Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon in Washington?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can carry a concealed weapon in Washington with a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Washington is a shall-issue state for qualified applicants who meet background check and training requirements.
What This Means for You
Washington's CPL system affects how you build and configure carry firearms since you need to consider concealability, reliability, and compliance with state restrictions. The state has specific prohibited locations and some restrictions on certain firearm types that impact your carry choices.
The Detail
Washington requires a Concealed Pistol License for concealed carry, which involves a background check, fingerprinting, and completion of a recognized firearms safety training course. The application process typically takes several weeks and costs around $50, though you should verify current fees with local authorities. Washington operates under a shall-issue system, meaning authorities must issue the license if you meet the legal requirements.
The state has constitutional carry only for open carry outside of vehicles, but concealed carry always requires the CPL. You must be at least 21 years old to apply, though some exceptions exist for military personnel. The license is valid for five years and requires renewal. Washington has reciprocity agreements with some other states, but you need to check current agreements since these can change.
Washington prohibits carry in certain locations including schools, courthouses, bars, and areas of airports beyond security checkpoints. The state also has specific restrictions on magazine capacity and certain firearm types that you need to understand before carrying. Some local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions beyond state law.
You should verify all current requirements with the Washington State Patrol or your local law enforcement agency since firearms laws can change. The specific training requirements, prohibited locations, and reciprocity agreements are subject to updates that could affect your carry privileges.
Build Impact
When building a carry gun for Washington, focus on reliability and concealability while ensuring compliance with state magazine capacity limits and firearm type restrictions. Your CPL requirements mean investing in proper training and understanding prohibited carry locations before completing your build.