Washington carry status overview
Washington requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed handgun. The permit is issued by Local sheriff or police chief on a shall-issue basis — meaning the issuing authority must grant the permit if the applicant meets all statutory requirements.
| Concealed carry | Concealed Pistol License (CPL) required |
| Governing law | Revised Code of Washington § 9.41.070 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Vehicle carry | CPL required for concealed carry in a vehicle. |
| Issuing authority | Local sheriff or police chief |
| Process | Shall-issue — must be granted if requirements are met |
Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) — permit details
| Issuing authority | Local sheriff or police chief |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Training required | No formal training course required by state law |
| Background check | Yes — state and FBI NICS |
| Application | https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/cpl.html ↗ |
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Always verify the complete prohibited locations list at the official statute source.
Why Washington honors so few permits
Washington recognises roughly ten states' permits — far fewer than its neighbours — and the reason is worth understanding, because it is mechanical rather than discretionary.
RCW 9.41.073 sets a three-part test. Another state's permit is recognised only if that state:
- Recognises Washington CPLs in return — reciprocity must be mutual;
- Does not issue permits to anyone under 21; and
- Requires a fingerprint-based background check covering criminal and mental health history.
Most states fail at least one prong. The under-21 requirement alone disqualifies a large number, and the fingerprint requirement removes many more — plenty of shall-issue states run a name-based check rather than a fingerprint-based one.
The Attorney General's office surveys every state annually and republishes the list as responses come in, so it moves. Because Washington issues CPLs to non-residents on the same shall-issue basis as residents, the practical answer for many visitors is to obtain a Washington non-resident CPL rather than hope their home permit qualifies.
The vehicle rule people get wrong
Open carry needs no licence in Washington at 21 and over. That leads people to assume a handgun in the car is equally unregulated. It is not.
Washington requires a CPL to transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle — whether it is openly visible or concealed. Without a CPL, the handgun must be unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper. The moment a firearm is loaded inside a vehicle, the licence requirement attaches regardless of how it is being carried.
One further limit worth knowing: a Washington CPL authorises concealed carry of a pistol. Concealed carry of other firearms is not covered by the licence at all.
Washington's sensitive-place list has also expanded in successive sessions — HB 1630 (2022) added school board meetings, local government meetings and election sites; SB 5444 (2025) added libraries, zoos, aquariums and transit facilities; SB 5098 (2026) added parks, playgrounds, amusement parks and recreational swimming areas. Open carry is separately banned at the Capitol, legislative offices and hearings, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.
Frequently asked questions — Washington
How do I get a Washington carry permit?
Apply through Local sheriff or police chief. You will need to complete the application, meet the minimum age of 21, complete required training (No formal training course required by state law), pass a background check, and pay the applicable fee. Washington is shall-issue, meaning the permit must be granted if you meet all requirements.
Can I carry in my car without a permit in Washington?
CPL required for concealed carry in a vehicle. Without a permit, additional restrictions may apply — verify specific vehicle carry rules with the official statute.
Does Washington honor out-of-state carry permits?
Only about ten states, and the reason is a strict statutory test rather than politics. Under RCW 9.41.073, Washington recognises another state's permit only if that state (1) recognises Washington CPLs in return, (2) does not issue permits to anyone under 21, and (3) requires a fingerprint-based background check covering criminal and mental health history. Most states fail at least one prong — the under-21 rule alone disqualifies many. The Attorney General surveys the states annually and publishes the current list; check it rather than assuming.
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my car in Washington?
Only with a CPL. Washington requires a licence to transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle — openly or concealed. Without a CPL it must be unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper. This catches people who assume that open carry being licence-free on foot means the same applies in a car. It does not.
Can a non-resident get a Washington CPL?
Yes. Washington is one of the more accessible restrictive-leaning states in this respect — CPLs are issued to residents and non-residents alike, through your local police department or county sheriff, on a shall-issue basis at 21+. Given how narrow Washington's reciprocity list is, a Washington non-resident CPL is often the only practical route for a visitor who wants to carry here.
Where can't I open carry in Washington?
Open carry is lawful at 21+ without a licence, but Washington has layered on restrictions repeatedly. It is prohibited at the State Capitol and legislative offices, at public legislative hearings and meetings, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration. HB 1630 (2022) added school board meetings, local government meetings and election/ballot-counting sites. SB 5444 (2025) added libraries, zoos, aquariums and transit facilities, and SB 5098 (2026) added parks, playgrounds, amusement parks and recreational swimming areas.