Washington Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Washington recognises permits from the following states:

¹Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, ²North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah.

¹Idaho - Washington only honors the Idaho Enhanced Permit only.
²North Dakota – Washington only honors the Class 1 North Dakota Permit.

Washington Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses From the States They Honor. (Must be 21 Years Old.)

RCW 9.41.073 Concealed Pistol License — Reciprocity

(1)

(a) A person licensed to carry a pistol in a state the laws of which recognize and give effect in that state to a concealed pistol license issued under the laws of the state of Washington is authorized to carry a concealed pistol in this state if:

(i) The licensing state does not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under twenty-one years of age; and

(ii) The licensing state requires mandatory fingerprint-based background checks of criminal and mental health history for all persons who apply for a concealed pistol license.

(b) This section applies to a license holder from another state only while the license holder is not a resident of this state. A license holder from another state must carry the handgun in compliance with the laws of this state.

(2) The attorney general shall periodically publish a list of states the laws of which recognize and give effect in that state to a concealed pistol license issued under the laws of the state of Washington and which meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a)(i) and (ii) of this section.

How to Apply for a Washington Concealed Carry Permit

Applying for a concealed pistol license

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.

You will need to bring the following:

Picture identification such as a Washington State driver license or identification card. If you don’t have a Washington State driver license or identification card, you must provide proof you have lived in the state for at least the last 90 days.
The fee of $36 plus fingerprinting, (Fee may vary slightly) check, or money order made payable to the law enforcement agency. This fee is non-refundable. State Fee Chart
If you are in the military, your military ID and orders listing your station location.

For more information, go here.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Washington Concealed Carry Permit

Non-Residents in Washington can apply the same way that Residents do, so you must make a trip to Washington to apply. See Resident Permit Section above. For more information, click here.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Washington Concealed Carry Permit

RCW 9.41.280 Possessing Dangerous Weapons on School Facilities

(1) It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools" (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:

(a) Any firearm;
(b) Any other dangerous weapon as defined in RCW 9.41.250;

(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:

(e) Any person in possession of a pistol who has been issued a license under RCW 9.41.070, or is Exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060, while picking up or dropping off a student;
(f) Any nonstudent at least eighteen years of age legally in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school;
(g) Any nonstudent at least eighteen years of age who is in lawful possession of an unloaded firearm, secured in a vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school; or

(7) "GUN-FREE ZONE" signs shall be posted around school facilities giving warning of the prohibition of the possession of firearms on school grounds.

RCW 9.41.300 Weapons Prohibited In Certain Places — Local Laws and Ordinances — Exceptions — Penalty

(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:

(a) The restricted access areas of a jail, or of a law enforcement facility, or any place used for the confinement of a person (i) arrested for, charged with, or convicted of an offense, (ii) held for extradition or as a material witness, or (iii) otherwise confined pursuant to an order of a court, except an order under chapter 13.32A or 13.34 RCW. Restricted access areas do not include common areas of egress or ingress open to the general public;

(b) Those areas in any building which are 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. The restricted areas do not include common areas of ingress and egress to the building that is used in connection with court proceedings, when it is possible to protect court areas without restricting ingress and egress to the building. The restricted areas shall be the minimum necessary to fulfill the objective of this subsection (1)(b).

For purposes of this subsection (1)(b), "weapon" means any firearm, explosive as defined in RCW 70.74.010, or any weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or any knife, dagger, dirk, or other similar weapon that is capable of causing death or bodily injury and is commonly used with the intent to cause death or bodily injury.

In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. The locked box or designated official shall be located within the same building used in connection with court proceedings. The local legislative authority shall be liable for any negligence causing damage to or loss of a weapon either placed in a locked box or left with an official during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building.

