Washington Suppressor Laws in 2026: Legal to Own, Registered to Use

By Cole Harlan, Editor · The Release Desk · Updated Oct 21, 2026 · How we verify · Editorial standards

Washington is one of the few states where the law is about using a suppressor, not owning one. RCW 9.41.250 makes it a gross misdemeanor to use a suppressor "unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law." ATF stopped requiring that registration on October 9, 2026, and Washington hasn't said what its law means now. Here's the statute, what the State Patrol told one dealer, the hunting picture and the safe way to buy.

Not legal advice. This page summarizes the Revised Code of Washington, an Attorney General opinion and federal guidance as of the date above. As of this update, we found no Washington court ruling, Attorney General opinion or legislation that addresses suppressors acquired without federal registration. Talk to your dealer or a Washington attorney before you rely on a 4473-only purchase.

The short answer

Owning a suppressor is legal in Washington. RCW 9.41.250 doesn't prohibit possession, and the Attorney General said so in 1988 (AGO 1988 No. 16).
Using one requires federal registration. Subsection (1)(c) makes use a gross misdemeanor unless the suppressor is "legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law."
An unregistered can is the open question. After ATF's October 9 change you can acquire one on a Form 4473 alone, but it won't be "registered," and Washington hasn't said whether that's enough.
The safe path is a voluntary Form 4 (or Form 1 if you build). ATF still accepts them, and the tax is $0.
Hunting: we found no suppressor rule in Washington's hunting-equipment regulations (WAC chapter 220-414). The use statute still applies in the field.

What RCW 9.41.250 says

The section is titled "Dangerous weapons—Penalty." Subsection (1)(c) covers anyone who "uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law." A violation is a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW. The registration exception was added in 2011 (2011 c 13 s 1, per the statute's history note). Before that, Washington banned using a suppressor outright.

The word that matters is use. In AGO 1988 No. 16, Attorney General Ken Eikenberry concluded that "it is not unlawful under RCW 9.41.250 to merely possess a device for suppressing the noise of a firearm." The opinion points out that the same section uses "possesses" for other weapons, like metal knuckles, and doesn't use it for suppressors. So Washington has long allowed ownership, and the federal registration question only comes up when you shoot with the can.

Why ATF's October 9 change doesn't settle it

ATF's open letter says it will stop enforcing the NFA's approval, registration and related requirements for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs and AOWs, for everyone. Its fact sheet says "State and local laws still apply," and ATF's FAQ says it "cannot opine" on state law.

That leaves Washington's exception in doubt. A suppressor bought on a 4473 alone isn't registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, so it doesn't clearly meet "legally registered." Firearms Policy Coalition listed Washington among 15 states it wrote to on October 9, asking attorneys general to stop enforcing laws tied to federal registration. We found no public reply from Washington.

Dealer report, not an official WSP publication: the Washington dealer Sportco published what the Washington State Patrol told it on October 13. WSP said its SAFE background-check system could be used for NFA items, but that a SAFE check "does not itself register a suppressor with the federal government." WSP also said its role is background checks, not interpreting the law, and it gave no ruling on whether an unregistered suppressor meets RCW 9.41.250. Sportco is keeping the ATF Form 4 process for suppressor transfers.

What Washington buyers should do now

File a voluntary Form 4 for a dealer purchase, or a Form 1 if you build. The tax is $0, and an approved form keeps you inside the statute's "legally registered" exception when you shoot.
Ask your dealer how it transfers. Some Washington dealers, Sportco among them, still require the Form 4. Others may offer a 4473-only sale.
If you buy without registration, don't shoot it until Washington clarifies. Possession isn't the offense; use is.
Keep your approval with the can, especially when you hunt or shoot on public land.
Federal basics still apply: Form 4473, a background check, an in-state purchase from a dealer, and age 21 to buy a suppressor from a dealer (18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1)).

Hunting with a suppressor in Washington

We checked WAC chapter 220-414, Washington's rules on hunting firearms, ammunition and equipment, and it doesn't mention suppressors, silencers or mufflers. That's the absence of a ban, not written permission, and RCW 9.41.250 still governs use. In practice, that means a registered suppressor. The usual rules still apply: legal weapons and calibers for the species and season, your license and tags, and any local discharge restrictions.

Bottom line for Washington buyers

Washington lets you own a suppressor without asking anyone, but its use rule still points to federal registration. Until the Legislature, the Attorney General or a court says otherwise, a $0 Form 4 is the way to shoot one without doubt. Browse the new suppressors of 2026, compare Oregon and Idaho next door, and read the national suppressor buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are suppressors legal in Washington state in 2026?

Yes to own. RCW 9.41.250 doesn't ban possession, and AGO 1988 No. 16 says mere possession isn't unlawful. Using one is a gross misdemeanor unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law.

Can I use a suppressor in Washington without a Form 4 after ATF's October 2026 change?

It's unsettled. An unregistered can doesn't clearly meet RCW 9.41.250's legally registered exception, and Washington hasn't issued guidance. A $0 voluntary Form 4 or Form 1 is the safe route.

Can you hunt with a suppressor in Washington?

We found no suppressor rule in WAC chapter 220-414, Washington's hunting firearms and equipment rules. The use statute, RCW 9.41.250, still applies in the field, so a registered suppressor is the safe choice.

Does a Washington SAFE background check register my suppressor?

No. According to Sportco's October 13 summary, the Washington State Patrol said a SAFE check does not itself register a suppressor with the federal government.

Sources

Supplementary sources

News reports, advocacy groups, dealer practice and unofficial copies. They add context or report statements; the primary sources above control.