Do I need a permit to carry in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Washington honor out-of-state permits?

No. Washington does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check Washington's official rules?

Check Washington State Office of the Attorney General. The controlling law is RCW 9.41.070, 9.41.073.

Carry laws · 2026

Washington concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Shall-issue permit
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: RCW 9.41.070, 9.41.073

Carrying in Washington

Washington is a shall-issue state. Adults 21 and older who meet the requirements can get a permit.

If you pass the background check, finish any required training, and pay the fees, the state must issue your permit.

Shall-issue by statute. No training course is currently required for the Concealed Pistol License (RCW 9.41.070). Verify current requirements before applying.

Source: RCW 9.41.070, 9.41.073. Washington State Office of the Attorney General. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Washington?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Washington does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Washington honors some other permits.

Getting Washington's own permit

Apply through Washington and meet the listed requirements. If you qualify, the state must issue the permit.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Washington?: Yes. Washington requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Washington honor out-of-state permits?: No. Washington does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check Washington's official rules?: Check Washington State Office of the Attorney General. The controlling law is RCW 9.41.070, 9.41.073.

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Sources and verification

WA: RCW 9.41.070, 9.41.073. Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.