"Loaded" means, 9.41.010(14):
- There is a cartridge in the chamber of the firearm;
- Cartridges are in a clip that is locked in place in the firearm;
- There is a cartridge in the cylinder of the firearm, if the firearm is a revolver;
- There is a cartridge in the tube or magazine that is inserted in the action; or
- There is a ball in the barrel and the firearm is capped or primed if the firearm is a muzzle loader.
Open Carry
Open carry without a license, except in a vehicle, is legal. You must be 21 to possess a pistol in a public place. Adults 18 to 20 may possess a pistol at their residence, business, or property, 9.41.240.
What is open carry?
There are no state laws defining open carry or concealed carry. Most states consider an openly carried firearm to be one that is plainly discernible as a firearm. In other words, if you can see it and tell that it's a gun, it's open carry.
Is open carry brandishing?
Brandishing is aiming as firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being, 9.41.230. It is illegal to carry, exhibit, display, or draw a firearm in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons, 9.41.270. The latter section is entirely dependent on your conduct while carrying. However, it is important to note it was drafted in the late '60s as a response to an armed protest by the Black Panthers at the state capitol and a provision prohibiting carry within 500ft of a public building was removed.
Can I open carry a rifle or a shotgun?
Washington has no laws on carrying openly a long gun (rifle or shotgun). Please use discretion when doing so; while it is your right to carry a long gun in public, it does tend to alarm the public, even in gun-friendly communities and could be criminal, depending on your behavior (see above). Pistols have been a normal part of daily self-protection throughout the United States since its inception and are intended for such daily carry purposes. Please don't open carry long guns just to make a point, such as in the state capitol; Washington allows you to openly carry handguns. Save openly carried long guns for dire circumstances when they're needed, such as a riot or a major disaster. Still, it's your right, so if you chose to openly carry a long gun, please exercise your right wisely.
There are no state laws defining open carry or concealed carry. Most states consider an openly carried firearm to be one that is plainly discernible as a firearm. In other words, if you can see it and tell that it's a gun, it's open carry.
Is open carry brandishing?
Brandishing is aiming as firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being, 9.41.230. It is illegal to carry, exhibit, display, or draw a firearm in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons, 9.41.270. The latter section is entirely dependent on your conduct while carrying. However, it is important to note it was drafted in the late '60s as a response to an armed protest by the Black Panthers at the state capitol and a provision prohibiting carry within 500ft of a public building was removed.
Can I open carry a rifle or a shotgun?
Washington has no laws on carrying openly a long gun (rifle or shotgun). Please use discretion when doing so; while it is your right to carry a long gun in public, it does tend to alarm the public, even in gun-friendly communities and could be criminal, depending on your behavior (see above). Pistols have been a normal part of daily self-protection throughout the United States since its inception and are intended for such daily carry purposes. Please don't open carry long guns just to make a point, such as in the state capitol; Washington allows you to openly carry handguns. Save openly carried long guns for dire circumstances when they're needed, such as a riot or a major disaster. Still, it's your right, so if you chose to openly carry a long gun, please exercise your right wisely.
OPEN CARRY AT/NEAR PROTESTS PROHIBITED: Open carry is banned at permitted protests or within 250 feet. Concealed carry is not. See bill text here.
Open carry at election related places, school board, and municipal meetings is banned. See bill text here.
Open carry at election related places, school board, and municipal meetings is banned. See bill text here.
9.41.300(2)
(a) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon while knowingly at any permitted demonstration. This subsection (2)(a) applies whether the person carries the firearm or other weapon on his or her person or in a vehicle.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon while knowingly within 250 feet of the perimeter of a permitted demonstration after a duly authorized state or local law enforcement officer advises the person of the permitted demonstration and directs the person to leave until he or she no longer possesses or controls the firearm or other weapon. This subsection (2)(b) does not apply to any person possessing or controlling any firearm or other weapon on private property owned or leased by that person.
(c) Duly authorized federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and personnel are exempt from the provisions of this subsection (2) when carrying a firearm or other weapon in conformance with their employing agency's policy. Members of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington are exempt from the provisions of this subsection (2) when carrying a firearm or other weapon in the discharge of official duty or traveling to or from official duty. (d) For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions apply:
(i) "Permitted demonstration" means either: (A) A gathering for which a permit has been issued by a federal agency, state agency, or local government; or (B) A gathering of 15 or more people who are assembled for a single event at a public place that has been declared as permitted by the chief executive, sheriff, or chief of police of a local government in which the gathering occurs. A "gathering" means a demonstration, march, rally, vigil, sit-in, protest, picketing, or similar public assembly.
