Okay, here’s the thing about Washington gun laws. They’ve changed a LOT recently. And honestly, most people have no idea how strict they are now. The state has been passing new regulations every year, and if you live here or plan to buy a gun here, you need to understand the rules. Violating them can mean serious fines, criminal charges, or losing your right to own firearms.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover what’s legal, what’s not, and what’s about to change. By the end, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
What Counts as a Firearm in Washington?
Washington has pretty specific definitions. A firearm includes any weapon that fires a projectile using an explosive charge. That sounds obvious, but there’s more to it. The law also covers “ghost guns” — firearms you assemble yourself without serial numbers. These are increasingly regulated.
A pistol specifically means any firearm with a barrel less than 16 inches. A rifle or shotgun has a barrel longer than 16 inches. Why does this matter? Because the rules are different depending on which type you own.
Pretty straightforward, right? But here’s where it gets tricky. Washington has been getting creative with what it bans.
Basic Ownership and Carrying Rules
Can You Open Carry a Gun in Washington?
Yes, you can. Washington is an “open carry” state. You can carry a firearm openly without a permit — as long as you follow all other state laws. The gun can be visible on your hip or in your hands.
BUT (and this is a big but), private property owners can ban open carry on their land. Banks, stores, and other businesses can say no to open firearms. You need to respect those rules or you’re trespassing.
Also, certain places are totally off-limits. You can’t openly carry firearms in courthouses, police stations, or certain government buildings. Schools are another hard no.
Wondering about state parks? That gets complicated. The answer depends on which park and recent court decisions. Check with the specific park before you go.
Concealed Carry Requirements
This is where most people need a license. You cannot carry a concealed pistol without a concealed pistol license (CPL). Full stop. It’s not optional. Not optional.
To get a CPL, you need to apply at your local police department or sheriff’s office. You’ll need to provide fingerprints and undergo a background check. The whole process takes about 30 days if you’ve lived in Washington for at least 90 days. If you’re newer to the state, they get up to 60 days.
The fee? About $36 for the original five-year license. Renewal costs around $32. Not terrible, but add that up.
Once you have your CPL, you must carry it with you whenever you carry a concealed pistol. Law enforcement can ask to see it anytime. Failing to produce it? That’s a civil infraction, which means a fine and maybe court.
Carrying Firearms in Vehicles
Hold on, this part is important. The rules for vehicles are strict. A loaded pistol cannot stay in your vehicle unless you have a CPL AND the gun is on your person. That’s the key part — it has to be with you.
If you’re stepping away from the car, the loaded gun must stay locked and hidden inside the vehicle. No exceptions. If it’s unloaded, it still needs to be locked and hidden. These aren’t suggestions.
Break this rule? It’s a misdemeanor. That means potential jail time and a criminal record. Way worse than just a fine.
New Rules Coming in November 2026
Okay, this is huge. Starting November 1, 2026, Washington is implementing a brand-new permit-to-purchase system. This changes everything. Let me walk you through it.
What Is a Permit to Purchase?
Beginning in November 2026, you’ll need a special permit just to buy any firearm. It’s not the same as your concealed pistol license. It’s a separate permit that proves you’re eligible to own a gun.
Think of it like a hunting license, but for buying any firearm. You get the permit, then use it at the dealer. The permit is good for five years. After that, you renew.
This is a major shift. Right now, dealers do background checks at the time of sale. Starting next year, you’ll have to prove you passed a background check before you even walk into the store.
How to Get a Permit to Purchase
Here’s what you have to do. First, you need a certificate showing you completed a certified firearms safety training program. This must have been completed within the last five years (or proof that you’re exempt from training). The training has to include live-fire instruction. So, you’re actually firing the gun as part of the course. Not just watching videos or reading a book.
Second, you submit fingerprints. Your local police department takes them. This is different from a concealed pistol license fingerprinting.
Third, you fill out an application with your personal info and answer questions about your eligibility. Washington State Patrol then conducts a fingerprint-based background check. This goes way deeper than current background checks. They check federal databases, state databases, and health records. Everything.
