Washington issues concealed pistol licenses under RCW 9.41.070 on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants, with statewide preemption preventing local concealed carry rules.
RCW 9.41.070 governs Washington's concealed pistol license (CPL) system. Local law enforcement must issue a CPL to applicants who are at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, not prohibited under state or federal law, and meet other statutory criteria. Licenses are valid for five years. Because RCW 9.41.290 preempts local firearm regulation, cities and counties cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements, fees, or restrictions beyond state law. CPL holders may carry concealed pistols throughout the state, subject to location-based restrictions like schools, courts, and certain government buildings under RCW 9.41.300.
Carrying a concealed pistol without a valid CPL is a misdemeanor under RCW 9.41.050. Carrying in restricted locations carries additional penalties including potential gross misdemeanor charges.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bellingham, WA
The Bellingham Municipal Code does not contain a specific provision allowing or prohibiting artificial turf on private residential property. However, synthet...
Bellingham, WA
Within the Lake Whatcom watershed, BMC 16.80.080 requires residential single development to retain (or restore) at least 30% of the total site area as a Nati...
Bellingham, WA
Bellingham food trucks may operate on private property with the owner's permission or in the public right-of-way only after obtaining a Commercial-Related Te...
Bellingham, WA
Operating a food truck in Bellingham requires (1) a Whatcom County Health and Community Services Mobile Food Unit annual permit (plan review + annual operati...
Bellingham, WA
Federal law (FAA Part 107 and 49 U.S.C. § 44809) governs U.S. airspace and preempts local altitude/flight-path regulation. Bellingham sits inside Class D con...
Bellingham, WA
Bellingham does not require a city permit for residential garage, yard, or estate sales and does not codify a hard maximum number of sales per year. Activity...
See how Bellingham's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.