WA · checked October 18, 2026

Shotgun laws in Washington

What Washington adds on top of federal law: short-barreled shotguns, 14-inch "firearms," feature rules, magazine limits, permits and waiting periods.

Decorative editorial illustration for the state shotgun law referenceVerify the current state and federal rules with official sources
Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsProhibited

Owning a short-barreled shotgun (barrel under 18 in., or modified to under 26 in. overall) is a class C felony. Unlike short-barreled rifles, there is no NFA exception; the only defense is for guns acquired before July 1, 1994 and held in compliance with federal law.[1]

RCW 9.41.190(1), (4); RCW 9.41.010(46)
14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Legal

Washington's 'shotgun' definition requires a gun made to be fired from the shoulder, so these guns don't appear to be short-barreled shotguns. Any firearm with a barrel under 16 in. counts as a 'pistol' under state law, so handgun rules would likely apply. This is a reading of the definitions.[2]

Semi-auto / feature rulesFeature rules apply

Since April 25, 2023, making, importing, selling or offering an 'assault weapon' is banned, but possession is not. For shotguns that means a semi-auto with any one of these: a folding or telescoping stock, a protruding pistol grip, a thumbhole stock, a forward grip, or a fixed magazine over 7 rounds. Revolving-cylinder shotguns are also covered.[3]

RCW 9.41.010(2)(a)(vii); RCW 9.41.390 (2023 HB 1240)
Magazine limitsLimit: 10 rounds

Making, importing, distributing or selling magazines over 10 rounds is banned; possession is not. Only .22 tubes and lever-action tubular magazines are excluded, so shotgun magazines are covered.[4]

Permit to buyNo state permit

For now, buyers must show proof of firearm safety training from the last 5 years. Starting May 1, 2027, a state permit to purchase (RCW 9.41.121) will be required for all firearm purchases and transfers, including shotguns.[5]

Waiting period10-day wait

Dealers can't deliver any firearm until 10 business days after requesting the background check.[6]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Also know

Washington's waiting period is 10 business days, not calendar days, and covers every firearm. The permit-to-purchase law (2025 HB 1163) takes effect May 1, 2027.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with Washington's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

  • Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
  • The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
  • Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags Washington's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

  1. Washington — Short-barreled shotguns
  2. Washington — 14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)
  3. Washington — Semi-auto / feature rules
  4. Washington — Magazine limits
  5. Washington — Permit to buy
  6. Washington — Waiting period

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

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