Washington

Washington state seal
Washington state flag

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Have no pending charges.
  • Have no outstanding arrest warrants.
  • Have no felony convictions.
  • Are not subject to a court order or injunction concerning the possession of firearms.
  • Are not free on bond or personal recognizance while awaiting trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense.
  • Have not been asked to forfeit a firearm within the last 12 months.
  • Do not have a revoked concealed pistol license.
  • You have no mental health conditions.
  • Federal Law Requirements

APPLICATION

Follow these steps to obtain a permit

  1. You may complete an application form at one of the following law enforcement offices:
    • If you live in the unincorporated area of a county you must apply in person at your sheriff’s office.
    • If you live in an incorporated city within the county, you may apply in person at either the city police department or sheriff’s office.
    • If you are not a Washington State resident, you may apply at any local law enforcement agency in Washington.
  2. Download the application in the forms section on this page.
  3. Complete the form and take it to the law enforcement office with the following;
    • Proof you have lived in the state for at least 90 days
    • Photo ID such as a state ID card or drivers license.
    • If you are a resident alien, a permanent resident card.
  4. Your fingerprints will be taken at the sheriffs office.
  5. You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. It will take 30 to 60 days to complete the background check and issue the license

Non-Residents
Applications cannot be made via mail so you will need to make a trip to Washington if you want to apply for a CCW license.

RENEWALS

  • CCW licences can be renewed within 90 days before the permits expiry date but not before the 90 days.
  • Licenses can also be renewed for up to 90 days past the expiry date. There is  late fee of $42.
  • If a license has expired for more than 90 days then a new application process will need to be started.

All renewals must be made in person at your local law enforcement office. The requirements are the same as when you apply for a new license with the only difference being;

  • you will not need to be fingerprinted and
  • you should receive your license in about two weeks.

RCW 9.41.070 – Fees & Renewals

FEE’S

Application Type Original Renewal
Individual $36 + fingerprint fee $32
Late Renewal $42
Replacement $10
Firearms Dealer License $125
Alien Firearms License $50 + fingerprint fee

Acceptable forms of payment
Check or money order – payable to the law enforcement agency

Washington

Washington

Washington

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Washington

  • Idaho
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Washington

    Washington

    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 licences 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.

    Washington

    Washington

    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

    Yes
    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
    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
    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
    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
    NO Washington does not have constitutional carry.
    No
    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
    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

    Washington

    Quick Facts

    Open Carry

    Yes

    Carry In Vehicle

    No

    Carry In State Parks

    Yes

    Carry In Restaurants

    Yes

    Constitutional Carry

    No

    No Weapons Signs Enforced

    No

    Must Notify Officer

    No
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