Out of State Permits Recognized in Washington state.
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 reciprocity law, RCW 9.41.073. Those conditions are:
- 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
- The other state does not issue concealed pistol licenses to persons under twenty-one years of age; and
- 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 a reciprocal agreement with Washington. If you are traveling to Washington state, please be aware that we have several geographical restrictions where firearms are prohibited regardless of license status Click here for more information on where you cannot possess a firearm.
The States where an out of state concealed carry license will be recognized in Washington state:
Idaho |
North Dakota |
Kansas |
Ohio |
Louisiana |
Oklahoma |
Michigan |
Utah |
North Carolina |
States That Recognize a Washington State CPL
Fortunately, there are many more states that will recognize a valid Washington CPL. However, it is recommended that before you travel to any of these states, you check with a local attorney to learn of any nuance or specifics of carry or concealed carry laws in that state.
If you possess a valid Washington state CPL, you can carry in any of the these states:
Alabama |
Kansas |
Ohio |
Alaska |
Kentucky |
Oklahoma |
Arizona |
Louisiana |
South Dakota |
Arkansas |
Missouri |
Tennessee |
Idaho |
Montana |
Texas |
Indiana |
North Carolina |
Virginia |
Iowa |
North Dakota |
Wisconsin |
In addition, if you possess a valid Washington non-resident concealed pistol license, you may legally carry in any of these states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Learn More Today About CPL Reciprocity at Washington Gun Law TV.
The Rights and Responsibilities of Carrying In Other States
While it is true you have the right to carry in many states, this right comes with great responsibility. Many states have locations where firearms are prohibited whether you are licensed to carry or not. Some states have magazine capacity restrictions or other restrictions which may limit the type of firearm you are allowed to possess. Sign into your member portal today to contact an attorney.