Is the AR-15 legal in Washington?

Washington has an assault weapon ban (Yes (sale/transfer, since April 2023)). Standard AR-15 configurations are restricted, but compliant "featureless" or otherwise-modified builds are typically legal. Always verify your specific configuration against current Washington statute before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Washington?

10 rounds (manufacture/sale/transfer). Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Washington require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (semi-auto rifles + handguns, must be 21). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Washington before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Washington?

Washington concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Washington?

Washington open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Washington?

NFA item status in Washington: Machine guns / SBS banned. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

Does Washington require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in Washington extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

Washington Gun Laws

strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes (sale/transfer, since April 2023)

Mag Capacity Limit

10 rounds (manufacture/sale/transfer)

Permit to Purchase

Yes (semi-auto rifles + handguns, must be 21)

Firearm Registration

Partial (pistols + semi-auto rifles)

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Yes, no permit

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

Machine guns / SBS banned

State Preemption

Yes

Key Notes

Sale/distribution of assault weapons banned April 2023; possession of existing ones legal. Magazine manufacture/sale banned but possession unrestricted. Must be 21 for pistols or semi-auto rifles.

•Yes (sale/transfer, since April 2023) Assault Weapon Ban — Sale and distribution of assault weapons have been banned since April 2023. Possession of assault weapons acquired before the ban is legal.
•10 rounds (manufacture/sale/transfer) Mag Limit — Manufacture, sale, and transfer of magazines over 10 rounds is banned. However, possession of existing high-capacity magazines is unrestricted.
•Yes (semi-auto rifles + handguns, must be 21) Permit to Purchase — You must be 21 to purchase handguns or semi-auto rifles. Safety training is required for semi-auto rifle purchases.
•Machine guns / SBS banned (NFA) — Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are prohibited. SBRs, suppressors, and destructive devices are legal with the federal tax stamp.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — Washington must issue a Concealed Pistol License to qualified applicants.
•Partial (pistols + semi-auto rifles) Firearm Registration — Pistol and semi-auto rifle sales are recorded with the state Department of Licensing, creating a partial registration system.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Washington Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Washington restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Standard AR-15 configurations with features like a pistol grip combined with a collapsible stock, threaded barrel, or flash hider may not be sold or transferred in their off-the-shelf form. Many Washington builders run "featureless" configurations to remain compliant.

NFA Restrictions Apply

Washington restricts some or all NFA items (Machine guns / SBS banned). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may not be available even with a federal tax stamp. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion.

Permit Required to Purchase

Washington requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (semi-auto rifles + handguns, must be 21)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Washington extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.