Requirements: Alien firearm license

We are unable to issue alien firearms licenses at this time.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has told law enforcement agencies it is against federal law to use federal databases for background checks if they share the results with a non-criminal justice agency such as the Department of Licensing. As a result:

  • Law enforcement agencies cannot perform the background checks required by state law for issuing an alien firearms licenses.
  • We cannot complete the application process or issue alien firearms licenses.

Fee refund

Because we cannot issue new or renewal alien firearms licenses at this time, we will refund the license fee to applicants who have already submitted payment. For details, see the Adobe PDF iconAlien Firearms License applicant refund letter sent to all eligible applicants.

What documents will I need to get a license?

You will need to bring all of the following when you apply for a license:

  • Your completed, unsigned Alien Firearm License Application.
  • Picture identification such as a Washington driver license or identification card.
  • The $74.25 fee in cash, check, or money order made payable to your local law enforcement agency. This fee is non-refundable.

What are the requirements to get a license?

You must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be in the United States legally.
  • Be a resident of Washington State and the county where you live for at least 90 consecutive days.
  • Have no pending trial, appeal, or sentencing on a charge that would prohibit you from having a license.
  • Have no outstanding warrants for any charge, from any court.
  • Have no court order or injunction against possessing a firearm.
  • Have no mental health conditions that would prohibit you from having a license.
  • Have no felony convictions.
  • Have no convictions for any of the following crimes committed by one family member against another on or after July 1, 1993:
    • Assault in the fourth degree
    • Coercion
    • Stalking
    • Reckless Endangerment in the second degree
    • Criminal Trespass in the first degree
    • Violation of the provisions of a protection order or no-contact order restraining the person or excluding the person from the residence

Is there a background check?

Yes. You will be fingerprinted and a have criminal history background check before you are issued an Alien Firearm License. Please see Frequently asked questions for more information about licensing requirements.

Where do I apply for an Alien Firearm License?

If you live in the unincorporated area of a county you must apply in person at the sheriff’s office. If you live in an incorporated city within the county, you may apply in person at either the city police department or sheriff’s office.