Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Washington is a shall-issue state where licenses are issued locally by sheriffs or police departments.
Private firearm sales in Washington require completion through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer with a mandatory background check. Retail dealers must register all retail pistol sales with local police/sheriff and the State Department of Licensing. For handgun transfers to individuals without a valid Washington ID or who haven’t been state residents for 90 days, an FFL may only deliver after a background check or 60 days from request.
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It is illegal to carry or display a firearm in a manner that suggests intent to intimidate or causes alarm. Exceptions include self-defense against unlawful force.
Open carry without a license is legal for those 21 and older, but prohibited in certain places like schools and courthouses. Recent legislation (SB 5038) also bans open carry at the Capitol, legislative offices, hearings, meetings, and within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations. A valid permit is required to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle.
Residents with a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and non-residents with recognized permits can legally carry concealed. CPLs are available to those 21 and older without mandatory firearms training. Exceptions for carrying without a license include one’s home or business.
Washington lacks a specific castle law but permits self-defense without a duty to retreat when lawfully present and under threat. Use of force is justified to prevent offenses or detain intruders on one’s property, provided it’s proportionate to the threat.
Homicide is justifiable in defense against imminent felony or danger to persons in a dwelling. Washington law protects individuals using reasonable force to defend themselves, family, or property against violent crimes without legal jeopardy.
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Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Washington?
Yes, any adult or anyone who is at least 14 years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, may purchase or possess a personal protection spray device. Pepper spray can be used by a party about to be injured, or by another lawfully aiding him or her, in preventing or attempting to prevent an offense against his or her person, or a malicious trespass, or other malicious interference with real or personal property lawfully in his or her possession, provided the force is not more than is necessary; or to reasonably detain someone who enters or remains unlawfully in a building or on real property lawfully in the possession of such person. The active ingredient of personal protection sprays must be either chloracetophenone (CN) or O chlorobenzylidene malonotrile (CS); or other agents commonly known as mace, pepper mace or pepper gas.
Does Washington allow constitutional carry?
No. Washington does not allow constitutional carry.
Is open carry permitted in Washington?
Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 21 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. Some areas are off-limits, including public schools and state courthouses. Based on the passage of SB 5038, open carry is also prohibited at the Capitol, any state legislative office, any public legislative hearing or meeting and within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations.
If Washington requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? Washington is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Washington to get a concealed carry license?
The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Washington is 21.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Washington with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. Washington’s CPL does not permit weapons other than handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Washington?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess for self-defense, without a license. Washington prohibits carrying stun guns and Tasers onto public or private K-12 school property, buses, or facilities, if the devices are meant to be used as weapons to injure someone. The law doesn’t apply to police or school security officers, or to adult non-students who keep stun guns or Tasers in their cars while they’re conducting legitimate business at the school. However, they are illegal to purchase or possess in Ruston, Washington.
Does Washington have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
Yes. On March 23, 2022, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5078 into law, prohibiting the manufacture, importation, distribution, selling and offering for sale of rifle and pistol magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. It went into effect on July 1st, 2022.
Does Washington have ammunition restrictions?
No. No handgun ammunition types are specifically forbidden in Washington.
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CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Washington? Yes, only with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors provided:
- The pistol is on the licensee’s person;
- The licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or
- The licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle. Without a license, firearms must be transported locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Washington? Yes with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Washington? Yes, with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Washington? With a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors, you may concealed carry only in areas of the restaurant where persons under the age of 21 are allowed. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Washington? Washington statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Washington have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? Not addressed in Washington state law.
- Does Washington issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
- Yes. Washington allows non-residents to apply for a CPL.
- Does Washington allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- No. The public does not have access to Washington’s concealed carry database.
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Washington?
- There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Washington unless the officer asks.
- Is my Washington driver’s license linked to my Washington carry license?
- Yes. Your Washington driver’s license is linked to your Washington concealed pistol license.
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Washington?
- No. Washington state law does not uphold “No Weapons Allowed” signs.
- Does Washington have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
- Yes, Washington has preemption of firearms laws, except in certain areas where local regulations apply.
- Does Washington have a red flag law?
- Yes. Washington has a red flag law allowing for extreme risk protection orders.
- Does Washington state law define brandishing?
- No, there is no specific definition of brandishing in Washington law.
- Does Washington have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
- Not addressed in state statutes. It is advisable to avoid carrying while under the influence of substances that could impair judgment.
These FAQs provide essential information about Washington state’s concealed carry laws. If you have further questions, consult local authorities or legal experts.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Washington? No, however, per I-1639, as of July 1, 2019, purchasers of semiautomatic rifles are required to show proof of attending a firearm safety training program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? EXCEPTIONS?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Washington? Are there exceptions? Yes. Private buyers and sellers must conduct a firearms transaction through a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL). However, certain transfers are exempt, including bona fide gift transfers between family members and temporary transfers to prevent imminent harm.
WASHINGTON LICENSE EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Washington concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Washington? There is no mandatory waiting period for handguns, but a background check must be completed within 10 days, extended to 60 days for non-residents.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Washington? No, but retail dealers must report pistol sales to local authorities and the State Department of Licensing.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Washington? You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Washington.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A LICENSE?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? Yes, it is legal to carry a loaded firearm in your home or business if you are legally entitled to possess a firearm.
Idaho (Enhanced permits only)
Kansas
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana (Enhanced permits only)
North Carolina
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only)
Ohio
South Dakota (Enhanced permits only)
Utah (regular [not provisional] permits only)
In order for Washington to recognize other states’ concealed weapons permits, Washington state’s reciprocity law (RCW 9.41.073) dictates that the other state must:
- Recognize Washington concealed pistol licenses;
- Not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under age 21; and
- Require a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history.