The application fee covers the cost of the background check. Supporters say this protects people. Critics say it creates barriers.
Fourth, you wait. Processing time is up to 30 days (or 60 days if you’re new to Washington). The state patrol annually verifies that permit holders still remain eligible to own guns.
Once you get your permit, you bring it to a dealer whenever you buy a gun. The dealer still does a separate background check. Then comes the mandatory 10-day waiting period (which already exists). So you’re looking at multiple steps just to complete one purchase.
Who’s Exempt from Safety Training?
Not everyone has to take the live-fire training course. If you already have a valid concealed pistol license, you’re exempt. Current military members and police officers are exempt too. Some other limited groups qualify.
But if you don’t fall into an exempt category, you’re taking a course. No way around it.
What About Your Existing CPL?
Good news. If you already have a CPL, it stays valid. You don’t need to rush and renew before November 2026. When you renew your CPL (or apply for a new one), you’ll just provide your permit-to-purchase information instead of retaking the fingerprinting process. Slightly simpler, not much.
Banned Firearms and Equipment
Washington has serious restrictions on certain types of guns and equipment.
Assault Weapons Ban
As of April 25, 2023, Washington bans the sale, manufacture, and importation of assault weapons. So you cannot buy a new assault weapon in this state. Period.
Do you already own an assault weapon? You can keep it. The law allows possession of weapons purchased before the ban. But you can’t sell it within Washington. You can’t transfer it to someone else in the state.
Selling or transferring a banned assault weapon is a crime. It’s not a minor thing either.
Here’s what counts as an assault weapon in Washington. The law defines it by specific features — things like adjustable stocks, pistol grips, and certain firing mechanisms. If your gun has enough of these features, it’s classified as an assault weapon. The state provides a detailed list if you want to check your specific gun.
High-Capacity Magazine Ban
Washington also bans high-capacity magazines. Magazines holding more than 10 rounds cannot be sold, manufactured, or distributed in the state. The ban took effect July 1, 2022.
Again, if you owned the magazine before the ban, you keep it. Possession of pre-ban magazines is legal. You just can’t buy new ones.
Selling high-capacity magazines as a dealer? That’s a violation of Washington’s consumer protection laws. Serious consequences.
Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are unfinished receiver or frame components that people assemble into firearms at home. They have no serial numbers.
Washington restricts these heavily. You cannot sell ghost gun parts without conducting a background check and assigning a serial number. You cannot possess certain undetectable or untraceable firearms during any period when you’re subject to certain court orders.
The state views ghost guns as a loophole and has been closing it aggressively.
Penalties and Consequences
Let’s get real about what happens when you break these laws.
Criminal Penalties
Unlawfully possessing a firearm is a serious crime. There are different degrees.
Unlawful possession in the first degree happens when you have a firearm after a felony conviction or while you’re under certain court orders. This is a felony. You’re looking at prison time. How much? That depends on your prior record and the specific firearm, but we’re talking years, not months.
Unlawful possession in the second degree includes situations like being under 18 and carrying a pistol without specific exemptions. This is typically a misdemeanor, but it’s still a criminal record.
Carrying a concealed pistol without a license is a gross misdemeanor. That means up to a year in county jail and a $5,000 fine. Your criminal record now includes a firearm violation.
Civil Penalties
Not all violations are criminal. Some create civil liability.
Failing to report a lost or stolen firearm? That’s a civil penalty up to $1,000. Seriously, if your gun goes missing, you need to report it to law enforcement. No delay.
If you leave a firearm unsecured around a minor and something happens, you face liability under Washington’s child access prevention law. You could be sued civilly or prosecuted criminally.
Loss of Gun Rights
Here’s what people don’t always realize. Many violations don’t just result in fines. They result in permanent loss of your gun rights.
Get convicted of a felony? You lose your right to own firearms for life. That’s not temporary. That’s permanent unless you jump through legal hoops to restore your rights (which is very difficult).
Get convicted of a gross misdemeanor involving a firearm? You might lose your CPL and gun rights, at least for a while.
Violate a domestic violence restraining order? Immediate firearm prohibition.
