Washington Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs
In the state of Washington, the right to bear arms is protected by law, and individuals have the opportunity to apply for gun permits for both open and concealed carry. However, obtaining a gun permit requires meeting certain criteria and adhering to specific regulations.
This article will explore the process of acquiring a gun permit in Washington, the different types of permits available, the associated costs, and the reciprocity agreements with other states. Additionally, it will delve into relevant gun laws, permits, and legislature within the state.
Washington Gun Permit Summary
Washington has a shall-issue policy for gun licenses, meaning that applicants who meet all the necessary requirements are entitled to receive the permit. The local sheriff’s county or police department is responsible for processing the permit applications.
It is important to note that Washington does not issue purchase permits to buy firearms; however, a criminal record check is mandatory for all firearm purchases. The state issues pistol permits to both residents and non-residents who meet the eligibility criteria.
How To Get A Gun Permit In Washington?
To be eligible for a gun permit in Washington, applicants must be at least twenty-one years old and must not have any federal or state prohibition against the possession of firearms. Additionally, individuals must not have any felony convictions, court protection orders relating to firearms, or mental health issues. Meeting all federal law requirements for the pistol permit is also mandatory.
Washington Gun Permit Laws
In Washington, open carry without a gun license is permitted as long as the individual is twenty-one years old or older and possesses legal rights to own firearms. However, to openly carry loaded firearms, a Washington pistol permit is required. It is important to be aware of location restrictions for the possession of firearms, such as schools and courthouses.
Washington strictly prohibits the manufacturing, assembling, possession, and transfer of machine guns, with exemptions granted to law enforcement officers, military members, peace officers, and federally licensed individuals.
Washington Pistol Permit Requirements
The requirements for obtaining a firearm in Washington include the following:
- The applicant must be at least twenty-one years old.
- The applicant must not have any felony convictions or pending indictments.
- The applicant must not be a fugitive or have any arrest warrants.
- The applicant must not have any court protection orders related to firearms.
- The applicant must not be awaiting trial or undergoing sentencing for a felony crime.
- The applicant must not be a drug abuser or involved in illegal drug activities.
- The applicant must not have had any firearm restrictions in the past year.
- The applicant must not have had a previously revoked Washington concealed pistol license.
- The applicant must not be mentally impaired or have any recurring mental illnesses.
- The applicant must meet all federal law requirements for the pistol permit.
Different Types Of Gun Permits In Washington
The state of Washington issues various firearm permits, each serving a specific purpose:
- State permit to purchase long guns: Washington does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
- State permits to purchase handguns: Washington does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
- State permit to open carry: Washington is a licensed open carry state, allowing individuals to open carry firearms without a permit as long as they meet the age and possession requirements.
- State permits to conceal carry long guns: Washington does not issue a state permit to conceal carry long guns.
- State permits to conceal carry handguns: Washington issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Washington?
The cost of the initial gun permit application in Washington is thirty-six dollars, which includes a fee for fingerprinting. Renewal applications cost thirty-two dollars. It is essential to submit the necessary documents along with the application, such as proof of residency and means of identification.
Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Washington
The process of applying for a gun permit in Washington involves the following steps:
- Complete Your Application: Applicants can obtain the application from their local county sheriff’s office or download it from the web portal.
- Submit The Necessary Documents: The application must be submitted at a local law enforcement agency, along with proof of residency, means of identification, and fingerprints.
- Receive Mail Notification: Applicants will receive a mail notification informing them of the approval or denial of their CCW application.
For renewal permits, the application can be initiated ninety days before the permit’s expiry date and must be completed within ninety days after the permit expires. Late renewal applications may incur additional fees, and failure to renew the permit on time will render it invalid, requiring the applicant to apply for a new one.
Gun Permit Reciprocity With Washington
Washington has reciprocity agreements with certain states regarding gun permits. To be accepted, these states must meet specific requirements, including honoring a Washington gun license, imposing an age requirement of twenty-one, and conducting health and mental history checks along with a criminal record check.
States That Washington Accepts Their Gun Licenses
The following states meet Washington’s gun license requirements, and their residents can possess firearms in Washington with valid pistol permits:
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Utah
States That Recognize Washington Pistol Permit
The following states recognize Washington’s pistol permit, allowing individuals to possess firearms in their territory if they possess a valid Washington gun license:
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Puerto Rico
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Washington
In Michigan, individuals need a Washington gun license to possess a firearm and must meet additional individual requirements.
States That Do Not Require A Gun Permit For The Possession Of Firearms
The following states have permitless carry laws, allowing individuals to carry firearms openly or concealed without a gun license:
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Relevant Gun Laws Permits And Legislature In Washington
The possession of firearms in private vehicles is allowed as long as the individual has a valid pistol permit or a gun license from a state recognized by Washington. There are specific regulations regarding carrying firearms in roadside areas, state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, restaurants, and hotels. It is important for individuals to familiarize themselves with these laws and regulations to avoid legal complications.
Conclusion
Washington state upholds the right to bear arms, but it also ensures that individuals meet specific requirements and regulations before obtaining gun permits for open and concealed carry. The application process involves submitting necessary documents and undergoing background checks.
Washington also has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing individuals with valid permits to possess firearms in other territories. Understanding the state’s gun laws and permits is crucial to ensure responsible and legal firearm ownership.
FAQs;
Q1. Can I open carry in Washington without a gun license?
Yes, you can open carry in Washington if you are twenty-one years old or older and have legal rights to possess firearms. However, to openly carry loaded firearms, a Washington pistol permit is required.
Q2. How much does it cost to get a gun license in Washington?
The initial permit application costs thirty-six dollars, which includes fingerprinting fees. Renewal applications cost thirty-two dollars.
Q3. What happens if I don’t renew my Washington pistol license on time?
If you fail to renew your Washington pistol license within ninety days after its expiry date, the permit becomes invalid, and you will have to apply for a new one.
Q4. Can I possess firearms in state parks and forests with a Washington gun license? Yes, you can possess firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas with a valid Washington gun license or a recognized out-of-state permit.
Q5. Which states recognize Washington’s pistol permit?
States that recognize Washington’s pistol permit include Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