The local judicial authority shall designate and clearly mark those areas where weapons are prohibited, and shall post notices at each entrance to the building of the prohibition against weapons in the restricted areas;

(c) The restricted access areas of a public mental health facility certified by the department of social and health services for inpatient hospital care and state institutions for the care of the mentally ill, excluding those facilities solely for evaluation and treatment. Restricted access areas do not include common areas of egress and ingress open to the general public;

(d) That portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor control board as off-limits to persons under twenty-one years of age; or

(e) The restricted access areas of a commercial service airport designated in the airport security plan approved by the federal transportation security administration, including passenger screening checkpoints at or beyond the point at which a passenger initiates the screening process. These areas do not include airport drives, general parking areas and walkways, and shops and areas of the terminal that are outside the screening checkpoints and that are normally open to unscreened passengers or visitors to the airport. Any restricted access area shall be clearly indicated by prominent signs indicating that firearms and other weapons are prohibited in the area.

RCW 70.108.150 Firearms—Penalty

"It shall be unlawful for any person, except law enforcement officers, to carry, transport or convey, or to have in his possession or under his control any firearm while on the site of an outdoor music festival."

RCW 70.108.020 (3) "Outdoor music festival" or "music festival" or "festival" means an assembly of persons gathered primarily for outdoor, live or recorded musical entertainment, where the predicted attendance is two thousand persons or more and where the duration of the program is five hours or longer: PROVIDED, That this definition shall not be applied to any regularly established permanent place of worship, stadium, athletic field, arena, auditorium, coliseum, or other similar permanently established places of assembly for assemblies which do not exceed by more than two hundred fifty people the maximum seating capacity of the structure where the assembly is held: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That this definition shall not apply to government sponsored fairs held on regularly established fairgrounds nor to assemblies required to be licensed under other laws or regulations of the state.

RCW 9.94.043 Deadly weapons — Possession on Premises by Person Not a Prisoner — Penalty

A person, other than a person serving a sentence in a penal institution of this state, is guilty of possession of contraband on the premises of a state correctional institution in the first degree if, without authorization to do so, the person knowingly possesses or has under his or her control a deadly weapon on or in the buildings or adjacent grounds subject to the care, control, or supervision of a state correctional institution. Deadly weapon is used as defined in RCW 9A.04.110: PROVIDED,

That, such correctional buildings, grounds, or property are properly posted pursuant to RCW 9.94.047, and such person has knowingly entered thereon:
Further, That the provisions of this section do not apply to a person licensed pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who, upon entering the correctional institution premises, proceeds directly along an access road to the administration building and promptly checks his or her firearm(s) with the appropriate authorities. The person may reclaim his or her firearm(s) upon leaving, but he or she must immediately and directly depart from the premises.

Possession of contraband on the premises of a state correctional institution in the first degree is a class B felony.

RCW 46.10.495 Additional Violations — Penalty

(1) No person shall operate a snowmobile in such a way as to endanger human life.

(2) No person shall operate a snowmobile in such a way as to run down or harass deer, elk, or any wildlife, or any domestic animal, nor shall any person carry any loaded weapon upon, nor hunt from, any snowmobile except by permit issued by the director of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.32.237.

(3) Any person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Washington State School for the Blind, and the Washington State School for the Deaf

WAC 148-140-080 & 72-140-080

(4) No person or group may use or enter onto school facilities having in their possession firearms or other weapons, even if licensed to do so, except duly appointed and commissioned law enforcement officers.

Firearms, Weapons Prohibited In Administrative Hearings

WAC 10-20-010 (1) & 10-20-030

(1) Firearms or other dangerous weapons are prohibited at all facilities owned, leased, or operated by the office of administrative hearings and in rooms where the office of administrative hearings is conducting an administrative hearing. This prohibition applies to all parties or witnesses at hearings, all office of administrative hearings employees, and all other persons present. However, it does not
apply to law enforcement personnel, security personnel, or military personnel, all while engaged in official duties.

(3) Possession of a valid concealed weapons permit is not a defense to the prohibition in this section.

Places listed below that have Rules that state no firearms allowed on Premises. Washington State Administrative Rules cover these areas:

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

People who work or attend school at such places can be fired/expelled if they possess firearms on these listed properties. Some Colleges/Universities may have storage facilities for those who wish to possess firearms while attending college. Check with your school.

Take note that the Administrative Rules of Washington have the information on carrying on College/Universities. You can see the code here and look down to the listed College/University to see their rules on carry.