These aren’t slaps on the wrist. They’re life-changing consequences.
Fines and Additional Consequences
Specific violations carry specific penalties. Carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle without a CPL? Misdemeanor, plus fine. Leaving an unloaded gun unsecured in a vehicle? Also a misdemeanor.
Most civil infractions (like carrying without your CPL card) can result in fines around $250 to $500. Not huge money, but why risk it?
Special Restrictions and Prohibited Areas
Washington has specific locations where you absolutely cannot carry any firearm.
Government Buildings
You cannot carry in courthouses. Period. Judges take this seriously. There’s usually a sign at the entrance and sometimes metal detectors.
Police stations are off-limits. It’s basic logic — you’re not bringing a gun where police work.
State Capitol buildings prohibit firearms. The legislature made this decision after safety concerns.
Schools
K-12 schools ban all firearms on campus. College campuses also typically prohibit firearms, though students with CPLs may have limited exceptions on university grounds (check your specific school’s policy).
Public Demonstrations
Washington recently passed a law prohibiting firearms at public demonstrations and parades. This was controversial, but it’s the law. If you’re at a large public gathering, your firearm stays home.
Private Property
Remember, any private property owner can prohibit firearms. Banks, stores, hospitals, private businesses — they can all post signs saying no guns. You have to respect that. Carrying anyway? That’s trespassing plus potentially more serious charges.
Practically, you can carry in your own home. Your vehicle and fixed place of business are generally okay. But nearly everywhere else requires permission or is explicitly banned.
Who Cannot Own Firearms
Washington has clear rules about who is prohibited from owning any firearm.
Convicted felons cannot own guns. This includes people who were found not guilty by reason of insanity for serious crimes.
Anyone involuntarily committed for mental health treatment is prohibited. This is because Washington law considers them a danger to themselves or others.
If you’re subject to a domestic violence restraining order, you cannot possess any firearm. Period. The court order takes your guns away immediately.
Non-citizens cannot legally own firearms in Washington.
Anyone who fails a background check is denied — at the moment of application.
These prohibitions can be reversed in some cases through the courts, but the process is difficult and expensive.
Safe Storage Requirements
Washington takes storage seriously. You cannot leave firearms where minors can access them.
The law states that firearms must be stored securely. “Secure” means locked, with the ammunition stored separately, or with a trigger lock. If a minor can get to your gun, that’s a violation.
How strict is this? Pretty strict. If a teenager sneaks your unlocked gun and something happens, you could face criminal charges. You’re responsible for keeping it away from unauthorized hands.
The consequences include fines up to $1,000 and potential criminal prosecution if a minor gains access and causes harm.
Failing to report a lost or stolen firearm also creates liability. If your gun goes missing and you don’t report it, that’s a civil violation. Why? Because lost guns often end up in criminal hands.
Dealers and Sales Requirements
Gun dealers in Washington operate under increasingly strict rules. But what does this mean for you as a buyer?
Dealers must be federally licensed. They must conduct background checks on every sale. No exceptions.
Effective July 1, 2025, dealers have new requirements for record-keeping and reporting. They must submit annual reports about trace requests to the Attorney General’s Office. They must keep detailed sales records.
As a buyer, this means the process is more transparent and slower. Dealers are more cautious. Some small gun shops have stopped selling firearms because the compliance costs are too high. You might have fewer options in rural areas.
When you buy a gun, there’s a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period. This applies to all firearms. You pay now, then wait 10 days before pickup.
Violations and How to Report Them
You’re not alone in reporting violations. If you see illegal firearms activity, you can report it.
Contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. They handle firearms violations. You can report anonymously if you prefer.
If someone is carrying a weapon in a way that seems illegal or dangerous, law enforcement wants to know. They’ll investigate.
The Washington Attorney General’s Office also handles some firearms crimes, especially if they involve trafficking or large-scale violations.
Reporting doesn’t put you in legal jeopardy (if you’re reporting truthfully). Citizens can play a role in keeping communities safe.
Recent Changes You Should Know About
Washington is constantly updating gun laws. Here are the key changes from the past few years.
