Firearms recordkeeping

In Washington state, local law enforcement agencies process background checks, applications and renewals for:

  • Concealed pistol licenses
  • Alien firearm licenses
  • Firearm dealer licenses

Firearms database

The Department of Licensing collects records from law enforcement agencies and manages a central firearms license database for Washington state. We also collect and manage records of semiautomatic firearm and pistol transfers and sales from licensed firearm dealers. This information can be accessed by law enforcement and correctional agencies.

Services we provide to law enforcement agencies:

  • Electronic database information to agencies who issue licenses and complete background checks.
  • Electronic submission of licensing and firearm transfer applications into the Firearms Online database.
  • Database checks of concealed pistol licenses for individuals deemed ineligible to possess a firearm.
  • Application and licensing forms to local law enforcement and licensed firearm dealers.
  • Firearms database training to local law enforcement agency personnel.

Firearms license information

Here is some general information about firearms licensing requirements in Washington State. The Department of Licensing does not issue firearms licenses and this information is provided as a courtesy only. Please contact your local law enforcement agency with any questions about concealed pistol, firearms dealer, or non-U.S. Citizen licenses.

Firearms dealer license

Who needs a license?

Anyone who sells firearms wholesale or retail must have a federal firearms dealer license.

How to apply

  • Contact the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction where your business is located.
  • The law enforcement agency will tell you what documents you need and where to get them.

About the application process

  • You must be fingerprinted and pass a background check done by local law enforcement agencies.
  • It takes around 30–60 days to get your firearm dealer license.
  • Your license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
  • The firearms dealer license fee is $125.
  • If you plan to open an additional store or move an existing store, contact a law enforcement agency. They'll help you get an additional or replacement dealer license.
  • All employees who sell firearms at your store must undergo fingerprinting and a background check.
  • You must process all firearm transfers through the Washington State Patrol's SAFE system. Learn how to sign up for SAFE.

How to pay fees

  • Fees are paid through the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where your business resides.
  • You will need to provide picture identification (i.e. Washington driver’s license or identification card) along with a $125 check or money order payable to Washington State Treasurer.
  • Do not send any fees to the Department of Licensing. We are only the license record keepers. We cannot issue or renew firearms licenses.

News and updates

Subscribe to email updates for firearms dealers in Washington state.

Concealed pistol license (CPL)

In Washington State, you are required to have a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) if you:

  • Carry a pistol concealed on your person.
  • Have a loaded pistol in your vehicle.

General license requirements

  • You must be 21 years of age or older to apply.
  • If you have a Driver’s License or State ID issued by a state other than Washington, you may have a 60-day wait for an original application.

You won’t qualify for a CPL 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.
  • Were ordered to forfeit a firearm within the last 12 months.
  • Were convicted of a felony. To restore your rights, contact the courts where your conviction is or the superior court where you live.

How to apply for a CPL

To obtain a Washington State Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you must apply with your law enforcement agency:

If you live:

Apply at:

In an unincorporated area of a county in Washington

The sheriff’s office of the county where you live

In an incorporated city or town in Washington

Your city/town police department or your county sheriff’s office

Outside of Washington (not a current Washington state resident)

Any local law enforcement agency (police department or sheriff’s office) in Washington State
  • Visit your local law enforcement agency’s website to:
    • Confirm that you live within their jurisdiction.
    • Download their Concealed Pistol License Application.
    • Find fees and accepted payment methods.
  • Schedule an appointment
    • Some appointments can be booked online, other require a phone call to set up.
  • Bring to your appointment:
    • Completed application form
    • Licensing fees with cash or check/money order payable to the law enforcement agency.
    • Required supporting documents (originals, no copies) with your application form:
      • You must present a Driver's License or State ID with your current address at time of application.
      • Passports or military IDs are not accepted in lieu of state-issued ID.
      • If you are a Permanent Resident, you must provide your valid Immigration issued Permanent Resident Card at time of application.
      • If you have an alien firearms license, bring your passport and US‑issued alien number or admission number.
      • If applicable, bring your original certificate of rehabilitation or firearms restoration orders.
  • Your law enforcement agency will complete fingerprints and background checks.
  • Your license will be valid for 5 years from the date it is issued.

How to renew a CPL

  • Contact your local law enforcement agency (LEA) to renew your CPL.
  • Some agencies provide online renewal options whereas others do not. Renewals cannot be done over the phone.
  • You can renew your CPL up to 90 days before it expires.
  • If your CPL is more than 90 days past its expiration, you must apply for a new CPL.
If you’ve moved
  • If you no longer live in the jurisdiction that processed your CPL, contact the law enforcement agency in your new jurisdiction.
  • They will give us your information. Please do not mail a copy of your CPL to us.
If you were out of state on military orders during the renewal period
  • You have 90 days after returning to Washington from out‑of‑state military service to renew your CPL.
  • Please contact or visit your local Washington State law enforcement agency to get information on where to go and whom to speak with.

Renewal notices

  • By law, we must keep information about CPLs issued by law enforcement.
  • We will send you a renewal notice in the mail or by email (if we have it on file). 
  • The renewal notice will include our logo, but your renewal will be processed by your local law enforcement agency.

How to update your address

Washington State law doesn't require you to update the address on your concealed pistol license (CPL) when you move. However, if you'd like to voluntarily update your address, the process is the same as when you first applied except you won't be fingerprinted:

  1. Go to the Washington law enforcement agency (LEA) where you live.
  2. Complete a concealed pistol license application, marking the "Replacement license" box.
  3. Submit the application and replacement fee.
  4. The LEA will contact you to pick up your license, or they'll mail it to you.

If your license is lost, denied, or revoked

Call or visit the website of your LEA where you applied for your license. They will instruct you on where to go, what to bring, and the fees to get a replacement license.

Firearms license, Non-U.S. Citizen

Where can I get an Non-U.S. Citizen firearms license?

If you're a nonimmigrant alien temporarily residing in Washington and you want to hunt or sport shoot, you must apply for an alien firearms license at the sheriff office of the county where you live.

Who must have a Non-U.S. Citizen firearms license?

Anyone who is not a citizen of the United States (unless you are a lawful permanent resident) who wants to use a firearm while temporarily residing in Washington.

How long is my Non-U.S. Citizen firearms license valid?

Your license will valid for 2 years.

Related laws and rules

Explanation of abbreviations

  • RCW—Revised Code of Washington (Washington laws)
  • WAC—Washington Administrative Code (Washington agency regulations

Resources

Need more help?

Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-6616
(TTY: Call 711)
fax Fax: 360-570-4945
mail Email: firearms@dol.wa.gov
location_on Address:
Firearms Section Department of Licensing
PO Box 9649
Olympia , WA 98507
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