Anaya Nolan
Washington has strict laws regarding the carrying of concealed weapons. While Washington is an open carry state, allowing individuals to carry firearms unless specifically prohibited by state law, there are several restrictions on carrying concealed weapons. Washington generally requires local law enforcement to issue a concealed weapons license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. These qualifications include not being ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, not being subject to a court order regarding firearms, and not having an outstanding warrant for their arrest. Washington also has reciprocity for concealed pistol licenses issued by other states, recognising out-of-state licenses as long as the handgun is carried in accordance with Washington law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Firearm safety course required | No |
| Carrying a firearm in a manner that intimidates another person | Unlawful |
| Open carry | Legal without a license for anyone over 21 |
| Off-limits areas for open carry | Public schools, state courthouses, Capitol, state legislative offices, public legislative hearings or meetings, within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations |
| Carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle | Requires a valid permit/license |
| Concealed carry | Requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) |
| Concealed carry of firearms other than pistols | Not allowed |
| CPL application | Submitted to the local police department or county sheriff's office |
| CPL issuance | After fingerprinting and a background check |
| CPL fees | Non-refundable |
| CPL renewals | Can apply 90 days prior to the expiration date |
| Reciprocity | Recognizes concealed pistol licenses from other states with certain qualifications |
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What You'll Learn
Washington's reciprocity law
- Recognizes and gives effect to concealed pistol licenses issued by Washington;
- Does not issue concealed pistol licenses or permits to persons under the age of 21; and
- Requires a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history.
The Attorney General's Office is responsible for periodically reviewing the laws of other states to determine if they meet these requirements. The Attorney General is also required by law to publish a list of states with which Washington has reciprocity for concealed pistol licenses. This list is updated regularly and can be found on the Washington State Attorney General's website.
It is important to note that some states may recognize a Washington concealed pistol license even if Washington doesn't recognize theirs. In such cases, individuals must still carry their pistols in accordance with the laws of the state they are visiting. Washington offers both resident and non-resident concealed pistol licenses, and the requirements for obtaining a license differ for residents and non-residents.
To obtain a concealed pistol license in Washington, applicants must be at least 21 years old and submit to a background check. Washington residents can apply at their local Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement agency, while non-residents can apply through the Department of Licensing.
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Pistol license requirements
Washington State prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun without a license, except in a person's home or place of business. There are exceptions to this law, including for law enforcement officers, members of target shooting clubs, and people engaged in lawful outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, or camping.
To obtain a Washington State Concealed Pistol License (CPL), applicants must be at least 21 years old and apply with the sheriff's office or city's police department of the county where they live. Non-residents can apply at any Sheriff's Office in the state. A valid driver's license or state ID must be presented at the time of application, and the residential address must be up to date. If the applicant is a permanent resident, they must provide their original and valid permanent resident card. There is no requirement to complete a firearms safety course or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety. However, it is recommended that applicants obtain as much training as possible to be responsibly armed.
Washington State offers resident and non-resident CPLs. The waiting period for non-resident applications is 60 days. Washington recognizes permits from other states that meet specific requirements, including a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history. Some states only honor Washington resident CPLs.
Retired law enforcement officers (LEO) and qualified retired LEOs can carry a concealed firearm in Washington under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). They must meet certain requirements, including not being convicted of a crime that would make them ineligible for a CPL.
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Law enforcement and retired officers
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs (RLEOs) in Washington State can choose to carry a concealed firearm under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. This federal legislation allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions.
In Washington, RLEOs are treated as if they hold a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and enjoy the same privileges, provided they have the appropriate documentation from their former agency and have not been convicted of a crime that would make them ineligible for a CPL. Retired officers should carry their credentials and proof of firearms proficiency.
While no background check is required for RLEOs to exercise their privileges under LEOSA, Washington does not have a single qualification standard for firearms proficiency. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) qualification course is recommended for officers to demonstrate proficiency.
In addition to the privileges afforded by LEOSA, Washington State law provides specific exemptions for active and retired law enforcement officers. These include exceptions to the general prohibition on carrying a concealed handgun without a license, as well as allowances for carrying a firearm in certain restricted locations.
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Concealed carry restrictions
Washington State generally requires local law enforcement to issue a concealed weapons license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. A "concealed pistol license" (CPL) will be issued to any applicant unless they meet the following criteria:
- Ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law.
- Subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms.
- Free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony.
- Has an outstanding warrant for their arrest for a felony or misdemeanor.
- Has been ordered to forfeit a firearm by a Washington court within the last year.
- Has had a concealed pistol license revoked.
Washington State prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun without a license, except in a person's home or place of business. However, there are exceptions to this rule for:
- Law enforcement officers or retired law enforcement officers (unless the disability is mental or stress-related).
- Members of target shooting clubs when travelling to or from target practice.
- Members of clubs organized for the purpose of antique or modern firearm collecting when travelling to or from gun shows and exhibits.
- Any person engaged in a lawful outdoor recreational activity, such as hunting, fishing, or camping.
- Any person carrying an unloaded handgun in a closed, opaque case or "secure wrapper".
Washington is an open-carry state, meaning that an individual can openly carry a firearm unless specifically prohibited by state law. However, open carry is prohibited in certain areas, including:
- Public schools and state courthouses.
- The Capitol, any state legislative office, any public legislative hearing or meeting, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.
- Public libraries.
- Transit stations and transit facilities.
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Workplace firearm regulations
Washington is a shall-issue state, meaning that licenses are issued at the local level by the sheriff or police department. The state generally requires local law enforcement to issue a concealed weapons license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. Local law enforcement must issue a "concealed pistol license" to any applicant unless they are ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms, free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, or have an outstanding warrant for their arrest for a felony or misdemeanor, among other disqualifying criteria.
Washington residents must obtain a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed firearm within the state. Non-residents may carry a concealed firearm with a license/permit from a state that Washington honors. CPLs are issued to residents and non-residents aged 21 or older. There is no requirement to attend a firearms training course or demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety before obtaining a license.
Open carry is legal without a license for individuals aged 21 or older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, certain areas are off-limits, including public schools, state courthouses, the Capitol, state legislative offices, public legislative hearings or meetings, and within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations. A valid permit/license is required to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle in Washington.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed weapon in Washington.
You must be a resident of Washington and apply in person at a local law enforcement office. You must also present a valid driver's license or state ID.
Yes, there are exemptions for law enforcement officers, retired law enforcement officers, and individuals carrying an unloaded handgun in a closed, opaque case.
Yes, Washington has reciprocity for CPLs issued by other states, provided that the individual is not a resident of Washington and the handgun is carried in accordance with Washington state law.