Residents must have a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in order to carry in the state.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Have no pending charges;
- Have no outstanding arrest warrants;
- Have no felony convictions;
- Not be subject to a court order or injunction concerning the possession of firearms;
- Not be free on bond or personal recognizance while awaiting trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense;
- Not have been asked to forfeit a firearm within the last 12 months;
- Not have a revoked concealed pistol license; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Washington.
Fees: Initial license $36 + fingerprint fee Renewals $32
Valid For: 5 years
Processing Time: 30 days; 60 days without a Washington driver’s license.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: The process is the same as for a resident of Washington but cannot be done via mail and requires that you appear in person at any local law enforcement agency in Washington. [RCW 9.41.290]
Name/Address Changes: Contact your local sheriff’s office with documentation of your new address. The fee for a replacement license is $10.
Lost/Stolen Licenses: Apply in person for a replacement at your local sheriff’s office. The fee for a replacement license is $10.
Residency Changes: Moving to Washington and interested in applying for a resident license? Washington issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. Washington law requires that once a person becomes a resident of Washington, he or she must obtain a Washington concealed pistol license to continue carrying a concealed pistol. He or she must apply in person at a local law enforcement office.
Moving from Washington and have a Washington resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Washington license remains valid? If a person with a Washington concealed pistol license establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided the individual contacts the local sheriff’s office with documentation of their new address.
Step 1: Complete an application form at your local city police department or sheriff’s office.
Step 2: Take the completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:
- Proof you have lived in the state for at least 90 days
- Valid photo ID such as a state ID card or driver’s license
- If you are a permanent resident alien, bring your permanent resident card
- If you have an alien firearms license, bring your original passport and U.S.-issued alien number or admission number. You will be fingerprinted.
Step 3: You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Step 1: You can renew your license between 90 days before it expires to 90 days after it expires, although late renewal fees apply. If your license is more than 90 days past its expiration, you must apply for a new license.
Step 2: Complete an application form at your local city police department or sheriff’s office or you may be able to download the application through your county website.
Step 3: You must renew your license in person. Take the completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:
- Photo ID such as a state ID card or driver’s license; and
- If you are a resident alien, a permanent resident card.
Step 4: You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license
- Public or private elementary or secondary school premises, except that permittees are exempt while picking up or dropping off a student or by any non-student at least age 18 who has secured the firearm within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school.
- School-provided transportation.
- Areas of other facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools. [RCW 9.41.280]
- Correctional facilities.
- Law enforcement facilities.
- Any area of a building used in connection with court proceedings, including courtrooms, jury rooms, judge’s chambers, offices and areas used to conduct court business, waiting areas, and corridors adjacent to areas used in connection with court proceedings.
- Restricted access areas of public mental health facilities.
- The grounds of any state institution for the care and treatment of mental illness.
- Any portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor and cannabis board as off-limits to persons under 21 years of age.
- Secured areas in airports. [RCW 9.41.300]
- Licensed child care facilities and emergency respite centers [Wash. Admin. Code 110–145–1660];
- Colleges/universities control firearm policies
- University of Washington [Wash. Admin. Code 478–124–020(2)(e)];
- All facilities operated by the Office of Administrative Hearings [Wash. Admin. Code 10–20–010(1)];
- Outdoor music festivals [Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 70.108.150];
- Racing Association grounds [Wash. Admin. Code 260–20–075];
- Licensed pregnant and parenting teen residential programs and their facilities;
- Overnight youth shelter & residence operated by the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration;
- Anytime while riding a snowmobile [Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 46.10.495];
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
On March 23, 2022, Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 1630 into law, restricting the possession of weapons in certain locations. These include open carry and concealed carry at school board meetings and ballot counting areas. Open carry is prohibited at local government meetings and at election-related sites. It will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
- Yes, in areas of the restaurant where persons under the age of 21 are allowed, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
- No, it must be unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper.
- Carry in roadside rest areas?
- Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
- Yes.
- Carry when traveling by bus, train, or other form of mass transit?
- Yes, with a license.
- Carry when traveling by plane?
- Yes, in the unrestricted area of the terminal, unless posted.
- Carry in places of worship?
- There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
It is illegal to own a switchblade or other spring-blade knife in the state of Washington. It is legal to open carry any type of weapon, so long as it is not carried in a way that may cause alarm, although open carry is prohibited at the Capitol, any state legislative office, any public legislative hearing or meeting and within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations. It is illegal to carry a dirk, dagger or other dangerous weapon concealed. It is illegal to possess any weapon in elementary or secondary schools or school buses. Other places where knives are prohibited include law enforcement facilities, jails, correction facilities, court facilities, and any portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor and cannabis board as off-limits to persons under 21 years of age. Municipalities may have additional restrictions including Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver which prohibit the open or concealed carry of any “dangerous knife” which is defined as a knife with a blade longer than 3 and ½ inches.
[RCW 9.41.250, 9.41.270, 9.41.280 and 9.41.300]
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Washington?
Yes, however the handgun cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during an archery big game hunting season.
[Wash. Admin. Code 220–414–070]
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Washington?
Yes. It is illegal to obstruct the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife.
[Wash. Rev. Code 77.15.210]
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Washington, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in Washington making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, County Sheriff’s have reminded the public that it is still legal for citizens with concealed carry licenses to have their firearm during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they are covering their face with a mask.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Washington?
Yes, Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area.
[Wash. Rev. Code 9.41.060]
