State Laws · WA
Washington Gun Laws
Effective as of January 1, 2024 (most recent legislation including assault weapons ban). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Washington requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) for concealed carry, issued by local law enforcement (city police or county sheriff). Washington is a shall-issue state. No training is required. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. The license is valid for five years.
Key statute: RCW 9.41.070 — governs concealed pistol license issuance.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal in Washington without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm. However, open carry is prohibited in certain locations including the state capitol and its grounds.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons under court commitment for mental health, persons subject to no-contact orders or protection orders, persons convicted of domestic violence offenses, minors under 21 (for CPL; under 21 for semi-automatic rifle purchase), persons convicted of certain drug offenses, and fugitives from justice.
Prohibited Locations
Washington prohibits firearms in: courtrooms and areas used in connection with court proceedings, jails and law enforcement facilities, the restricted areas of commercial airports, mental health facilities, school grounds and facilities (with limited exceptions for CPL holders in vehicles), state capitol buildings and grounds, and music festivals and similar large public events (under local authority).
Purchase Requirements
Washington requires a background check for all firearms sales including private transfers (universal background checks enacted in 2014 via I-594). In 2023, Washington enacted an assault weapons ban (HB 1240) prohibiting the sale of certain semi-automatic rifles. The state also has a 10-day waiting period for all firearms purchases (enacted 2024), a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds (enacted 2022), mandatory safe storage requirements, and a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order, enacted 2017). A semi-automatic rifle purchase requires the buyer to be 21 and complete a firearms safety course.
Citations
RCW Chapter 9.41 (firearms and dangerous weapons); I-594 (2014, universal background checks); HB 1240 (2023, assault weapons ban).
Look up statutes at Washington Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Washington statutes
Washington Legislature →This link goes to Washington's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.