Cities Can’t Ban Firearms in Their City Parks

The WA Supreme Court refused to hear Seattle’s appeal to a lower Courts decision stating that Seattle’s ban on firearms in Parks was in violation of Washington’s Preemption law. This ruling stops all cities in Washington from banning firearms in their city parks. Ruling upheld can be read here.

Carry in Vehicle With a Valid Permit/License

RCW 9.41.050 Carrying firearms

(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and:

(i) The pistol is on the licensee's person,

(ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or

(iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

Some people in Washington have stated that the wording in the above law means that you must have the firearm on your person when in a vehicle. The AG’s Office gave an answer to a Legislature in 1987 that stated it didn’t have to be on your person. This letter is not an official AG Opinion. The law reads the same as it did in 1987 as far as I can ascertain. You can read that letter here.

“No Gun Signs” Don't Have the Force of Law

“No Firearm” signs in Washington have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged. Even if the property is not posted and you are asked to leave you must leave. Always be aware of the possibility that responding Police Officers who may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass etc. could arrest you even if you are within the law.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Washington, it is not needed.

RCW 9.41.050 Carrying Firearms

(b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry is Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: YES; WAC 352-32-120
State/National Forests: YES; WAC 332-52-145 (6) DNR Properties
State WMA’s: YES; WAC 220-500-140 Fish $ Wildlife
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

Car/RV Carry Without a Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit

It is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle without a valid Permit/License.

RCW 9.41.050 Carrying Firearms

(1)

(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.
(b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.

(2)

(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and:

(i) The pistol is on the licensee's person,
(ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or
(iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(3)

(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(4) Nothing in this section permits the possession of firearms illegal to possess under state or federal law.

RCW 9.41.060 Exceptions to Restrictions on Carrying Firearms

The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:

(4) Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms, or the agent or representative of the person, if possessing, using, or carrying a pistol in the usual or ordinary course of the business;

(6) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of target shooting, when those members are at or are going to or from their places of target practice;

(7) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of modern and antique firearm collecting, when those members are at or are going to or from their collector's gun shows and exhibits;

(9) Any person while carrying a pistol unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal but you must have a valid permit/license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle in Washington. This includes Cars, Buses and Trains. You can keep the firearm holstered with empty chamber on your hip in your vehicle (can’t be concealed) but the loaded mag must be removed. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. All School Property and Facilities used for school functions are off limits to those without a valid permit/license. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for more information on carrying in a vehicle.

RCW 9.41.060 Exceptions to Restrictions on Carrying Firearms

(8) 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; It is up to you to know those local ordinances. Remember that if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave you must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 21. I am being told to open carry under RCW 9.41.060 you only have to be 18 years old.

The Washington State Law Enforcement Training Bulletin on Open Carry can be found here.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

State Preemption

RCW 9.41.290 State Preemption

The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Chapter 9A.16 RCW Defenses

9A.16.010 Definitions
9A.16.020 Use of force -- When lawful
9A.16.030 Homicide -- When excusable
9A.16.040 Justifiable homicide or use of deadly force by public officer, peace officer, person aiding
9A.16.050 Homicide -- By other person -- When justifiable
9A.16.060 Duress
9A.16.070 Entrapment
9A.16.080 Action for being detained on mercantile establishment premises for investigation -- "Reasonable grounds" as defense.
9A.16.090 Intoxication
9A.16.100 Use of force on children -- Policy -- Actions presumed unreasonable
9A.16.110 Defending against violent crime -- Reimbursement

Can Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol

RCW 9.41.300 (1)(d) Only in parts of the restaurant where those under 21 years of age
are allowed.

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

RCW 9.91.160 Personal Protection Spray Devices

(1) It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years old, unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, to purchase or possess a personal protection spray device. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(2) No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older, or a person fourteen years old or older who has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, from purchasing or possessing a personal protection spray device or from using such a device in a manner consistent with the authorized use of force under RCW 9A.16.020. No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation, or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older from delivering a personal protection spray device to a person authorized to possess such a device.

