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Seattle, WA Firearms: Open Carry (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Min age
21
Permit required
No
Banned at protests
RCW 9.41.300
Brandishing
Gross misdemeanor

Summary

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.

RCW 9.41.300 — Weapons prohibited in certain places — Local laws and ordinances — Exceptions — Penalty. (1) 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: (a) The restricted access areas of a jail, or of a law enforcement facility, or any place used for the confinement of a person (i) arrested for, charged with, or convicted of an offense, (ii) held for extradition or as a material witness, or (iii) otherwise confined pursuant to an order of a court, except an order under chapter 13.32A or 13.34 RCW. Restricted access areas do not include common areas of egress or ingress open to the general public; (b) Those areas in any building which are used in connection with court proceedings, including courtrooms, jury rooms, judge's chambers, offices and areas used to conduct court business, waiting areas, and corridors adjacent to areas used in connection with court proceedings. [...] For purposes of this subsection (1)(b), "weapon" means any firearm, explosive as defined in RCW 70.74.010, or any weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or any knife, dagger, dirk, or other similar weapon that is capable of causing death or bodily injury and is commonly used with the intent to cause death or bodily injury. In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building.

Source: Washington State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Washington has no general prohibition on openly carrying handguns or long guns by adults. Seattle is preempted from enacting broader bans. However, RCW 9.41.300 (amended 2021) bans openly carried firearms at any public permitted demonstration and within 250 feet of one, plus the Capitol grounds. Seattle's permitted protests, parades, and rallies fall under this rule. Open carry remains restricted in schools, courthouses, jails, secure airport zones, and bars. Brandishing or 'manifesting an intent to intimidate' is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9.41.270 regardless of permit status. City facilities may post weapons-prohibited signs in narrow contexts.

Violations & Fines

Open carry at permitted demonstration: gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.300). Brandishing/intimidation: gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.270). School zone: felony. Bar carry: misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seattle

All Seattle rules

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