Washington is a shall-issue state. Licenses are issued at the local level by the sheriff or police department.
Any private sale of firearms in Washington is required to be completed through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) and a background check is required. Firearms registration is required insofar as retail dealers must record and report all retail pistol sales to local police/sheriff and to the State Department of Licensing. For transfers of handguns to an individual without a valid Washington driver’s license or state identification card or who has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive 90 days, FFLs may not deliver the handgun until the transferee passes a background check or 60 days have elapsed since the date of the request, whichever occurs first.
It is unlawful for any person to “carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.” However, there are exemptions to the law, one of which is for any person acting for the purpose of protecting oneself or another against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another.
Open carry is legal without a license for anyone at least 21 years old who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. 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 a permitted demonstrations. You must have a valid permit/license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle in Washington.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state that Washington honors. CPLs are issued to residents and non-residents that are at least 21 years old. There is no current requirement to attend a firearms training course. Washington prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun without a license except in a person’s abode or fixed place of business. In terms of reciprocity, Washington recognizes permits from other states that meet specific requirements.
Where can I carry with my Washington permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not addressed in state statutes.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
red flag law?
Washington has a red flag law. An immediate family member of a person or a law enforcement office or agency may file a petition requesting that the court issue an extreme risk protection order prohibiting a person from having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.
driver's license linked to carry license?
Yes. Your Washington driver’s license is linked to your Washington concealed pistol license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Washington law.However, any person who aims any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded at or towards any other human being or willfully discharges any firearm in a public place where any person might be endangered thereby shall be charged with a crime.
It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. The public has no access to Washington's concealed carry database.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Washington allows non-residents to apply for a CPL.
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Washington, except cities may:
In addition, the Washington Supreme Court has held that a municipal employer may regulate or prohibit a municipal employee’s possession of firearms while on the job or in the workplace.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Washington unless the officer asks.
"assault weapons" ban?
Yes. Effective April 25, 2023, Washington prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons in Washington state while allowing reasonable exemptions for manufacture and sale to law enforcement and the military. The legislation does not prohibit the possession of assault weapons.
You can find more information here.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Washington state law does not uphold "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
Carry Basics
magazine limits 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.
constitutional carry?
No. Washington does not allow constitutional carry.
gun permit licensure?
Washington is a shall-issue state.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. Washington's CPL does not permit weapons other than handguns.
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Washington is 21.
ammunition restrictions?
No. No handgun ammunition types are specifically forbidden in Washington.
open carry permitted?
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 a permitted demonstrations.
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Washington law.
non-lethal weapons?
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.
[Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.280][Ruston Mun. Code 9.11.015]
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Washington imposes no restrictions on size or concentration.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Washington. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Washington law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
handgun registration?
No. However, retail dealers must record and report all retail pistol sales to local police/sheriff and to the State Department of Licensing.
minimum age to possess and transport?
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Washington.
[Wash. Rev. Code 9.41.042][Wash. Rev. Code 9.41.060][Wash. Rev. Code 9.41.240]
purchase permits?
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.
washington license exempts from background check?
No.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. It is legal for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a loaded firearm without a license in a person's place of abode or fixed place of business.
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
Yes. Private buyers and sellers must conduct a firearms transaction through a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL). However, the following transfers are exempt:
waiting period?
Yes. As of January 1, 2025, there is a 10 day waiting period when purchasing a firearm.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Washington Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
what are the knife laws in washington?
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]
carry while gun hunting?
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.
wear a covid mask & carry?
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.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. It is illegal to obstruct the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife.
carry while bow hunting?
Yes, however the handgun cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during an archery big game hunting season.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*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.
Valid For:
5 years
Residency Changes:
Moving to Washington and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?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.
Name/Address Changes:
Contact your local sheriff's office with documentation of your new address. The fee for a replacement license is $10.
Processing Time:
30 days; 60 days without a Washington drivers license.
Fees:
Initial license $36 + fingerprint fee
Renewals $32
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]
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
Apply in person for a replacement at your local sheriff's office. The fee for a replacement license is $10.
Application:
Call or check the website of your local LEA and verify you live in their jurisdiction. If so, ask for a Concealed Pistol License Application.
Step 1:
Complete an application form at your local city police department or sheriff’s office or download the application.
Step 2:
Take the completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:
You will be fingerprinted.
Step 3:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
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 at roadside rest areas?
Yes with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors.
carry/possess at a hotel?
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 it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Washington.
[Wash. Admin. Code 352-32-120][Wash Admin. Code 332-52-145][Wash. Admin. Code 220-500-140]
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Washington state law.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, only with a Washington Concealed Pistol License or a license/permit from a state that Washington honors provided:
Without a license, firearms must be transported locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
tribal land
There are 29 federally recognized tribal lands in the state of Washington. The following are the only ones in the state that allow some form of concealed carry:
Hoh Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe - With a valid permit to carry a concealed pistol
Nisqually Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Quileute - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Snoqualmie Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Suquamish Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Swinomish Tribe - With a valid permit from the state of Washington
Defending Against Violent Crime
No person shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger of or the victim of assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, rape, murder or any other violent crime.
[Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.16.020, 9A.16.050 & 9A.16.110]
Justifiable Homicide
Homicide is justifiable when committed either:
Use of Force
The use force is justified in the following cases:
Self-Defense
Although Washington doesn’t have a specific castle law, the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that there is no duty to retreat if a person is in a place he or she has the lawful right to occupy and is being assaulted.
Washington Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-09
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2025-01-22
Updated the waiting period section to reflect new law.
2024-12-12
Added tribal land information to carry location section
2022-03-24
Added SB 5078 and HB 1630
2021-05-19
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2021-05-13
Added information about open carry based on the signing of SB5038
2020-09-03
Added information on Self Defense in the Summary
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