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Washington is a “Shall Issue” state where open carry is technically legal, but not common in the state. You will need a permit to carry a hangun in a vehicle, and conceal carry permits are provided for both residents and non-residents at the local sheriff office.
You must be 21 and not be a felon to obtain a permit, and it’s important to note you do not need a firearms training course.
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes! |
| Carry In Vehicle? | No |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes! |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes! |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | No |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
Under Washington law the state can only honor another states concealed carry license if;
Currently only 9 states meet these requirements for their licenses to be honored by Washington.
YES – WITH OR WITHOUT A PERMIT Open carry without a permit is legal. However, you will need a CCW license to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle. Any vehicle means cars, buses, and trains. The minimum age for open carry is 21. The Law 29-11.7-704
NO – WITHOUT A PERMIT Without a License – If you do not have a permit then it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle. You can still carry a firearm if it is unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper. With a License – you can carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle as long as you have your permit with you at all times. The Law RCW 9.41.050 RCW 9.41.060.
YES
It is legal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: YES – WAC 352.32.120 State/National Forests: YES – WAC 332.52.145 State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – WAC 220.500.140 Road Side Rest Areas: YES
YES
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol You are restricted to areas of the restaurant where persons under the age of 21 are allowed. “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol. The Law RCW 9.41.300
NO
Washington does not have constitutional carry.
NO
“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Washington gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
NO – MUST INFORM OFFICER Washington gun laws require you to have your CCW license on you at all times you are carrying a firearm and display the permit to an officer if requested to do so. You do not have to inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. The Law RCW 9.41.050 – Carrying firearms