Washington Gun Laws

• The 2023-2026 Gun Control Wave: Washington State has rapidly transitioned from a traditionally moderate firearm landscape to one of the most heavily regulated in the country. Following a series of legislative sessions, the state has implemented strict bans on "assault weapons" (HB 1240), mandated universal 10-day waiting periods and safety training for all firearm purchases (HB 1143), and established a forthcoming "Permit to Purchase" system set to take full effect in 2027.
• Massive "Sensitive Places" Expansion: While Washington remains technically an open carry state (and "Shall Issue" for concealed carry), recent legislation has drastically shrunk where you can legally carry. Bills passed between 2024 and 2026 have criminalized carry in libraries, zoos, transit centers, public parks, playgrounds, and recreational swimming areas. Open carry is also explicitly banned on the State Capitol grounds and at permitted public demonstrations.
• Magazine Restrictions: Washington severely restricts magazine capacity. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or sell any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. While the possession of magazines acquired prior to the 2022 ban is currently grandfathered, they cannot be transferred within the state.

Washington is a "Shall Issue" state for the Concealed Pistol License (CPL). The application is administered by the local city police department or county sheriff's office.

• Minimum Age: 21 years old.
• Training Requirements: Currently, Washington does not require live-fire or classroom training to obtain the CPL itself. (Note: However, to actually purchase any firearm in the state, you must complete a certified safety training course under HB 1143).
• Background Checks: A mandatory state and federal (FBI NICS) fingerprint-based background check is conducted.
• Fingerprints: A complete set of electronic or rolled fingerprints is required.
• Application Fees: The statutorily set fee is $36.00, plus the cost of the FBI fingerprint background check, usually bringing the total initial cost to around $49.25. The permit is valid for 5 years.
• Processing Times: By law, the issuing authority has up to 30 days to issue or deny the permit for residents, and up to 60 days for non-residents or those who have been residents for less than 90 days.

Washington has recently enacted aggressive hardware bans targeting modern sporting rifles, magazines, and unserialized firearms.

• Magazine Capacity: Strictly capped at 10 rounds for sale, importation, and transfer. Pre-ban ownership is grandfathered, but high-capacity magazines cannot be bought or sold within the state.
• "Assault Weapon" Bans (HB 1240): Highly restrictive. Washington bans the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of semi-automatic rifles defined as "assault weapons" (including AR-15s, AK-47s, and dozens of specific models by name, plus a strict feature test). Possession of those owned prior to 2023 is grandfathered.
• Restricted Ammunition: No state-specific bans on standard hollow-point ammunition.
• Banned Models / Accessories: Bump stocks, auto-sears, and "ghost guns" (unserialized frames/receivers) are strictly illegal. Suppressors, however, are legal to own and use provided they are registered under the federal NFA.

Washington does not have a codified "Stand Your Ground" statute, but robust state Supreme Court case law establishes identical protections.

• Stand Your Ground: Yes (De Facto). In State v. Reynaldo and State v. Studd, the Washington Supreme Court clearly ruled that a person who is in a place they have a legal right to be has no duty to retreat before using deadly force to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
• Castle Doctrine: Yes. Case law heavily protects the right to use deadly force against an intruder unlawfully and forcefully entering a home or residence.
• Duty to Retreat: No. Washington courts consistently instruct juries that there is no duty to retreat.
• Civil Immunity: No. Washington does not offer explicit statutory civil immunity, meaning a justified shooter could theoretically still face civil litigation.

Transportation laws in Washington are heavily enforced to separate loaded firearms from individuals without a permit, and to prevent poaching.

• Handguns (With CPL): A permit holder may transport a loaded, concealed handgun anywhere within the passenger compartment or on their person.
• Handguns (Without CPL): Must be completely unloaded. It is illegal to leave an unloaded handgun in a vehicle unless it is locked within the trunk or completely hidden from view and locked from the outside.
• Long Guns: Must be completely unloaded in both the chamber and the magazine while inside a vehicle. It is explicitly illegal to transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
• Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act: A Washington CPL exempts the holder from the federal 1,000-foot buffer zone restriction, but state law strictly forbids bringing the firearm onto the actual school property.

Washington has instituted some of the strictest purchasing regulations in the United States, dismantling the private market and instituting universal wait times.

• Dealer & Private Sales (Universal Background Checks): All firearm transfers, including private sales, must be processed through an FFL via the Washington State Patrol's background check system. (Exceptions exist for immediate family gifts).
• 10-Day Waiting Period (HB 1143): Washington enforces a strict, mandatory 10-business-day waiting period for the purchase of all firearms (handguns and long guns).
• Mandatory Training: To purchase any firearm, you must provide proof that you have completed a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years.
• CCW Bypass: No. A Washington CPL no longer bypasses the background check or the 10-day waiting period at a dealer.

Washington utilizes an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), functioning as the state's Red Flag law.

• Who Can File: Law enforcement officers, family members, household members, and intimate partners can petition the superior court.
• Process and Duration: A judge can issue an ex parte temporary ERPO without the respondent present if there is sufficient evidence of immediate danger. The respondent must surrender firearms and their CPL immediately. A full hearing is held within 14 days. A final ERPO can last for up to one year and can be renewed.
• Appeal: The respondent can request one hearing per year to attempt to prove they are no longer a significant danger and have the order terminated.

Carrying a concealed handgun—or carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle—without a valid CPL is a Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Carrying a firearm into a statutorily prohibited zone (such as a school, courthouse, park, or transit facility) is generally prosecuted as a Gross Misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Violations of the "assault weapons" or magazine bans (such as importing or selling them) are also prosecuted as Gross Misdemeanors.