Washington Concealed Pistol License
Washington CPL Training — Start Online
Washington issues to nonresidents, and this course meets the current HB 1143 Gun Safety Certificate requirement with no live fire. A separate 2025 law adds certified training and live fire in 2027 — timing matters here.
At a glance
- Credential
- Washington Concealed Pistol License
- Issued by
- Local law enforcement agency (city police or county sheriff)
- Residents
- Eligible
- Nonresidents
- Eligible
- Online training
- Available
- Live fire
- Not required
- Course price
- $74.99
- Provider
- U.S. LawShield
Last reviewed August 2026. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.
Two different Washington requirements — don't conflate them
Effective May 2027
Why consider a Washington CPL
What a Washington CPL gets you.
Washington's Concealed Pistol License is available to residents and nonresidents alike, and under the current framework the path is short. Firearms safety training is valuable regardless, and it is worth completing on your own terms rather than under a deadline.
The more important point is what is coming. In 2025 Washington enacted a law that will require applicants to show completion of a certified concealed-carry firearms safety training program — including live-fire instruction — as a condition of licensure, alongside a new permit-to-purchase system. The Washington State Patrol is responsible for certifying qualifying programs.
We are flagging this rather than selling against it. If you are considering a Washington CPL, understand which framework you are applying under and confirm the current requirement with your local issuing agency before you assume anything about training.
How it works
The Washington process, in order.
Steps marked “handled elsewhere” are run by the government or a third party — not by us. Knowing which is which is most of what prevents wasted money.
Confirm current requirements with your issuing agencyHandled elsewhere
Washington's requirements are in transition. Check with the city police department or county sheriff you will apply through before you enroll.
Complete firearms safety training
The U.S. LawShield Washington Firearms Safety Training covers Washington law, safe handling and use-of-force principles.
Receive completion documentation
Keep your certificate with your application materials.
Apply to local law enforcementHandled elsewhere
Submit your application, fingerprints and fee to the city police department or county sheriff.
What you'll learn
Inside the coursework.
U.S. LawShield Washington Firearms Safety Training — delivered online by U.S. LawShield.
- Washington firearm law and concealed pistol license holder responsibilities
- Lawful use of force and deadly force in Washington
- Safe handling, secure storage and transportation requirements
- Restricted locations under Washington law
- Concealed carry practices and awareness
- Post-incident considerations
Residency
Resident vs. nonresident.
Washington residents
EligibleWashington residents apply through the city police department in their municipality, or the county sheriff if they live outside city limits.
Everyone else
EligibleNonresidents may apply for a Washington CPL through a Washington law enforcement agency. Nonresident eligibility is a meaningful advantage for people who travel the Pacific Northwest.
Read this before you buy
What this course does — and does not do.
Every state page on this site carries this section. If a training company won't tell you where its product stops, that is the information you needed.
What this course does
- Meets the current Washington HB 1143 Gun Safety Certificate requirement
- Delivers Washington-specific firearms safety instruction online
- Is available to residents and nonresidents
- Produces documentation of completed training
What it does not do
- Does not issue your CPL — local law enforcement does
- Does not include live-fire instruction
- Does not satisfy HB 1163, the separate 2027 requirement for a certified program including live fire
- Does not cover the separate permit-to-purchase process
About the live-fire requirement
Travel value
What could a Washington CPL add to your carry strategy?
A second license is worth it where it covers ground your current one doesn't — and that depends entirely on the combination. So look at the actual recognition below, with the states you travel to in mind, rather than assuming any permit simply adds coverage.
We haven't published a recognition map for this permit yet.
We only publish reciprocity once someone here has read the issuing authority's own current list and transcribed it. We have not finished that for the Washington Concealed Pistol License, and a plausible-looking guess is worse than nothing when you are planning to travel armed. Verify current recognition directly with the sources below before you rely on it.
Quick answers
Washington, in plain terms.
Can a nonresident get a Washington CPL?
Yes. Washington accepts applications from people who do not live in the state.
Does Washington require live fire?
No. The training requirement can be satisfied through approved online coursework with no range qualification.
Can I complete Washington training online?
Yes. The full training requirement can be completed online.
Who issues the Washington CPL?
Local law enforcement agency (city police or county sheriff).
FAQ
Washington questions, answered.
Can a nonresident get a Washington concealed pistol license?
Yes. Washington issues concealed pistol licenses to nonresidents, who apply through a Washington law enforcement agency.
Does Washington require live fire for a CPL?
Not under the current framework. However, legislation enacted in 2025 will require applicants to complete a state-certified concealed-carry firearms safety training program that includes live-fire instruction. Confirm which requirements apply on the date you file.
What is changing in Washington in 2027?
Washington's 2025 law adds a certified training requirement with live fire for concealed pistol licenses and creates a new permit to purchase firearms. The Washington State Patrol is charged with certifying qualifying training programs. Verify the current status with your issuing agency and the state before applying.
How much does the Washington course cost?
The U.S. LawShield Washington Firearms Safety Training is $74.99. Application and fingerprinting fees are separate.
Start your training
Begin your Washington CPL training.
U.S. LawShield Washington Firearms Safety Training · $74.99 · Delivered by U.S. LawShield. You complete it on your own schedule.
Purchases are completed on the U.S. LawShield site. The Ammo Academy earns a commission on courses bought through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Sources & official resources
Last reviewed: August 2026
- Washington State Patrol — Firearms
State agency responsible for certifying training programs under the 2025 law
- Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1163 (2025) — final bill report
Establishes the coming training, live-fire and permit-to-purchase requirements
- RCW 9.41.070 — Concealed pistol license
Licensing standards and issuing agencies
Program details for the U.S. LawShield Washington Firearms Safety Training were provided by U.S. LawShield Instructor Relations. Statutory and procedural details are sourced to the issuing authority above.
Educational information only. Not legal advice. Firearm laws change, and requirements vary by state, county and issuing authority. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you apply.
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