(ii) "Public place" means any site accessible to the general public for business, entertainment, or another lawful purpose. A "public place" includes, but is not limited to, the front, immediate area, or parking lot of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern, shopping center, or other place of business; any public building, its grounds, or surrounding area; or any public parking lot, street, right-of-way, sidewalk, public park, or other public grounds.
(iii) "Weapon" has the same meaning given in subsection (1)(b) of this section. (e) Nothing in this subsection applies to the lawful concealed carry of a firearm by a person who has a valid concealed pistol license.
Concealed Carry
Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol, 9.41.050. "Printing," where the imprint of your gun shows through your clothing, is not illegal anywhere in the United States.
General Exemptions
The following may carry a concealed firearm, when (9.41.060):
The following may carry a concealed firearm, when (9.41.060):
- Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms, or their employee, if possessing, using, or carrying a pistol in the usual or ordinary course of the business;
- Members of any organization duly authorized to purchase or receive pistols from the United States or from this state;
- Members of clubs organized for the purpose of target shooting, when those members are at or are going to or from their places of target practice;
- Members of clubs organized for the purpose of modern and antique firearm collecting, when those members are at or are going to or from their collector's gun shows and exhibits;
- Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area (permitless concealed carry);
- Any person while carrying a pistol unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper.
Concealed Weapon Licenses
Basics 9.14.070
Concealed weapon permits are issued on a shall-issue basis by local police or county sheriffs. Permits must be issued or denied within 30 days of application for Washington residents and 60 days for non-residents. New residents are not considered residents for this purpose during their first 90 days in-state. Permits are valid for five years. Temporary licenses may be issued with good cause. No training is required. The fee is $36 plus individual agency fingerprint fees (fee schedule).
If you live in a city, you may apply to your chief of police or your county sheriff. If you live in an unincorporated area, apply to your sheriff. Non-residents may apply to any law enforcement agency in the state. Non-residents must apply in person.
If you live in a city, you may apply to your chief of police or your county sheriff. If you live in an unincorporated area, apply to your sheriff. Non-residents may apply to any law enforcement agency in the state. Non-residents must apply in person.
Qualifications
You must be at least 21 to apply. Your application will be denied if:
The issuing authority shall deny a permit to anyone who is found to be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.
- You are ineligible to possess a firearm under the state law or are prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law;
- Your concealed pistol license is in a revoked status;
- You are subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms;
- You are free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense;
- You have an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor; or
- You have been ordered to forfeit a firearm within one year before filing your application.
The issuing authority shall deny a permit to anyone who is found to be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.
Process
A person may apply for a concealed pistol license:
A signed application for a concealed pistol license shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that the department of social and health services, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release information relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a concealed pistol license to an inquiring court or law enforcement agency.
The issuing authority shall conduct a check through the national instant criminal background check system, the Washington state patrol electronic database, the department of social and health services electronic database, and with other agencies or resources as appropriate, to determine whether the applicant is ineligible under state law to possess a firearm, or is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law, and therefore ineligible for a concealed pistol license.
- To the municipality or to the county in which the applicant resides if the applicant resides in a municipality;
- To the county in which the applicant resides if the applicant resides in an unincorporated area; or
- Anywhere in the state if the applicant is a non-resident (non-residents must apply in person).
A signed application for a concealed pistol license shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that the department of social and health services, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release information relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a concealed pistol license to an inquiring court or law enforcement agency.
The issuing authority shall conduct a check through the national instant criminal background check system, the Washington state patrol electronic database, the department of social and health services electronic database, and with other agencies or resources as appropriate, to determine whether the applicant is ineligible under state law to possess a firearm, or is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law, and therefore ineligible for a concealed pistol license.
Renewal & Replacement
A renewal application may be submitted 90 days before or after the expiration date of the license. Renewal fees are $32. The late/replacement fee is an additional $10 ($42). Deployed servicemembers have 90 days to renew after returning to Washington.
Concealed Firearm Permit Reciprocity (9.41.073)
Washington recognizes other states permits when:
- The licensing state does not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under twenty-one years of age; and
- The licensing state requires mandatory fingerprint-based background checks of criminal and mental health history for all persons who apply for a concealed pistol license.
Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so, 9.41.050(1)(b).
Alien Firearm License
Washington State makes it a felony for non-US citizens to carry or possess any firearm, unless the person (9.41.171):
- Is a lawful permanent resident; or
- Has obtained a valid alien firearm license.
Qualifications and application 9.41.173
A non-immigrant alien residing in Washington must apply to the sheriff of the county in which he or she resides. An applicant must not be.
Fees are at least $50 plus additional charges imposed by the Washington State Patrol and FBI. Licenses are valid for two years.
- Ineligible to possess a firearm under state law;
- Subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms;
- Free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense; or
- Have an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest for a felony or misdemeanor.
Fees are at least $50 plus additional charges imposed by the Washington State Patrol and FBI. Licenses are valid for two years.
