Permits to Purchase Firearms Now Law

Today, at precisely 9:30 a.m. on May 21, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is scheduled to sign House Bill 1163 into law, officially creating a permit-to-purchase requirement for all firearm buyers in the state. The bill survived the 2025 legislative session as the only firearm-related law to pass both chambers. Vitaliy Kertchen, a well-known gun rights attorney in Washington, confirmed in a recent update that while multiple firearm bills were introduced, HB 1163 was the lone survivor.

What HB 1163 Actually Does

HB 1163 does not ban guns. Instead, it makes buying one much more complicated. According to Kertchen, this bill sets up a system requiring anyone who wants to purchase a firearm to first get a “permit to purchase” from the Washington State Patrol. That’s not optional. It’s now the gate you have to pass through before buying any firearm.

Applying for the Permit: A Multi-Step Process

To get the permit, applicants must submit fingerprints, fill out an application, pay a fee, and show proof of recent firearm safety training. Specifically, the training must have been completed within the past five years and must include live-fire exercises. Kertchen compares the process to getting a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), but he also points out that this new permit is not a replacement for a CPL – it’s a completely separate requirement.

More Paperwork, Same Background Checks

William Kirk, president of the Washington Gun Law and another vocal critic of the bill, called the new permit a “hall pass or permission slip” that must be obtained from the state. He emphasized that even with a permit in hand, buyers still have to undergo a background check at the point of sale. In other words, the permit doesn’t make the process faster or easier – it just adds another layer of bureaucracy.

New Rules for Concealed Carry Permits

The bill also changes CPL rules. According to Kertchen, fingerprinting will no longer be required for CPL applications if the applicant already has a valid permit to purchase. However, those applying for a CPL will now need proof of having completed a specific concealed carry training course, including at least 50 rounds of live fire at a shooting range under instructor supervision. These new rules are stricter than past requirements.

The Live-Fire Requirement: A Barrier or a Benefit?

One detail getting attention is the live-fire training requirement. Kertchen points out that only one live-fire session is needed every ten years, meaning one session covers the original permit and its renewal. William Kirk, however, sees it differently. He worries about the cost, availability, and logistics of training, especially for low-income individuals or those living far from shooting ranges. “What this training is going to look like, what the costs are going to be – God only knows,” he said.

Not Law Yet, But Hours Away

At the time of both Kertchen’s and Kirk’s videos, the Governor had not yet signed the bill, but both sources made it clear that the signing was imminent and inevitable. Kirk, speaking from Idaho, said, “Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m., your governor… will be signing into legislation House Bill 1163.” That “tomorrow” is now today. Unless something dramatic happens, Washington State’s gun laws are about to take a sharp turn.

The Law Doesn’t Kick In Immediately

There’s some breathing room. HB 1163 won’t take effect until May 1, 2027. According to Kertchen, this delay gives the state time to build the systems needed to implement the permit program. For gun owners, it means there’s a two-year window to buy firearms under current rules. Kirk urged residents to use this time wisely: “If there’s any firearm you want to purchase, do it between now and May 1, 2027.”

Legal Challenges Expected – But Not Yet

Many are wondering if the law can be challenged in court. Kirk believes lawsuits will happen but not right away. “There’s pretty clear case law… we don’t get to sue until injury occurs,” he explained. Since the law doesn’t take effect until 2027, courts may rule that no one has standing until then. That means legal action will likely be delayed for nearly two years.

Why This Law Matters So Much

This bill has stirred deep concerns among Second Amendment supporters. Kirk called it “the most offensive” act yet by Washington lawmakers, saying it forces citizens to prove their “worthiness” before exercising what should be a guaranteed right. Kertchen echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the permit “does nothing substantive” except create more hoops for law-abiding citizens.

A Subtle Shift Toward Permission-Based Rights

What makes this law fascinating, and troubling, is its quiet but powerful shift in the relationship between citizen and state. Instead of the government working around a citizen’s rights, this law flips the power dynamic. Now, you have to ask permission before exercising your rights. That’s a slippery slope, even if it begins with something as seemingly routine as a gun purchase application. The fact that this law passed in a state with a large, responsible gun-owning population makes it even more striking.

The Bureaucracy of Inalienable Rights

We often talk about the Second Amendment in big-picture terms – freedom, tyranny, self-defense. But this law brings it down to paper, fees, fingerprints, and government databases. It’s not dramatic like a gun ban, but in some ways, it’s more dangerous. It turns rights into administrative privileges. That’s not the intent of the Constitution, and it’s why many in Washington’s gun community see this as a red flag.

The Clock Is Ticking

As Governor Ferguson signs House Bill 1163 into law, Washington gun owners face a future of more paperwork, more training, and more waiting. There’s still time, nearly two years, before the law takes effect. But as both Vitaliy Kertchen and William Kirk warn, the time to act is now. Whether it’s buying firearms, applying for permits, or preparing for legal challenges, the window is open – for now.