Overview: Washington State has strict gun laws, including universal background checks, a ban on high-capacity magazines over 10 rounds, and a prohibition on the sale of certain assault weapons. Starting in 2027, residents will need a state-issued permit and safety training to buy firearms. Concealed carry is allowed with a license, but open carry is legal without one in most public places. Loaded handguns in vehicles require a concealed pistol license. The state also enforces a red flag law, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat.
  • Washington Gun Laws
  • Carry Information
  • Legal & Resources
QuestionAnswer
Does Washington have an Assault Weapons Ban?

✅ Yes. Effective April 25 2023, bans sale/manufacture/import of assault weapons; possession remains legal for pre‑existing firearms.

Are background checks required for private gun sales?

✅ Yes. Since 2014 Initiative 594, universal checks are required for all transfers (excludes family/antique exceptions).

Are background checks required through FFL dealers?

✅ Yes. State operates point-of-contact system since 2020 (using WS Patrol), NICS/federal still applies.

Is Washington a Stand Your Ground state?

✅ Yes. No duty to retreat in places you’re lawfully present.

What kind of restrictions does Washington have?
  • ⚠️ Semi-auto rifle purchase age min 21, plus 10‑day wait and training requirement (Initiative 1639, 2018).
  • ⚠️ State option for permit-to-purchase program pending (HB 1163, effective 2027).
  • ⚠️ Universal background and lost/stolen firearm reporting laws enacted 2024.
Does Washington have any gun storage laws?

✅ Yes. Safe storage and lost/stolen reporting are required. Proposed statewide mandates facing final votes.

Can you buy firearms in bulk in Washington?

🚫 No specific state cap, though proposed HB 1132 would limit quantities.

Does Washington have a red flag law?

✅ Yes. Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) have been in force since 2018.

Age to purchase firearms?
  • ℹ️ 21+ for long guns with license.
  • ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
Do I have to register my guns in Washington?

🚫 No. Firearm registration is not required.

Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun?

✅ No CPL required, but pending Permit-to-Purchase law will change this (effective 2027).

Does Washington have a waiting period for firearms?

✅ Yes. 10‑day wait for semi-auto rifles (2018 initiative); general permit-wait after 2027.

Do I have to register my guns?

✅ Dealers must report handgun and semi-auto rifle sales; no statewide personal registration.

Does Washington have an Assault Weapons Ban?

✅ Yes. Effective April 25 2023, bans sale/manufacture/import of assault weapons; possession remains legal for pre‑existing firearms.

Are background checks required for private gun sales?

✅ Yes. Since 2014 Initiative 594, universal checks are required for all transfers (excludes family/antique exceptions).

Are background checks required through FFL dealers?

✅ Yes. State operates point-of-contact system since 2020 (using WS Patrol), NICS/federal still applies.

Is Washington a Stand Your Ground state?

✅ Yes. No duty to retreat in places you’re lawfully present.

What kind of restrictions does Washington have?
  • ⚠️ Semi-auto rifle purchase age min 21, plus 10‑day wait and training requirement (Initiative 1639, 2018).
  • ⚠️ State option for permit-to-purchase program pending (HB 1163, effective 2027).
  • ⚠️ Universal background and lost/stolen firearm reporting laws enacted 2024.
Does Washington have any gun storage laws?

✅ Yes. Safe storage and lost/stolen reporting are required. Proposed statewide mandates facing final votes.

Can you buy firearms in bulk in Washington?

🚫 No specific state cap, though proposed HB 1132 would limit quantities.

Does Washington have a red flag law?

✅ Yes. Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) have been in force since 2018.

Age to purchase firearms?
  • ℹ️ 21+ for long guns with license.
  • ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
Do I have to register my guns in Washington?

🚫 No. Firearm registration is not required.

Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun?

✅ No CPL required, but pending Permit-to-Purchase law will change this (effective 2027).

Does Washington have a waiting period for firearms?

✅ Yes. 10‑day wait for semi-auto rifles (2018 initiative); general permit-wait after 2027.