Exemptions 9.41.175
Non-Canadian
A nonimmigrant alien, who is not a resident of Washington or a citizen of Canada, may carry or possess any firearm without having first obtained an alien firearm license if the nonimmigrant alien possesses:
Canadian exemptions
A citizen of Canada may carry or possess any firearm so long as he or she possesses:
Firearms may only be possessed for the purpose of using them in the hunting of game while such persons are in the act of hunting, or while on a hunting trip, or while such persons are competing in a bona fide trap or skeet shoot or any other organized contest where rifles, pistols, or shotguns are used. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow aliens to hunt or fish in this state without first having obtained a regular hunting or fishing license.
A nonimmigrant alien, who is not a resident of Washington or a citizen of Canada, may carry or possess any firearm without having first obtained an alien firearm license if the nonimmigrant alien possesses:
- A valid passport and visa showing he or she is in the country legally;
- If required under federal law, an approved United States department of justice ATF-6 NIA application and permit for temporary importation of firearms and ammunition by nonimmigrant aliens; and
- A valid hunting license issued by a state or territory of the United States; or
- An invitation to participate in a trade show or sport shooting event being conducted in this state, another state, or another country that is contiguous with this state.
Canadian exemptions
A citizen of Canada may carry or possess any firearm so long as he or she possesses:
- Valid documentation as required for entry into the United States;
- If required under federal law, an approved United States department of justice ATF-6 NIA application and permit for temporary importation of firearms and ammunition by nonimmigrant aliens; and
- A valid hunting license issued by a state or territory of the United States; or
- An invitation to participate in a trade show or sport shooting event being conducted in this state, another state, or another country that is contiguous with this state.
Firearms may only be possessed for the purpose of using them in the hunting of game while such persons are in the act of hunting, or while on a hunting trip, or while such persons are competing in a bona fide trap or skeet shoot or any other organized contest where rifles, pistols, or shotguns are used. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow aliens to hunt or fish in this state without first having obtained a regular hunting or fishing license.
Concealed carry is better than open carry because surprise will work to my advantage.
The idea behind this is that an openly carried weapon may make the carrier a primary target of the criminal/terrorist. The concealed carrier would blend in with the crowd, and then draw at when it was to their advantage.
This assumption is generally false in the absence of evidence that an openly carried weapon leads to victimization. Abundant evidence is available that open carry is indeed a deterrent to crime. Concealed carry lacks that deterrent factor. The 'gray man' element, appearing unremarkable and blending in with the crowd, only has application when one may be specifically sought out; such as in the case of a police officer. The desire not to be spotted carrying a firearm or otherwise identified typically comes from the police influence in the concealed carry training world.
The advantage of concealed carry lies in the fact that it may be possible to carry in places where open carriers would be shunned or asked to leave. Legally speaking, the advantage is with open carry, yet due to modern sensitivities, the discreet option of undetected concealed carry would prevent any debates with anti-gunners or objections to having the weapon on private property where the owner/management might prohibit it. Also, given one’s choice of dress or activities, concealed carry may be more appropriate.
The debate is largely a matter of taste and environment. A citizen carrier with anti-gun customers or friends may want to protect themselves without alienating others. Some may feel uncomfortable carrying openly. Whatever the choice, it is a personal one and not to be judged or criticized.
Open carry and concealed carry each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages; neither is inherently superior to the other. Both methods complement each other and allow for flexibility in self-defense.
The idea behind this is that an openly carried weapon may make the carrier a primary target of the criminal/terrorist. The concealed carrier would blend in with the crowd, and then draw at when it was to their advantage.
This assumption is generally false in the absence of evidence that an openly carried weapon leads to victimization. Abundant evidence is available that open carry is indeed a deterrent to crime. Concealed carry lacks that deterrent factor. The 'gray man' element, appearing unremarkable and blending in with the crowd, only has application when one may be specifically sought out; such as in the case of a police officer. The desire not to be spotted carrying a firearm or otherwise identified typically comes from the police influence in the concealed carry training world.
The advantage of concealed carry lies in the fact that it may be possible to carry in places where open carriers would be shunned or asked to leave. Legally speaking, the advantage is with open carry, yet due to modern sensitivities, the discreet option of undetected concealed carry would prevent any debates with anti-gunners or objections to having the weapon on private property where the owner/management might prohibit it. Also, given one’s choice of dress or activities, concealed carry may be more appropriate.
The debate is largely a matter of taste and environment. A citizen carrier with anti-gun customers or friends may want to protect themselves without alienating others. Some may feel uncomfortable carrying openly. Whatever the choice, it is a personal one and not to be judged or criticized.
Open carry and concealed carry each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages; neither is inherently superior to the other. Both methods complement each other and allow for flexibility in self-defense.