Washington Concealed Carry CCW Laws and Information

Right-To-Carry Law Type: Shall Issue. The CCW permit age is 21, but RCW 9.41.050 allows persons eighteen (18) to have an UNLOADED gun in the car. Do not read anything into this section. You can only carry a concealed weapon in Washington if you have a permit.

State Legal Statute Source:

CW 9.41.070

State Department Locations:

Last Revised: March 13, 2010

Washington State Patrol
General Administration Building
PO Box 42600
Olympia, Washington 98504-2600
Phone: (360) 753-6540
Fax: (360) 753-2492

Attorney General
1125 Washington St. SE
Olympia, Washington 98504-0100
Phone: (360) 753-6200
Fax: (360) 664-0988
http://www.atg.wa.gov

Permit Costs & Info:

$60 5 years
Issuing Authority: Chief of Police/Sheriff

Click Here for CCW Permit Form

Open Carry Information:

Washington is an open carry state. However, the practice is not common due to serial misinformation about the legality of it among law enforcement. There are significant efforts by OpenCarry.org members to educate the law enforcement agencies, you may see the progress on the state forum. You are also not allowed to carry a loaded handgun in your car unless you possess a concealed pistol license. For complete information please see http://opencarry.org/

Washington CCW Reciprocity Map

States that Honor Washington's CCW Permit:

Alaska,Arkansas, Florida*, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington

* Honors RESIDENTIAL Washington permits only.

State CCW Permits that Washington Honors:

Alaska,Arkansas, Florida*, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington

Frequently Asked CCW Questions:

What are considered Dangerous Weapons and what are the penalties for carrying one?
For information on these types of weapons and penalties for possession, please refer to RCW Title 9, Chapter 9.41

Can active law enforcement officers from other states carry concealed weapons in Washington?
Yes, pursuant to RCW 9.41.060(1) .

Where can I get a concealed weapons permit?
The State Patrol does not handle applications, but you can go to the office of your local sheriff or chief of police for one. See RCW 9.41.070 .For additional questions or to obtain an application in advance contact the Washington State Department of Licensing by visiting their Web site at http://www.dol.wa.gov/ppu/firfront.htm.

Does Washington recognize concealed weapons permits from other states?
In 2004 Washington’s Firearms and Dangerous Weapons statute (RCW 9.41 ) was amended to allow non-Washington residents to carry concealed weapons in Washington if they have obtained a concealed weapons permit from another state that meets certain conditions imposed by Washington’s law. For additional questions or to obtain information on this law and the states that Washington currently recognizes, please contact Attorney General by viewing their Web site at http://www.atg.wa.gov/firearms/. Additionally, Washington concealed pistol licenses will be recognized in the states listed on the Concealed License Permit Reciprocity list and well as possibly other states that do not require reciprocity. You will need to check the laws of the other state before traveling with your weapon. NOTE: Handguns must be carried in accordance with the law of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your handgun.

What about CCW and hunting
A permit is not even required to carry a personal-defense handgun into the field. However, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) frowns upon the use of handguns to hunt big game. The DFW is concerned that most handguns are not capable of ensuring a quick, humane kill of a large game animal. Also, like a number of states, Washington is also very protective of so-called "primitive" hunting with muzzleloaders and bows. Hunters may not possess any handguns while using primitive weapons.