Title 9 — Title 9 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
48 chapters · 738 sections in this title.
RCW 9.41.010 Definitions.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2320-S.SL) ****** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.(1) "Antique firearm" means a firearm or replica of a firearm not designed or redesigned …
RCW 9.41.040 Unlawful possession of firearms—Penalties.
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(1)(a) A person, whether an adult or juvenile, is guilty of the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree:(i) If the person owns, accesses, has in the person's custody, control, or possession, or receives any firearm after having previously been convicted or f…
RCW 9.41.041 Unlawful possession of firearms—Restoration of right to possess.
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(1) A person who is prohibited from possession of a firearm under RCW 9.41.040 may not petition a court to have the person's right to possess a firearm restored if the person has been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of: A felony sex offense; a class A felony; …
RCW 9.41.042 Children—Permissible firearm possession.
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RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(v) shall not apply to any person under the age of eighteen years who is:(1) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course;(2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the gover…
RCW 9.41.045 Offenders under supervision of the department—Possession prohibited—Penalties.
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As a sentence condition and requirement, offenders under the supervision of the department of corrections pursuant to chapter 9.94A RCW shall not own, use, or possess firearms or ammunition. In addition to any penalty imposed pursuant to RCW 9.41.040 when applicable, offenders fo…
RCW 9.41.047 Persons found not guilty by reason of insanity and others—Possession rights.
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(1)(a) At the time a person is convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of an offense making the person ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, including if the person was convicted of possession under RCW 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, or 69.4…
RCW 9.41.049 Persons who present likelihood of serious harm—Possession rights.
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(1) When a designated crisis responder files a petition for initial detention under RCW 71.05.150 or 71.05.153 on the grounds that the person presents a likelihood of serious harm, the petition shall include a copy of the person's driver's license or identicard or comparable info…
RCW 9.41.050 Carrying firearms.
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(1)(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.(b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate posses…
RCW 9.41.060 Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
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The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:(1)(a) Marshals, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens or their deputies, correctional personnel and community corrections officers as long as they are employed as such who have completed government-sponsored law enforcement firearms t…
RCW 9.41.065 Correctional employees—Effect of exemption from firearms restrictions—Liability limited.
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The exemptions from firearms restrictions in RCW 9.41.060 and 9.41.300 for correctional personnel and community corrections officers who complete government-sponsored law enforcement firearms training do not create a duty on the part of the state or local governmental entities wi…
RCW 9.41.070 Concealed pistol license—Application—Fee—Renewal.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***(1) The chief of police of a municipality or the sheriff of a county shall within thirty days after the filing of an application of any person, issue a license to such person to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person within this stat…
RCW 9.41.071 Law enforcement agency—Fingerprints fee.
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A local law enforcement agency taking fingerprints pursuant to RCW 9.41.121 may charge a reasonable fee to recover as nearly as practicable the direct and indirect costs to the local law enforcement agency of taking and transmitting the fingerprints. A local law enforcement agenc…
RCW 9.41.073 Concealed pistol license—Reciprocity.
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(1)(a) A person licensed to carry a pistol in a state the laws of which recognize and give effect in that state to a concealed pistol license issued under the laws of the state of Washington is authorized to carry a concealed pistol in this state if:(i) The licensing state does n…
RCW 9.41.075 Concealed pistol license—Revocation.
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(1) The license shall be revoked by a law enforcement agency immediately upon:(a) Discovery by the law enforcement agency that the licensee was ineligible under RCW 9.41.070 for a concealed pistol license when applying for the license or license renewal;(b) Conviction of the lice…
RCW 9.41.080 Delivery to ineligible persons.
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No person may deliver a firearm to any person whom he or she has reasonable cause to believe: (1) Is ineligible under RCW 9.41.040 to possess a firearm or (2) has signed a valid voluntary waiver of firearm rights that has not been revoked under RCW 9.41.350. Any person violating …
RCW 9.41.090 Dealer deliveries regulated—Hold on delivery—Fees authorized.
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(1) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, no dealer may deliver a firearm to the purchaser thereof until:(a) The purchaser provides proof of completion of a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years that complies with the requirements …
RCW 9.41.092 Licensed dealer deliveries—Background checks.
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Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a licensed dealer may not deliver any firearm to a purchaser or transferee until:(1) The results of all required background checks are known and the purchaser or transferee (a) is not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm und…
RCW 9.41.094 Waiver of confidentiality.
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A signed application to purchase a firearm shall constitute a waiver of confidentiality and written request that the health care authority, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities release information relevant to the applicant's eligibility to purchase a firea…
RCW 9.41.097 Supplying information on the eligibility of persons to possess firearms, purchase firearms, or be issued a concealed pistol license.