(3) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Personal protection spray device" means a commercially available dispensing device designed and intended for use in self-defense and containing a nonlethal sternutator or lacrimator agent, including but not limited to:

(i) Tear gas, the active ingredient of which is either chloracetophenone (CN) or O chlorobenzylidene malonotrile (CS); or
(ii) Other agent commonly known as mace, pepper mace, or pepper gas.
(b) "Delivering" means actual, constructive, or attempted transferring from one person to another.

(4) Nothing in this section authorizes the delivery, purchase, possession, or use of any device or chemical agent that is otherwise prohibited by state law.

Ruston, WA City Ordinance 9.11.015 Bans Stun Devices/Electric Weapons

There are no restrictions in Washington States Law concerning Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns Or Higher Capacity Magazine Bans. As noted above Bellingham & Ruston, WA have restrictions on Stun Devices/Electric weapons and other cities in Washington could have similar bans.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: Parking Lot OK. Terminal OK if Not Posted RCW 9.41.300

Training Valid for: No set time period

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a Washington Drivers License/ID

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: RCW 9.41.073

State Fire arm Laws: RCW 9.41.010 to 9.41.810 & 9A.56.300 & 42.17.318 & 77.15.460 & 77.108.150

State Deadly Force Laws: 9A.16.010 thru 9A.16.110

State Knife Laws: 9.41.250 & 9.41.270

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: RCW 9.91.160

Body Armor Laws: No laws found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO RCW 9.41.070

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; RCW 9.41.060 & WAC 220-414-070

What Does WA Consider A Loaded Firearm?

RCW 9.41.010 Terms Defined

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(14) "Loaded" means:

(a) There is a cartridge in the chamber of the firearm;

(b) Cartridges are in a clip that is locked in place in the firearm;

(d) There is a cartridge in the tube or magazine that is inserted in the action; or

(e) There is a ball in the barrel and the firearm is capped or primed if the firearm is a muzzle loader.

State Emergency Powers

RCW 43.06.220 State of Emergency — Powers of Governor Pursuant to Proclamation

(1) The governor after proclaiming a state of emergency and prior to terminating such, may, in the area described by the proclamation issue an order prohibiting:

(a) Any person being on the public streets, or in the public parks, or at any other public place during the hours declared by the governor to be a period of curfew;

(b) Any number of persons, as designated by the governor, from assembling or gathering on the public streets, parks, or other open areas of this state, either public or private;

(c) The manufacture, transfer, use, possession or transportation of a molotov cocktail or any other device, instrument or object designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion;

(d) The transporting, possessing or using of gasoline, kerosene, or combustible, flammable, or explosive liquids or materials in a glass or uncapped container of any kind except in connection with the normal operation of motor vehicles, normal home use or legitimate commercial use;

(e) The possession of firearms or any other deadly weapon by a person (other than a law enforcement officer) in a place other than that person's place of residence or business;

(f) The sale, purchase or dispensing of alcoholic beverages;

(g) The sale, purchase or dispensing of other commodities or goods, as he or she reasonably believes should be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property or the public peace;

(h) The use of certain streets, highways or public ways by the public; and

(i) Such other activities as he or she reasonably believes should be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property or the public peace.

(2) The governor after proclaiming a state of emergency and prior to terminating such may, in the area described by the proclamation, issue an order or orders concerning waiver or suspension of statutory obligations or limitations in any or all of the following areas as further specified and limited by chapter 181, Laws of 2008:

(a) Liability for participation in interlocal agreements;

(b) Inspection fees owed to the department of labor and industries;

(d) Regulations, tariffs, and notice requirements under the jurisdiction of the utilities and transportation commission;

(e) Application of tax due dates and penalties relating to collection of taxes; and (f) Permits for industrial, business, or medical uses of alcohol.

(3) In imposing the restrictions provided for by RCW 43.06.010, and 43.06.200 through 43.06.270, the governor may impose them for such times, upon such conditions, with such exceptions and in such areas of this state he or she from time to time deems necessary.

(4) Any person willfully violating any provision of an order issued by the governor under this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Washington: 18 Years Old

RCW 9.41.042

RCW 9.41.060

RCW 9.41.240

This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms.

In some states, Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.