Washington to Require $126 Gun Purchase Permit in 2027

Starting May 1, 2027, gun buyers in Washington must pay a fee and complete a state-certified safety course.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hunting

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a brass padlock with a Washington state outline, representing new firearm permit regulations. — Washington will mandate a $126 purchase permit and completion of a certified safety course for all firearm buyers starting May 1, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states require residents to pay fees and complete training to purchase a firearm?

Washington will implement a new $126 permit-to-purchase requirement for firearm buyers beginning May 1, 2027. This mandate also requires applicants to complete a state-certified safety training program.

Why it matters

The new regulation adds a layer of compliance for residents seeking to purchase firearms in Washington. It aligns with the state's existing framework for regulating handgun sales and personal safety requirements.

The $126 permit-to-purchase fee covers a $90 issuance cost and a $36 fingerprint background check. This requirement complements existing state mandates like the ten-day waiting period and the ban on assault weapons.

The players

Washington State Patrol

The Washington State Patrol is the primary state law enforcement agency that will be responsible for issuing the new permits to gun buyers.

The details

Under the new policy, the Washington State Patrol will be responsible for issuing permits to eligible applicants. Residents must successfully undergo a fingerprint background check and provide proof of completing a state-certified safety course.

May 1, 2027: The permit-to-purchase fee requirement begins.

Culture Shift

The introduction of a mandatory permit system reflects a broader societal move toward increased oversight in states with stringent gun control laws. This policy extends the regulatory trajectory established by Washington state's ban on assault weapons.

Residents planning to purchase firearms after May 1, 2027, will need to budget for the $126 permit fee and allocate time for a safety certification course. Buyers should prepare to meet these new requirements well in advance of their planned purchases to avoid delays.

The takeaway

Prospective gun buyers should monitor official announcements from the Washington State Patrol regarding the certification course criteria. Proactive preparation will be essential for complying with the new financial and educational requirements before they take effect in 2027.