How to get your license: Concealed pistol license
How is the Department of Licensing involved in firearms sales and transfers?
- We license firearms dealers, and we maintain firearms data for law enforcement agencies.
- Firearms data is only available to law enforcement and corrections agencies.
- Law enforcement agencies run background checks and issue concealed pistol licenses.
- Firearms dealers collect firearm transfer applications from customers, forward to law enforcement for background checks, and submit to us.
Requirements
You must have a license if you:
- Carry a pistol concealed on your person.
- Carry or have a loaded pistol in a vehicle
You must be at least 21 years old.
You won’t qualify for a concealed pistol license if you:
- Have a revoked concealed pistol license.
- Are subject to a court order or injunction concerning the possession of firearms.
- Are free on bond or personal recognizance while awaiting trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense.
- Have an outstanding warrant for your arrest for a felony or misdemeanor.
- Have been ordered to forfeit a firearm within the last 12 months.
- Have been convicted of a felony.
- To restore your rights, contact the courts where your conviction is or the superior court where you live.
Fees
Fee amounts depend on the license you are requesting. See our list of current fees.
How to apply
- Contact your local law enforcement agency and verify you live in their jurisdiction. If so, ask for a Concealed Pistol License Application.
- You will need a valid state driver license or ID.
- If you are a permanent resident alien, bring your permanent resident card.
- If you have an alien firearms license, bring your original passport and US‑issued alien number or admission number.
- If applicable, bring your original certificate of rehabilitation or firearms restoration orders.
- Pay fees with cash or check/money order payable to the law enforcement agency.
Your license is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued.
| If you live | Apply at |
|---|---|
| In an unincorporated area of a county in Washington | Your county sheriff's office |
| In an incorporated city or town in Washington | Your city/town police department or your county sheriff’s office |
| Outside of Washington (not a Washington state resident) | Any local law enforcement agency (police department or sheriff’s office) in Washington State |
If your license is lost, denied, or revoked
Contact the law enforcement agency where you applied for your license to get a replacement license or for further details.
Resources
- Attorney General Office (atg.wa.gov) to see states with firearms reciprocity.
- Fill out the Firearms Record Certification Request for information on your firearm record.
Related information
All links:
- RCW 9.41.070: Concealed pistol license - Application - Fee - Renewal
- RCW 9.41.050: Carrying firearms
- RCW 9.41.040: Unlawful possession of firearms - Ownership, possession by certain persons - Restoration of right to possess - Penalties
- RCW 9.41.075: Concealed pistol license - Revocation
- RCW 9.41.047: Restoration of possession rights
- RCW 42.56.240: Public Records Act
