Gun Laws/Washington/Reviewed September 16, 2026
Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in Washington?
Quick answer
Restricted
Washington: Yes (sale/transfer, since April 2023).
0 of Washington's 2 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with assault weapons.
Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026
Assault weapon bans by state
Featureless parts for a Washington legal build
A compliant AR-15 is still legal to build in Washington. These are the parts that make one featureless.
In stock, ranked by what builders add most. One listing per model.
Prices update hourly. Not legal advice, confirm your own configuration before you buy. All Washington gun laws
Washington law in detail
- 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.
- No (permit required from May 1, 2027) Permit to Purchase — Starting May 1, 2027 (HB 1163), every firearm buyer will need a 5 year State Patrol permit with certified safety training and fingerprints. Until then, you must be 21 to buy handguns or semi-auto rifles, and semi-auto rifle buyers need safety training.
- 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.
The federal rule
There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.
Assault weapons in neighboring states
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in Washington?
Restricted. Washington: Yes (sale/transfer, since April 2023). Reviewed September 16, 2026.
What is the federal rule on assault weapons?
There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.
How many states restrict assault weapons?
Nationwide by our review: 36 states: no ban; 4: partial or local; 10: ban in effect.
More Washington gun laws
Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Washington statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.