Washington State's Concealed Carry Laws: What You Need To Know

Washington generally prohibits carrying a concealed handgun without a license, except in one's abode or fixed place of business. However, the state offers resident and non-resident licenses to individuals over 21 years of age, and there is no requirement to attend a firearms training course. Washington also has reciprocity for concealed pistol licenses from certain other states, provided the handgun is carried in accordance with Washington law.

Requirements for a concealed pistol license

To obtain a Washington State Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process:

Eligibility Requirements:

Firstly, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the state. These requirements include:

• Being a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• Not being prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
• Not having any felony or domestic violence misdemeanor convictions under Washington law.
• Not being subject to a court order that prohibits you from possessing firearms.
• Not having any outstanding warrants for felony or misdemeanor arrests in any court in the country.
• Ensuring that you are not currently charged with a felony offense and out of custody awaiting trial, sentencing, or appeal.
• Possessing a valid Washington State driver's license or state-issued ID.

Application Process:

If you meet the above eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the application process:

• Complete an application form: You will need to obtain and fill out an application form for a Concealed Pistol License. This can often be done online through your local law enforcement agency's website.
• Submit the application: Submit your completed application to the sheriff's office of the county where you live. If you live within city limits, you may also apply with your city's police department.
• Provide required documentation: Along with your application, you will need to provide certain documents. For example, if you are a permanent resident alien, you must bring your permanent resident card. Other required documents may include an alien firearm license, original passport, US-issued alien number, or admission number.
• Fingerprinting and background check: As part of the application process, your local law enforcement agency will take your fingerprints and conduct a background check. This is a mandatory step in the process.
• Waiting period: There is a waiting period for receiving your CPL. If you have a valid Washington State driver's license, you can expect to receive your CPL within approximately 30 days. However, if you don't have a license or reside outside the state, the waiting period is typically 60 days.
• Fees: There are fees associated with applying for a CPL, which vary depending on the payment method. Credit card transactions, for instance, incur a nominal transaction fee and an online convenience fee. These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is cancelled or rejected.

It's important to note that Washington does not require applicants to complete a firearms safety course or demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety before issuing a CPL. However, it is strongly recommended that individuals seeking to carry a concealed firearm obtain adequate training to ensure responsible gun ownership.

Carrying a firearm in a vehicle

Washington State has strict laws regarding the carrying of firearms in vehicles. To carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Washington, you must have a valid permit or license. This includes both residents and non-residents. Washington issues Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) to residents and non-residents aged 21 or older. No firearms training course is required to obtain a CPL in Washington State.

If you are carrying a firearm in a vehicle in Washington, the pistol must be on your person, or you must be inside the vehicle or locked inside. If you leave the vehicle, the pistol must be locked inside and concealed from view. The same rules apply if you are carrying an unloaded pistol in a vehicle—it must be locked inside the vehicle and out of sight.

Washington State prohibits carrying a loaded firearm upon a snowmobile without a permit from the director of fish and wildlife. The state also prohibits carrying, transporting, or conveying any loaded firearm in or upon any "non-highway vehicle" without a permit from the director of fish and wildlife. However, this prohibition does not apply to those with a concealed pistol license.

It is important to note that open carry is legal in Washington State for individuals over 21 who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, there are several areas where open carry is prohibited, including public schools, state courthouses, the Capitol, any state legislative office, any public legislative hearing or meeting, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.

Open carry laws

Open carry is legal in Washington state without a license for anyone aged 21 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, there are certain areas where open carry is prohibited, including public schools, state courthouses, the Capitol, any state legislative office, any public legislative hearing or meeting, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.

To carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Washington, a valid permit/license is required. In addition, Washington state has laws regarding the transportation of unloaded pistols in a vehicle. These laws stipulate that an unloaded pistol must be locked within the vehicle and out of view from outside. Failing to adhere to these regulations is considered a misdemeanor.

For concealed carry in Washington, a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required for residents, while non-residents must have a license/permit from their state that Washington honors. The CPL is issued to residents and non-residents aged 21 or older. To obtain a CPL, an applicant must undergo a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the Washington state patrol electronic database, and the state Department of Social and Health Services electronic database.

There are certain individuals who are exempt from the requirement to obtain a CPL in Washington. These include regularly enrolled members of organizations authorized to purchase or receive handguns from the U.S. or Washington state, members of target shooting clubs going to or coming from target practice, and retired or disabled law enforcement officers (provided the disability is not mental or stress-related).

Restrictions on where firearms can be carried

Washington State has several restrictions on where firearms can be carried. Firstly, it is important to note that Washington State generally requires local law enforcement to issue a concealed weapons license if certain qualifications are met, and residents must have a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed weapon in the state. Non-residents may carry a concealed weapon with a license/permit from their state, provided Washington honors that state.

Open carry is legal without a license for anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm, but some areas are off-limits, including public schools, state courthouses, the Capitol, state legislative offices, and public legislative hearings or meetings. Open carry is also prohibited within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.

Carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited without a license, except in one's home or place of business. There are also restrictions on possessing firearms in certain places, including restricted areas of law enforcement facilities, areas used in connection with court proceedings, restricted areas of mental health facilities, and restricted areas of commercial service airports. Cities, towns, and municipalities may have their own laws and ordinances regarding firearms, so it is important to check local regulations.

Additionally, it is a crime to possess a firearm if you are under the age of 18, and there are specific requirements for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 who wish to possess a firearm. Washington State also prohibits the carrying of firearms in a manner that intends to intimidate another person or warrants alarm for the safety of others.

Non-resident permits

Washington State issues both resident and non-resident concealed carry permits. Non-residents must wait 60 days to receive their Concealed Pistol License (CPL). The requirements are the same as for residents, and the fee is the same. Non-immigrant aliens must bring original documents, including a Washington State-issued hunting license or proof of membership of a Sport Shooting Club.

Washington State does not have a single qualification standard for concealed carry permits. However, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) recommends that applicants use the qualification course specified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC).

Washington State's reciprocity law (RCW 9.41.073) dictates that for the state to recognise another state's concealed weapons permits, the other state must:

• Recognise Washington-issued concealed pistol licenses
• Not issue concealed pistol licenses or permits to people under 21
• Require a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history

A person licensed to carry a handgun in a state that recognises Washington concealed pistol licenses is authorised to carry a concealed handgun in Washington if:

• The licensing state does not issue concealed pistol licenses to people under 21
• The licensing state requires mandatory fingerprint-based background checks of criminal and mental health history for all applicants

These provisions only apply to non-resident license holders.

Frequently asked questions