Firearms recordkeeping

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

• Concealed pistol licenses
• Non-U.S. Citizen firearm licenses
• Firearm dealer licenses

Firearms database

The Department of Licensing receives records from law enforcement agencies and manages a central firearms records database for Washington state. We also receive records of semiautomatic rifles, 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.

How to get a firearm license

Frequently asked questions

Firearms dealer license

Who needs a license?

Anyone who sells firearms wholesale or retail must have a federal firearms dealer license and a Washington state 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.
• Processing times for firearm dealer license applications:
  • Washington state resident: around 30 days
  • Non-resident: around 60 days
• 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 your local 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 our listserv for 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.
  • Check the required fees and accepted payment methods.
• Be prepared to schedule an appointment
  • Some appointments can be booked online, other require a phone call to set up.
• What to bring to your appointment:
  • Completed, unsigned 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 non-citizen 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 an original 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.
• Obtain a replacement CPL if your CPL is still current.

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

• Are sent out 60 days prior to the expiration date.
• Renewal must be done by your local law enforcement agency.
• DOL does not issue or renew CPLs.

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. Check the website of your law enforcement agency to find out if they have an online process to get a replacement CPL.
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 a non-citizen 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 for hunting or sport shooting while temporarily residing in Washington.

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

Your license is valid for 2 years.

Related laws and rules

• Firearms and dangerous weapons (RCW 9.41)
• Investigative, law enforcement, and crime victims (RCW 42.56.240)
• Firearms background check program—Automated firearms background check system—Fee (RCW 43.43.580)

Explanation of abbreviations

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

Resources

• Firearms (atg.wa.gov)
• Concealed Weapons (atg.wa.gov)
• Firearms FAQ (atg.wa.gov)
• Concealed Pistol License Reciprocity (atg.wa.gov)
• Firearms Legislation (atg.wa.gov)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• Firearms Safety, Suicide Awareness, The Law, and You
• Suicide Prevention Community-based Services Grant Account (DVA)