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.
Washington Gun Laws Quick Facts
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes – Washington allows for open carry for anyone without a license so long as they’re 21 or older and legally allowed to own a firearm. There are off limit areas which include the state capital or within 250 feet of a public demonstration. |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes – Washington allows for concealed carrying on your person in a vehicle so long as you have the Washington CPL (concealed pistol license) or a permit from a reciprocal state. If you do not have a permit you must store your firearm in a secured container away from view and from any passengers within the vehicle. |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes – Washington allows for concealed carry within their state and national parks so long as you have the CPL or a recognized permit from a reciprocal state. |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes – Washington allows for concealed carry with a Washington CPL within restaurants if they allow individuals under 21 to enter. You may not conceal carry within bars or the bar section of restaurants. |
| Constitutional Carry? | No – Washington is not considered a constitutional carry state. |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | No – We were unable to find specific law regarding the no weapons signs having the force of law behind them. |
| Must Notify Officer? | No – There is no law specifically mentioning duty to inform within the Washington statutes. However, it is important to note that you must provide a truthful answer if a LEO asks you if you’re carrying a firearm. You must also have your permit on you at all times along with a valid photo ID if you’re concealed carrying. |
Washington CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
States NOT Honoring CCW
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Honors These States CCW Permits
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Utah
How Reciprocity Works In Washington
Under Washington law the state can only honor another states concealed carry license if;
- the other state honors a Washington concealed carry license.
- The state does not issue CPL licenses to persons under the age of 21.
- The state has fingerprint based checks for background and mental health history on applicants.
Currently only 9 states meet these requirements for their licenses to be honored by Washington.
Reciprocity Agreements In Washington
Washington: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state, except those listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- Public schools
- Correctional facility
- Law enforcement facility
- State courthouses
- Mental health facilities
- Outdoor music festival
- Secured areas in airports
- Places listed below that have Rules that state no firearms allowed on Premises;
- Colleges/Universities,
- Licensed Child Care Facilities,
- Racing Association Grounds,
- An Emergency Respite Center,
- Licensed Pregnant and Parenting Teen Residential Programs And Their Facilities,
- Licensed Homes and Facilities That Provide Care To Children,
- Overnight Youth Shelter & Residence Operated By the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration
- All facilities operated by the Office of Administrative Hearings
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Washington: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
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
Carry In Vehicle
Yes
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.
Carry In State Parks
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
Carry In Restaurants
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
Constitutional Carry
No
Washington does not have constitutional carry.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No
“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Washington gun laws. There are no legal penalties for lawfully 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
Must Notify Officer
No
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 upon interaction unless specifically asked.
The Law RCW 9.41.050 – Carrying firearms
Additional Resources
Washington Concealed Carry Laws
Washington Open Carry Laws
Washington Gun Permit Laws