Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Washington

State

Carry allowed with Washington permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Washington Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: July 19, 2024

Washington is a shall-issue state that requires a permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to residents and non-residents who meet certain qualifications. Washington recognizes concealed carry permits from 10 other U.S. states.

To qualify for a Washington state concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old and meet all federal requirements. There are also certain factors that can disqualify you from obtaining a Washington carry permit.

Open carry is legal in Washington without a permit for those over the age of 21 and legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, a license is required to transport a loaded gun in the state, whether open or concealed. Open carry is also prohibited in certain areas such as at the Capitol, state legislative offices, public legislative hearings or meetings, and within 250 feet of a demonstration.

To learn more about Washington CCW requirements, review state laws here or visit the Washington State Department of Licensing’s website

*Disclaimer: This Washington concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Washington Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall-issue

Constitutional Carry

No

Open Carry

Yes

Nonresident Permits

Yes

Enhanced Permits

No

Concealed Carry Age

21

Permit Valid

5 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

No

Reciprocating States

28

States Honored

10

Duty to Inform

No

Castle Doctrine

No

Stand Your Ground

Yes

Issuing Agency

Local sheriff or police department

Washington Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States’ Permits Does Washington Honor? 

Washington recognizes concealed carry permits issued by 10 U.S. states

*Please note that although Washington honors permits from the following states, there may be additional conditions. Be sure to check before traveling to the state. 

  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota
  • Utah

What States Honor a Washington Concealed Carry Permit?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states honor Washington concealed carry permits. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Washington CCW reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska*
  • Arizona*
  • Arkansas
  • Florida*
  • Georgia*
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa*
  • Kansas*
  • Kentucky*
  • Louisiana*
  • Maine*
  • Michigan*
  • Mississippi*
  • Missouri*
  • Montana
  • Nebraska*
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio*
  • Oklahoma*
  • South Carolina*
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee*
  • Texas*
  • Utah*
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia*
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming*

Is a Concealed Carry Permit Required in Washington?

Yes. Concealed carry is only permitted in Washington for those who have a license to do so.

What Are the Requirements for a Washington State Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain a Washington Concealed Pistol License, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

  • Be at least 21 years old. 

  • Meet all federal requirements. 

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Washington carry permit:  

  • Pending criminal charges. 

  • Outstanding arrest warrants. 

  • A felony conviction. 

  • Being subject to a court order or injunction related to the possession of firearms. 

  • Being on bond, awaiting trial, or awaiting sentencing for a felony offense. 

  • A revoked CCW license. 

For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Washington, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing’s website

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Washington?

Yes, but only if you have a valid concealed carry permit from a state that Washington has reciprocity with, or with a non-resident permit. Washington offers non-resident permits to those who meet the same requirements as residents. 

Is Washington an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Washington, open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who is legally permitted to possess a firearm. No permit is required for open carry in Washington. That said, open carry is prohibited at the Capitol, state legislative offices, public legislative hearings or meetings, and within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration. A license is also required to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Washington, whether openly or concealed. 

Where Can I NOT Carry a Concealed Weapon in Washington?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Washington, including school property and facilities being used by schools; correctional facilities; law enforcement facilities; courthouses; restricted areas of public mental health facilities; state mental illness institutions; secured areas of airports; establishments selling liquor or cannabis that require you to be 21 to enter; child care facilities; emergency respite centers; colleges and universities that prohibit firearms; Office of Administrative Hearings facilities; outdoor music festivals; Racing Association grounds; licensed teen parent residential program facilities; Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration overnight youth shelters and residences; any time while riding a snowmobile; and anywhere it is prohibited by federal law. 

Where Can I Learn More About Washington State Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the Washington State Department of Licensing’s website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Washington and to learn more about how to apply for a Washington license to carry. For the official laws regarding Washington concealed carry permit reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here

This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.