Obtaining A Concealed Pistol License

RCW 9.41

Who issues the concealed pistol license?

RCW 9.41.070

(1) The chief of police of a municipality or the sheriff of a county shall...issue...

Where do I apply?

RCW 9.41.070

(13) A person may apply for a concealed pistol license:

1. To the municipality or to the county in which the applicant resides if the applicant resides in a municipality;
2. To the county in which the applicant resides if the applicant resides in an unincorporated area;
3. Anywhere in the state if the applicant is a nonresident.

Who may obtain a concealed pistol license?

RCW 9.41.070

(1) The applicant's constitutional right to bear arms shall not be denied, unless:

1. He or she is ineligible to possess a firearm under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045;
2. The applicant's concealed pistol license is in a revoked status;
3. He or she is under twenty-one years of age;
4. He or she is subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms pursuant to RCW 9A.46.080, 10.14.080, 10.99.040, 10.99.045, 26.09.050, 26.09.060, 26.10.040, 26.10.115, 26.26.130, 26.50.060, 26.50.070, or 26.26.590;
5. He or she is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony offense;
6. He or she has an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor; or
7. he or she has been ordered to forfeit a firearm under RCW 9.41.098 (1) (e) within one year before filing an application to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person.

[If you have a felony conviction or a domestic violence related conviction, even if the charge was dismissed after probation, it is unlawful for you to possess or control a firearm, and you are prohibited from having a concealed pistol license. There are provisions for having your rights restored after a time period has elapsed. Check with your attorney.]

What is the cost for a concealed pistol license?

RCW 9.41.070 (5)

The non-refundable fee, paid upon application, for the original five-year license shall be thirty-six dollars plus additional charges imposed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that are passed on to the applicant...

[The current FBI fee is nineteen dollars and twenty-five cents ($19.25) for the required fingerprint check. The total for the original CPL is, therefore, fifty-five dollars and twenty-five cents($55.25).]

How long is the license valid?

The CPL is valid for five years, and may be renewed up to ninety days before expiration for thirty-two dollars. The issuing agency has thirty days to complete the background check and issue the license.

What information should I bring with me when applying for a concealed pistol license?

You will need to show proof of identification in the form of photo identification.  Accepted photo identification is:

1.                   A current Washington State driver’s license

2.                   A current Washington State identification card

3.                   Military identification card

4.                   Law enforcement identification

5.                   A current passport

6.                   Equivalent out of state identification

(If the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver’s license or Washington State identification card, or has not been a resident

of the State of Washington for the previous ninety days, we will have up to sixty days to complete the background check)

General Information:

If you live in unincorporated Snohomish County, apply at the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office -Records Unit on the fourth floor of the Snohomish County Courthouse, located at 3000 Rockefeller, Everett, Washington.  You may call (425) 388-3839 for further information.

Renewal of Gun Permits:

A renewal of a Concealed Pistol License needs to be done in person.  You will need to complete an application form and sign the license.  You may go to the police agency in the jurisdiction of where you live, up to 90 days prior to the expiration date and the fee is $32.00  Within 90 days after the expiration date the fee is $42.00.  CPL's are processed at the 4th Floor of the Courthouse, M-F 9am-4:30pm, excluding legal holidays.