How do I get a concealed carry permit in Washington?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Washington?

Washington regulates concealed carry under RCW 9.41.070 and administers the Concealed Pistol License (CPL) through local law enforcement. 1. Eligibility (RCW 9.41.070) - At least 21 years old . - U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. - No outstanding warrants. - No felony or domestic violence misdemeanor conviction. - No involuntary commitment for mental health treatment. - Effective 2024 (HB 1143): must complete a firearm-safety training program within 5 years before applying (in addition to fingerprints). 2. Training Requirement - HB 1143 (2024) added an 8-hour live-fire safety course requirement effective January 1, 2024 — verify current rules with your local agency. - Prior to 2024, no training was required. 3. Application - Apply at your local police department (if living in an incorporated city) or county sheriff (unincorporated areas). - Submit fingerprints (newly required under HB 1143). 4. Fees - $36 (resident, initial); $32 (renewal); plus $17 fingerprinting = ~ $49.50 . - Non-resident: $36 + additional FBI fee. 5. Processing - 30 days (resident) or 60 days (no Washington driver's license / non-resident) — RCW 9.41.070(5). 6. Restricted Locations (RCW 9.41.300) - Schools, courthouses, jails, restricted areas of airports, bars (in restricted zones), polling places, election offices, government buildings, libraries, zoos, and stadiums. 7. Reciprocity - Washington recognizes permits from ~10 states with reciprocal agreements (limited reciprocity). 8. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal $32 ; no re-training required (subject to any future legislation). This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Washington regulates concealed carry under RCW 9.41.070 and administers the Concealed Pistol License (CPL) through local law enforcement.

1. Eligibility (RCW 9.41.070)

At least 21 years old.

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

No outstanding warrants.

No felony or domestic violence misdemeanor conviction.

No involuntary commitment for mental health treatment.

Effective 2024 (HB 1143): must complete a firearm-safety training program within 5 years before applying (in addition to fingerprints).

2. Training Requirement

HB 1143 (2024) added an 8-hour live-fire safety course requirement effective January 1, 2024 — verify current rules with your local agency.

Prior to 2024, no training was required.

3. Application

Apply at your local police department (if living in an incorporated city) or county sheriff (unincorporated areas).

Submit fingerprints (newly required under HB 1143).

4. Fees

$36 (resident, initial); $32 (renewal); plus $17 fingerprinting = ~$49.50.

Non-resident: $36 + additional FBI fee.

5. Processing

30 days (resident) or 60 days (no Washington driver's license / non-resident) — RCW 9.41.070(5).

6. Restricted Locations (RCW 9.41.300)

Schools, courthouses, jails, restricted areas of airports, bars (in restricted zones), polling places, election offices, government buildings, libraries, zoos, and stadiums.

7. Reciprocity

Washington recognizes permits from ~10 states with reciprocal agreements (limited reciprocity).

8. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal $32; no re-training required (subject to any future legislation).

This is legal information, not legal advice.