of a stolen pistol at the Little Eagle casino show. As of now he is out the cost of a used Glock. Now who do you trust???

Originally Posted by rdb241

Not true...the law does not require a CWP to make a private purchase In Washington state. Alot of times the person selling the gun will ask for a CWP or a WAC membership, something to cover there butt. You are not even required to have a bill of sale. But...now days it is very wise to cover your a$$ in case that firearm ends up in a crime. You can tell the authorities that you sold it to this person. At the bare minimum I would want to see a valid drivers license and write down there driver license number and address with a full name.

"CWP", it's a "CPL", Concealed Pistol License. and it only covers concealed pistols, not even knives.

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The "Trade Ratings" is low by 3!
Some people just don't post it I guess

Deen
NRA Benefactor/Recruiter
WAC member
ACSWW member

Originally Posted by MookNW

I've found a buyer for a handgun I'm trying to sell. The buyer is 19. I plan to fill out a private party transfer form for the gun. Anyone know where I can find the laws regarding this ? I think HG buyer must be 21, but not sure.

RCW 9.41 or follow this: Chapter 9.41 RCW: Firearms and dangerous weapons

--------------------------------------

The "Trade Ratings" is low by 3!
Some people just don't post it I guess

Deen
NRA Benefactor/Recruiter
WAC member
ACSWW member

i bought a handgun when i was 18. i did a lot of research, and it seemed legal, just not to carry it.

I second the dol form, at least when im selling a handgun/revolver (it doesnt have a place for rifles) but that also because currently all of my guns have been purchased from dealers, therefore the last sale of the firearm as far as the govt knows was to me. If i tell them that i sell it, i figure it basically wipes me clean of that ownership and whatever happens after i sell it. What are everyone elses opinion on the dol form?

Here is a simple form that i use.
I have a folder for each firearm. I try to use one for every one i purchase/sell.
This way i have a record of when they were in my possession.


begin]

Bill of Sale
Date of Sale: _____________
Seller: ____________
DL #: ____________
Buyer: ____________
DL #: ____________


Make: ___________
Model: ___________
Serial #: ____________
Price: ____________



Seller Signature: _______________________
Buyer Signature: ______________________