Open Carry: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do open carry rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Washington allows open carry of firearms by qualified adults without a permit, with limited statutory restrictions and broad preemption barring most local open carry rules.
View full Kirkland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Washington permits open carry of firearms without a permit for adults 21 and older. Seattle cannot ban open carry in most public spaces due to state preemption, but RCW 9.41.300 prohibits openly carried weapons at permitted demonstrations and the state Capitol.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Min age | - | 21 |
| Permit required | - | No |
| Banned at protests | - | RCW 9.41.300 |
| Brandishing | - | Gross misdemeanor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Can Washington cities ban open carry?
No, RCW 9.41.290 preempts local open carry bans. Only state law restrictions apply, such as those in RCW 9.41.305.
Can I open carry at the State Capitol?
No, RCW 9.41.305 prohibits open carry of firearms on State Capitol grounds and at permitted demonstrations.
Seattle FAQ
Can I open carry at a Seattle protest?
No. Since 2021, RCW 9.41.300 bans openly carrying firearms at permitted demonstrations or within 250 feet. Violation is a gross misdemeanor.
Do I need a permit for open carry in Seattle?
No permit needed if you are 21+ and not prohibited. However, carrying loaded handgun in a vehicle still requires a CPL.
Compare other topics
See how Kirkland and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool