We are happy to process your firearm transfer. Please note, given the nature of the business, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time before or during the sales/transfer process.
All firearm sales/transfers for WA state residents require a valid WA state drivers license or state ID with your current residence address and full legal name.
IMPORTANT ACTIONS BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:Review and action the following three (3) steps before you show up to start background check process:
1. Complete WA state firearm transfer application with code (you will share a system generated transfer code during your first appointment).
2. Gather your valid government issued identification documents with your current residence address on it and full legal name (e.g., WA state drivers license, WA state ID).
3. Complete training that meets WA state requirements for purchasing firearms. You can take the training which takes 7-10min here and receive a certificate to be presented at your first appointment.
Note: You will complete the federal firearm transaction record (ATF Form 4473) AT your first appointment digitally. It is your responsibility the relevant parts of the form match your government issued identification document(s) AND any outstanding background history fully dispositioned (e.g., rights restored).
There are a few things to know about federal and state law before purchasing a firearm:
Federal law requires that firearms shipped across state lines be received by a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). A private/unlicenced individual cannot receive a firearm in interstate commerce (with few exceptions). That same individual is however, able to ship a firearm, but they must ship to an FFL, usually with prior clearance. All transfers must take place at our location or sanctioned event (e.g gun show) and you must be the actual buyer/transferee.
In order for us to receive a firearm, the sender must include their name and current address with the shipment. Note: It is our policy to allow the carrier to make a first attempt at delivery. This is for our safety as people have been known to follow the carrier to our location during initial delivery.
You will need to bring a valid government issued photo ID (Note: right now we only accept WA state driver’s license or state ID), which shows your current residence address (no exceptions). If you do not have your current residence address on your ID, you will need to provide an additional government issued document with your current address shown (e.g print out from the Washington State Dept of Licencing with of your updated residence address).
WA state law requires that we collect sales tax on the value of all incoming goods (and associated shipping fees) received from a licensed dealer (FFL). The sales tax rate for our location is 10.35%. Reference WA state tax notice SN-14 for details. You may also show proof of paying tax on the goods by providing a paid invoice or receipt from the seller.
Buying Online:
Step 1 - Buying Online (Note: this is typically step one of the process as the buyer)
During the shipping step of the purchase process the online store or Gunbroker will ask you where you would like the firearm shipped to. If Ballard Supply Co is listed as Preferred, then the seller already has our license on file and they will ship the firearm direct to our location after you complete your purchase process. Note: As mentioned earlier, in the state of Washington, shipping a firearm to an FFL first is a required step before you can legally take possession.
Step 2 - Completing Background Check Paperwork
After the firearm arrives at our location, we will contact you to setup a time to complete two required background check forms (in person).
As stated above, you will need to bring a valid government issued photo ID (Note: right now we only accept a WA state driver’s license or WA state ID), which shows your current residence address. The bill to name and address of the firearm must match your identification document; no exceptions. If you do not have your current residence address on your ID, you will need to provide an additional government issued document with your current address shown (e.g., print out or screenshot from the Washington State Dept of Licencing with of your updated residence address).
Step 3 - Firearm Pickup
Assuming the background check comes back with a “proceed”, we will contact you to complete the transfer at which point we charge a small fee for the transfer and collect the required sales/use taxes, and state mandated $18 transaction fee. The following are the transfer fees, cash/check price (per item/each) :
Private Sales:
We do process transfers for private sales between two unlicensed people in the state of WA on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss the details of your situation. Shipping of handguns - may only be shipped via FedEx or UPS from private individuals. Handguns may be shipped via USPS by licensed dealers (FFL) ONLY.
NFA Transfers (e.g., silencers and SBRs):
We do process NFA items. There are several additional steps to the transfer process before you can take possession of your item:
1. We must be in possession of the NFA item before we can start the required paperwork that is sent into the NFA branch
2. Fingerprints & Passport Photo - Each responsible person (could be more than one person when using a trust) or individual will need to have their fingerprints and passport photo taken. You are more than welcome to have them taken by someone else but they must be legitimately equipped to capture fingerprints and passport photos.
3. Responsible Persons questionnaire (trusts only) - Each person on the trust who will be a responsible person must complete a responsible person questionnaire along with their fingerprints and passport photo.
4. Form 4 - Each NFA item will require a Form 4 which is an application for a tax paid transfer. This is required to legally transfer the NFA item from the seller to the buyer. We prepare these on your behalf if you purchase the NFA item from us at which point you and Ballard Supply Co will sign the form for processing with the NFA branch of the ATF. If you buy through SilencerShop they will likely work with you to complete the Form 4 and the accompanying fingerprints and photo.
Unclaimed Items and Denied Transactions
Items not claimed within 30 calendar days are subject to storage fees ($10 per day). Items unclaimed after 30 days will be surrendered to Ballard Supply Co. and sold. Denied transactions will be charged the full transfer fee and the "buyer" has 30 days to arrange for a refund from the “seller” and pay return shipping and handling. Note: WA State law requires we ship items back to the seller. We do not allow for additional background check attempts when a denial has occurred ever or transfer to other people (once a denied transaction is fully dispositioned as denied, we are done doing business with you, forever).
Shipping to other FFLs
We are pleased to offer shipping services to the FFL of your choice, whether in Washington or another state. Our fee is $45 plus actual shipping cost, as provided by UPS, USPS, or FedEx quote. We ship to California as well with the correct documentation.
Hours
While we have posted hours (5PM - 9PM weekdays), however, we are by appointment only right now to provide the highest quality service possible. Please contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Important:
Please do not bring young children, other people not part of the transaction, or loaded firearms with you during your visit. We will turn you away due to liability.
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