Washington is a shall-issue state for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) under RCW 9.41.070. You must be 21, pass a background check, and apply through local law enforcement. Concealed carry without a CPL is a gross misdemeanor (up to 1 year) per RCW 9.41.050. Prohibited places include schools, courthouses, and restricted areas of bars (RCW 9.41.300). Open carry is generally allowed without a permit.
Costs: CPL fee is $36-$52 (varies by county) for 5 years, plus $10-$15 for fingerprints.
Processing Time: Up to 30 days, or 60 days if no prior WA residency.
Renewal: $32 every 5 years.
Reciprocity: WA recognizes permits from fewer than 10 states; over 20 states honor WA’s CPL.
Washington prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of assault weapons under RCW 9.41.390 (effective April 25, 2023), though possession remains legal for existing owners. Large-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds) are banned per RCW 9.41.370. Machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and silencers require federal ATF compliance (RCW 9.41.190). Violations are gross misdemeanors (up to 1 year) or felonies (up to 10 years).
Costs: ATF tax stamp is $200 per item.
Processing Time: 6-12 months for ATF approval.
Washington requires background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions (RCW 9.41.113). Semiautomatic rifles have a 10-day waiting period and require training (RCW 9.41.092). Age minimum is 21 for handguns and semiautomatic rifles, 18 for other long guns. Violations are gross misdemeanors (up to 1 year) or felonies (up to 5 years).
Costs: Background check fees vary ($10-$25); dealers may charge extra.
Processing Time: Up to 10 days for semiautomatic rifles; instant to 3 days for others.
Washington does not require general firearm registration, but pistol sales are recorded by dealers and reported to the state (RCW 9.41.129). No lost/stolen reporting is mandated. NFA items must be federally registered (RCW 9.41.190). Violations of federal law are felonies (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.
Washington requires secure storage if a prohibited person (e.g., minor) could access the firearm (RCW 9.41.360). Violations are gross misdemeanors (up to 1 year) or felonies (up to 5 years) if harm occurs. No general storage mandate applies otherwise.
Sources: [1]
Washington has a Castle Doctrine with no duty to retreat in your home (RCW 9A.16.050). Deadly force is justified if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent a felony or imminent harm. No Stand Your Ground law exists outside the home. Excessive force risks manslaughter (up to 20 years).
Sources: [1]