Firearms Laws & Resources
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 September 2013 09:11
Washington State Firearms Laws
Washington State Open Carry Law
Washington State does not have a law prohibiting openly carried firearms. However, under RCW 9.41.270, It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. The Pullman Police Department encourages safe and responsible gun ownership and asks that the Citizens of Pullman uphold and respect these principles.
RCW 9.41.300 - Weapons prohibited in certain places — Local laws and ordinances — Exceptions — Penalty. ** Updated on 07/22/2011 **
It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
- Law Enforcement facility or restricted access areas of a jail.
- Areas of any building used in connection with court proceedings.
- Restricted access areas of any mental health facility.
- That portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor control board as off-limits to persons under twenty-one years of age.
- Restricted access areas of a commercial service airport.
RCW 9.41.050 – Concealed Pistol License
- Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.
- Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so.
RCW 9.41.070 - Concealed pistol license — Application — Fee — Renewal.
Concealed Weapon Permit Costs & Info:
- New: $55.25 5 years
- Renewel: $32.00
- Late Renewel: $42.00
- Replacement/Address Update: $10.00
- Issuing Authority: Chief of Police/Sheriff
RCW 9.41.240 - Possession of pistol by person from eighteen to twenty-one.
Unless an exception under RCW 9.41.042, 9.41.050, or 9.41.060 applies, a person at least eighteen years of age, but less than twenty-one years of age, may possess a pistol only:
- In the person's place of abode;
- At the person's fixed place of business; or
- On real property under his or her control.
RCW 9.41.280 - Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities — Penalty — Exceptions.
- It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools:
(a) Any firearm
Firearms on Washington State University (WSU) Campus
WAC 504-26-213 - Firearms and dangerous weapons.
No student may carry, possess, or use any firearm, explosive (including fireworks), dangerous chemical, or any dangerous weapon on university property or in university-approved housing. Airsoft guns and other items that shoot projectiles are not permitted in university-approved housing. Students wishing to maintain a firearm on campus for hunting or sporting activities must store the firearm with the Washington State University department of public safety.
Firearm Purchasing and/or Transfers - FAQ's
To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?
A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his State, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may sell or transfer a firearm to a licensee in any State. However, a firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(d), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]
RCW 9.41.122 - Out-of-state purchasing.
Residents of Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns in a state other than Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. 90-351 as administered by the United States secretary of the treasury: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That such residents are eligible to purchase or possess such weapons in Washington and in the state in which such purchase is made.
RCW 9.41.124 - Purchasing by nonresidents.
Residents of a state other than Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns in Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. 90-351 as administered by the United States secretary of the treasury: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That such residents are eligible to purchase or possess such weapons in Washington and in the state in which such persons reside.
What record-keeping procedures should be followed when two private individuals want to engage in a firearms transaction?
When a transaction takes place between private (unlicensed) persons who reside in the same State, the Gun Control Act (GCA) does not require any record keeping. A private person may sell a firearm to another private individual in his or her State of residence and, similarly, a private individual may buy a firearm from another private person who resides in the same State. It is not necessary under Federal law for a Federal firearms licensee (FFL) to assist in the sale or transfer when the buyer and seller are "same-State" residents. Of course, the transferor/seller may not knowingly transfer a firearm to someone who falls within any of the categories of prohibited persons contained in the GCA. See 18 U.S. C. §§ 922(g) and (n). However, as stated above, there are no GCA-required records to be completed by either party to the transfer. There may be State or local laws or regulations that govern this type of transaction. Contact State Police units or the office of your State Attorney General for information on any such requirements. Please note that if a private person wants to obtain a firearm from a private person who resides in another State, the firearm will have to be shipped to an FFL in the buyer's State. The FFL will be responsible for record keeping.
