Washington has specific laws and requirements for carrying concealed firearms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as of 2025.
Who Can Carry Concealed in Washington?
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
- Residency: Both residents and non-residents can apply for a CPL. Non-residents must apply in person at any law enforcement agency in Washington.
- Eligibility: You must not be prohibited from possessing firearms due to criminal convictions, court orders, or outstanding warrants.
- Identification: A valid Washington driver’s license or state ID is required. Passports or military IDs are not accepted in lieu of state-issued ID.
How to Obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
- Application: Apply in person at your local law enforcement agency (sheriff or police department).
- Background Check: A fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history is mandatory.
- Fees: Pay the required licensing fees with cash, check, or money order.
- Permanent Residents: Must provide their original Permanent Resident Card.
- Validity: A CPL is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Where Concealed Carry Is Allowed
- With a CPL: You may carry a concealed handgun on your person or have a loaded handgun in your vehicle.
- Without a CPL: You can only conceal carry in your own home or fixed place of business.
- Reciprocity: Washington recognizes permits from other states that meet specific requirements.
Restrictions and Prohibited Locations
- Schools and Courthouses: Concealed carry is not allowed in public schools, state courthouses, and certain government buildings.
- Bars/Restaurants: You may carry in restaurants that serve alcohol only in areas where persons under 21 are allowed. Carrying in bar areas is prohibited.
- Demonstrations: Open carry is prohibited at the Capitol, legislative offices, public hearings, and within 250 feet of permitted demonstrations.
- Tribal Lands: Only certain tribal lands allow concealed carry with a valid permit.
Magazine and Firearm Restrictions
- Magazine Capacity: Magazines holding more than 10 rounds are prohibited for sale, import, or manufacture in Washington.
- Assault Weapons: Sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons are banned, with some exceptions for law enforcement and military.
Penalties for Violating Concealed Carry Laws
- Carrying Without a CPL: It is a misdemeanor to carry a concealed handgun without a valid CPL, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Defenses: Legal defenses include proving you had a valid CPL or that an emergency necessitated carrying without a permit.
Additional Considerations
- No Training Requirement: As of 2025, there is no firearms training requirement to obtain a CPL. However, new laws requiring live-fire training will take effect in 2027.
- Red Flag Law: Courts may issue extreme risk protection orders to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.
- No Weapons Signs: “No Weapons Allowed” signs are not enforced by state law, but private property owners may set their own rules.
- Duty to Inform: There is no legal duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm during a stop, but your CPL status is linked to your driver’s license.
Summary Table: Washington Concealed Carry Laws (2025)
| Requirement/Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Permit Required | Yes, for concealed carry and loaded handgun in vehicle |
| Application Process | In person, background check, fingerprinting, fees |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Prohibited Locations | Schools, courthouses, bars, certain government areas |
| Magazine Limit | 10 rounds |
| Penalties for No Permit | Misdemeanor: up to 90 days jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Reciprocity | Some out-of-state permits honored |
| Training Requirement | None until 2027; live-fire training required after May 1, 2027 |
Key Takeaways
- Concealed carry in Washington requires a valid CPL, available to both residents and non-residents age 21 or older.
- Carrying without a permit is a misdemeanor offense.
- Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds, and certain locations are off-limits for concealed carry.
- No training is required for a CPL until 2027, when new live-fire training requirements will be implemented.
Always check for updates from the Washington Department of Licensing and your local law enforcement agency to stay compliant with the latest laws and requirements.
Sources:
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/wa-gun-laws/
- https://www.zuanichlaw.com/am-i-eligible-for-a-concealed-pistol-license-in-washington
- https://www.atg.wa.gov/concealed-pistol-license-reciprocity
- https://www.blacklawseattle.com/washington-law-on-carrying-a-concealed-gun/