Washington’s Firearms and Dangerous Weapons statute (RCW 9.41) was amended in 2004 to allow non-Washington residents to carry concealed weapons in Washington if they have obtained a concealed weapons permit from another state that meets certain conditions imposed by Washington’s law. Those conditions are:
1. The other state must have a reciprocal statute allowing Washington residents to carry concealed weapons in the other state if the resident has a Washington concealed pistol permit; and
2. The other state does not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under twenty-one years of age; and
3. The state requires mandatory fingerprint-based background checks of criminal and mental health history for all persons who apply for a concealed pistol license.
If the above conditions are met, the concealed weapons permit of an out-of-state resident will be recognized in Washington as long as the permit holder does not become a resident of Washington State. Additionally, the permit holder from another state must carry the handgun in compliance with the laws of Washington State. Washington concealed pistol permits will be recognized in those states which have the reciprocal agreements with Washington. Washington residents should check the laws of the state they are traveling to, in order to comply with the concealed weapons permit law of that state.
The new law requires the Office of Attorney General to periodically publish a list of states that meet the requirements for reciprocity. The list may be found by clicking here.
The office sent out surveys to all 49 states and the District of Columbia to obtain the necessary information on each state’s concealed weapons permits. 47 states have responded. Of the 47 responses we have received, seven states qualify for reciprocity; 40 states do not qualify. Connecticut, Maine and the District of Columbia have not responded to survey requests. Of the states that do not qualify for reciprocity, the most common reason is because the state does not have a reciprocity statute.
As we obtain further responses we will update the list of reciprocal states. If you have questions about a specific state you may contact the Department of Licensing, Firearms Section at (360) 664-6616.