The 2023 assault weapons ban is a major one. This was a game-changer. Suddenly, a whole category of firearms became illegal to sell.
In 2024, Washington required gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms. You now have a legal obligation to tell law enforcement if your gun goes missing. Failure to report is a civil violation.
July 1, 2025, dealers started new recording and reporting requirements. All customer interactions at a gun shop must be recorded (in some cases). Dealers must report trace requests to the Attorney General.
November 1, 2026, the big one — the permit-to-purchase system kicks in. This is the game-changer we talked about earlier.
Stay updated. Laws keep changing. Subscribe to your local sheriff’s office updates or check the Attorney General’s website periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry my gun while hiking or camping?
In state forests and certain public lands, yes. But check specific area rules. Some parks and forests have different policies. Call ahead.
What’s the difference between a CPL and the new permit to purchase?
A CPL lets you carry concealed. The permit to purchase lets you buy firearms. They’re separate. You might need both. After November 2026, you’ll definitely need the purchase permit.
If I move to Washington from another state, what do I do with my old concealed pistol license?
It becomes invalid the day you become a resident. Apply for a Washington CPL immediately. Some states have reciprocity, so bring that documentation. But you can’t legally carry concealed in Washington without a Washington CPL.
Can I buy a gun online and have it shipped to me?
No. All firearms must be transferred through a federally licensed dealer. That’s federal law, not just Washington. The dealer still does a background check and the waiting period applies.
What if I’m convicted of a misdemeanor involving a firearm?
You lose your CPL immediately. Depending on the charge, you might lose the right to own firearms for a period of time. Some misdemeanors only suspend your rights temporarily. Others make it permanent. It depends on the specific crime.
What to Do If You Want to Own a Firearm in Washington
Here’s your action plan, step by step.
First, take a certified firearms safety training course. Get that live-fire certification. Yes, you’re doing this now. Once November 2026 arrives, you’ll need proof of it to apply for the permit to purchase. Do it now and you’re ready.
Second, get your fingerprints taken by your local police or sheriff’s office. Keep that paperwork.
Third, apply for a concealed pistol license if you plan to carry. This takes about 30 days. You’ll provide fingerprints and undergo a background check. Cost is around $36.
Fourth, once November 2026 rolls around, apply for your permit to purchase firearms through the Washington State Patrol. Provide your training certificate, fingerprints, application, and fee. Wait for approval.
Fifth, find a dealer. Not all gun shops are accepting new permits smoothly. Call ahead and ask about their process.
Sixth, select your firearm (ensuring it’s legal in Washington), purchase it, and wait the 10-business-day waiting period.
Seventh, pick up your gun and follow all storage requirements.
This sounds like a lot. It is. But it’s the legal process in Washington now.
Final Thoughts
Washington gun laws are some of the strictest in the nation. They’ve gotten stricter every year, and the new permit-to-purchase system coming in November 2026 will make things even more regulated.
But here’s the key: you’re not breaking any laws by being informed. Knowing the rules helps you stay on the right side of them.
The penalties for violating these laws are serious. Criminal charges, loss of gun rights, fines, jail time — it’s all real. You don’t want to accidentally commit a crime or lose your rights forever.
If you’re thinking about owning a firearm in Washington, start now. Get your training certification. Apply for your CPL. Have a plan. Don’t wait until November 2026 and panic.
If you’re already a gun owner, make sure you’re in compliance. Check your storage setup. Know where the restricted areas are. Keep your license on you if you carry concealed.
And when in doubt? Ask. Call your local police department or sheriff’s office. They can answer specific questions about your situation. Better to ask than to guess and break the law.
Stay informed, stay safe, and respect the regulations. That’s the Washington way now.
References
- Washington State Attorney General – Firearms
- Washington State Department of Licensing – Concealed Pistol License
- RCW 9.41 – Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
- Washington Attorney General – Concealed Weapons FAQ
- Giffords Law Center – Washington Gun Laws
- HB 1163 – Permit to Purchase Firearms (2025-2026)
- Washington State – Firearms Regulation Overview
- Everytown for Gun Safety – Washington Gun Laws Ranking
