Learning the laws regulating the sale of firearms is Firearm Dealer’s responsibility. Local and Federal regulations differ and laws vary from state to state.
In Washington State, law enforcement agencies are required to follow local, state and federal guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for employees working in Firearm Dealer’s shops. Due to the detailed nature involved in conducting these background checks processing times can vary. Your employer will be notified when all required background checks have been completed.
The shop you are employed at MUST be within Mount Vernon to apply at the Mount Vernon Police Department.
- For an Initial Background Check, you will be required to schedule a fingerprint appointment.
Pricing:
| Type of Background Check | Fee |
|
Background Check |
$26.00 |
- For credit card transactions a nominal credit card transaction fee will be charged for each transaction. Charges will be viewable prior to transaction completion.
- An online service fee of $5.50 is required to process payment. These fees will be charged even if your application is denied. This service is provided by a third party vendor and the Police Department only collects the background check fee.
Handgun Purchase Permit Requirements: must meet ALL requirements
Completing the Application
Answering all the questions on this standard application does not guarantee a positive Background Check. The determination of eligibility is at the discretion of the backgrounding authority.
Requirements
The applicant must:
- be 21 years of age, or older.
- You must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent resident alien.
- If you are a permanent resident, you must provide your original Immigration issued Permanent Resident Card at time of application.
- You must work in the City of Mount Vernon.
- You must have a current Driver’s License or State ID issued by Washington State or any other state or federal agency.
Accepted Forms of Identification
You will need to provide a copy of proof of identification. Accepted photo identification is:
- A current Washington state driver’s license
- A current Washington state identification card
- Equivalent out of state identification
You must scan or take a picture of this and upload this as part of the application you submit or upload it via the order tracker - https://mountvernonpdwa.permitium.com/order_tracker
Qualifications
Conditions that may prevent the ability to obtain a CPL are listed in RCW 9.41.070 and 18 USC Ch. 44
For the full list of current laws and rules regarding firearms, you can visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website or the Washington State Legislature website.
On July 1, 2025, RCW 9.41.110(5) changed to require all firearm dealer employees to receive a fingerprint background check annually from the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location of the store.
RCW 9.41.110 effective July 1, 2025:
(5)(a) A licensing authority shall, within 30 days after the filing of an application of any person for a dealer's license, determine whether to grant the license. However, if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card, or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive 90 days, the licensing authority shall have up to 60 days to determine whether to issue a license. No person shall qualify for a license under this section without first receiving a federal firearms license and undergoing fingerprinting and a background check. In addition, no person ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040 or ineligible for a concealed pistol license under RCW 9.41.070 shall qualify for a dealer's license.
(b) A dealer shall require every employee who may sell a firearm in the course of his or her employment to undergo fingerprinting and a background check in advance of engaging in the sale or transfer of firearms and to undergo a background check annually thereafter. An employee must be at least 21 years of age, eligible to possess a firearm, and must not have been convicted of a crime that would make the person ineligible for a concealed pistol license, before being permitted to sell a firearm. Every employee shall comply with requirements concerning purchase applications and restrictions on delivery of firearms that are applicable to dealers.
For More Information, Contact:
Mount Vernon Police Department
1805 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-336-6271
Fax: 360-336-0634
For Technical Support, Contact:
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
