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.
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver prohibits leaving any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 24 consecutive hours. Officers attach a notification sticker; if the vehicle ...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Municipal Code Chapter 20.912 governs all fences, walls, and retaining walls citywide. Residential fences have tiered height limits by yard locat...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feedin...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and similar domestic animals in all zoning districts for hobby use with no minimum lot size. Roosters, turkeys,...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Chapter 20.925) encourages but does not universally mandate native plants. For development projects, native an...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 8-foot residential accessory-structure height standa...
See how Vancouver'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.