None of us are happy about the passage of I594, now RCW 9.41.113. The law now requires all private firearm sales (with a few exceptions) to be performed by a Federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL). While some people are paying up to $50 per transfer, WAC members receive as a benefit of membership $10 transfers.

A Member Benefit
Because the WAC is a membership organization we are able to arrange and subsidize a low-cost procedure for our members that allows them to continue to collect, trade, buy and sell firearms very reasonably.

Here are the details:

  • The $10 basic fee allows the transfer of up to five rifles and/or shotguns, or four long guns and one handgun, or one handgun.
  • There is an additional $5 fee for the second handgun (two handguns=$15).
  • There is an additional $10/handgun fee for the third handgun and each extra handgun (for example four handguns–$10 basic fee, $5 second handgun, $10 third and fourth handguns=$35)
  • There is an additional $5 fee for each additional rifle or shotgun beyond the first five.

Federal FFL Rules
The FFL dealer is bound by Federal rules that require that no additional guns be added to the 4473 form after the form is signed. So, if the dealer performs a NICS check for your transfers, you sign the form and then go shopping and bring additional guns to the dealer, you must begin again with a new form and NICS check which means another basic fee.

Why Extra Handgun Fees?
Washington state requires that all handgun sales or transfers be reported to the Department of Licensing on a separate form. Yes, Washington is a handgun registration state. Additionally, when a person purchases three or more handguns within a short period of time, then the FFL must complete an additional Federal multiple handgun report in addition to the other forms.

Does the Government Keep My Personal Information?
Long guns are not reported to the state of Washington. FFL dealers keep the seller and buyer information in their books and retain the form 4473, but they do not report any of this information to the Federal government. When the NICS background check is performed, the dealer receives a proceed, delay or denial, but the NICS system does not track or retain the firearm or personal information.

The FFL Dealer Does Not Collect Tax
I594 includes a new provision that is now law–dealers do not collect retail sale or use tax on private transfers of firearms. Check with the Department of Revenue on how to report any use taxes that may be due.

$10 Transfers Are Just One Benefit of Membership
The $40 annual membership in the WAC gives free access to 18 shows in Puyallup and Monroe.  Members receive a monthly magazine with collecting articles, a free marketplace of classified ads to buy and sell your firearms, and political updates.  WAC membership keeps you informed and gives you a voice in Washington state firearm issues.  Now, the WAC shows are the very best place to meet to conduct an affordable private sale.

W.A.C. Shows–The Best Place to Buy & Sell Firearms in the Northwest