Do I have to register my guns?

✅ Dealers must report handgun and semi-auto rifle sales; no statewide personal registration.

QuestionAnswer
Does Washington allow Open Carry?

✅ Legal statewide for anyone 21+ without permit; permit required if loaded and carried in a vehicle.

Does Washington allow Concealed Carry?

✅ Requires a Washington CPL; accessible to residents & non-residents 21+ (shall-issue).

Non‑Lethal Weapons?

✅ Pepper spray, stun guns, tasers are legal without permit.

Places allowed to carry?

✅ Most public places, private property with permission; could carry concealed & loaded in vehicle with CPL.

Places not allowed to carry?

🚫 Prohibited: schools, courthouses, jails, mental-health facilities, airports, areas serving alcohol (21+ only), among others.

States honored?

In order for Washington to recognize other states permits, Washington state's reciprocity law (RCW 9.41.073) dictates that the other state must:

  • Recognize Washington concealed pistol licenses;
  • Not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under age 21; and
  • Require a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history.

    •  

Residents must have a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in order to carry in the state.

States reciprocate?

✅ Washington CPL recognized from these states:

  • Idaho (enhanced only)
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota (Class 1 only)
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota (enhanced only)
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Arkansas

 

⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.

Permit duration & renewal?

ℹ️ 5 Years

Can you conceal anything other than a handgun?

🚫 No. Permits are issued exclusively for handguns.

Permit Licensure?

✅ Washington is shall-issue; fingerprint & fee required.

  • Issued the sheriff or police department
Does Washington allow Open Carry?

✅ Legal statewide for anyone 21+ without permit; permit required if loaded and carried in a vehicle.

Does Washington allow Concealed Carry?

✅ Requires a Washington CPL; accessible to residents & non-residents 21+ (shall-issue).

Non‑Lethal Weapons?

✅ Pepper spray, stun guns, tasers are legal without permit.

Places allowed to carry?

✅ Most public places, private property with permission; could carry concealed & loaded in vehicle with CPL.

Places not allowed to carry?

🚫 Prohibited: schools, courthouses, jails, mental-health facilities, airports, areas serving alcohol (21+ only), among others.

States honored?

In order for Washington to recognize other states permits, Washington state's reciprocity law (RCW 9.41.073) dictates that the other state must:

  • Recognize Washington concealed pistol licenses;
  • Not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under age 21; and
  • Require a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for criminal and mental health history.

    •  

Residents must have a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in order to carry in the state.

States reciprocate?

✅ Washington CPL recognized from these states:

  • Idaho (enhanced only)
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota (Class 1 only)
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota (enhanced only)
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Arkansas

 

⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.

Permit duration & renewal?

ℹ️ 5 Years

Can you conceal anything other than a handgun?

🚫 No. Permits are issued exclusively for handguns.

Permit Licensure?

✅ Washington is shall-issue; fingerprint & fee required.

  • Issued the sheriff or police department
ResourcesLinks
Official Licensing & State Info
Hunter Education
Official Licensing & State Info
Hunter Education

Washington Leadership

Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson
Governor of Washington (Democratic Party)
  • Born: February 23, 1965 (Seattle, WA)
  • Term Started: January 15, 2025
  • Previous Role: Attorney General of Washington (2013–2025), King County Council Member (2004–2013)
Patty Murray
Patty Murray
U.S. Senator (Democratic Party)
  • Born: October 11, 1950 (Bothell, WA)
  • Senate Service: Since January 3, 1993
  • Committees:
    • Appropriations (Vice Chair)
    • Health Education Labor
    • and Pensions (HELP)
    • Veterans’ Affairs
Maria Cantwell
Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator (Democratic Party)
  • Born: October 13, 1958 (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Senate Service: Since January 3, 2001
  • Committees:
    • Commerce Science and Transportation (Chair)
    • Energy and Natural Resources
    • Finance
    • Indian Affairs
    • Small Business and Entrepreneurship

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