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(1) The health care authority, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities shall, upon request of a court, law enforcement agency, or the state, supply such relevant information as is necessary to determine the eligibility of a person to possess a firearm, to be …
RCW 9.41.0975 Officials and agencies—Immunity, writ of mandamus.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***(1) The state, local governmental entities, any public or private agency, and the employees of any state or local governmental entity or public or private agency, acting in good faith, are immune from liability:(a) For failure to prevent th…
RCW 9.41.098 Forfeiture of firearms—Disposition—Confiscation.
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(1) The superior courts and the courts of limited jurisdiction of the state may order forfeiture of a firearm which is proven to be:(a) Found concealed on a person not authorized by RCW 9.41.060 or 9.41.070 to carry a concealed pistol: PROVIDED, That it is an absolute defense to …
RCW 9.41.100 Dealer licensing and registration required.
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Every dealer shall be licensed as provided in RCW 9.41.110 and shall register with the department of revenue as provided in chapters 82.04 and 82.32 RCW.[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 415; 1935 c 172 s 10; RRS s 2516-10.]Notes:Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following R…
RCW 9.41.110 Dealer's licenses, by whom granted, conditions, fees—Employees, fingerprinting and background checks—Wholesale sales excepted—Permits prohibited.
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(1) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, or otherwise transfer, any pistol without being licensed as provided in this section.(2) No dealer may sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sal…
RCW 9.41.111 Firearm frames or receivers—Background check—Penalty.
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(1) Beginning on the date that is thirty days after the Washington state patrol issues a notification to dealers that a state firearms background check system is established within the Washington state patrol, a dealer shall use the state firearms background check system to condu…
RCW 9.41.113 Firearm sales or transfers—Background checks—Requirements—Exceptions.
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(1) All firearm sales or transfers, in whole or part in this state including without limitation a sale or transfer where either the purchaser or seller or transferee or transferor is in Washington, shall be subject to background checks unless specifically exempted by state or fed…
RCW 9.41.1132 Firearm sales and transfers—Firearms safety training program—Exceptions.
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(1) A person applying for the purchase or transfer of a firearm must provide proof of completion of a recognized firearms safety training program within the last five years that, at a minimum, includes instruction on:(a) Basic firearms safety rules;(b) Firearms and children, incl…
RCW 9.41.1135 Firearms sales or transfers—Use of Washington state patrol firearms background check system.
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(1) Beginning on the date that is thirty days after the Washington state patrol issues a notification to dealers that a state firearms background check system is established within the Washington state patrol under RCW 43.43.580, a dealer shall use the Washington state patrol fir…
RCW 9.41.114 Firearm sales or transfers—Denial of application report—Dealer's duties.
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(1) A dealer shall report to the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs information on each instance where the dealer denies an application for the purchase or transfer of a firearm, whether under RCW 9.41.090 or 9.41.113, or the requirements of federal law, as the …
RCW 9.41.115 Penalties—Violations of RCW 9.41.113.
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Notwithstanding the penalty provisions in this chapter, any person knowingly violating RCW 9.41.113 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. If a person previously has been found guilty under this section, then the person is guilty of a class C felony …
RCW 9.41.120 Firearms as loan security.
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No person other than a duly licensed dealer shall make any loan secured by a mortgage, deposit or pledge of a pistol. Any licensed dealer receiving a pistol as a deposit or pledge for a loan shall keep such records and make such reports as are provided by law for pawnbrokers and …
RCW 9.41.121 Firearms—Permit to purchase application.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***(1) A person may apply for a permit to purchase firearms with the Washington state patrol firearms background check program.(2) An applicant for a permit to purchase firearms must submit to the Washington state patrol firearms background ch…
RCW 9.41.122 Out-of-state purchasing.
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Residents of Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns in a state other than Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. 90-351 as administered by the United States secretary of the tre…
RCW 9.41.124 Purchasing of rifles and shotguns by nonresidents.
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Residents of a state other than Washington may purchase rifles and shotguns, except those firearms defined as semiautomatic assault rifles, in Washington: PROVIDED, That such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, Title IV, Pub. L. …
RCW 9.41.129 Recordkeeping requirements.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***The department of licensing shall keep copies or records of applications for concealed pistol licenses provided for in RCW 9.41.070, copies or records of applications for alien firearm licenses, copies or records of applications to purchase…
RCW 9.41.135 Verification of licenses and registration—Notice to federal government.
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(1) At least once every twelve months, the department of licensing shall obtain a list of dealers licensed under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923(a) with business premises in the state of Washington from the United States bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. The department of licensing sh…
RCW 9.41.137 Department of licensing, authority to adopt rules—Reporting of violations—Authority to revoke licenses.
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The department of licensing shall have the authority to adopt rules for the implementation of this chapter as amended. In addition, the department of licensing shall report any violation of this chapter by a licensed dealer to the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosiv…
RCW 9.41.139 Department of licensing—Eligibility to possess firearms.
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(1) Within twelve months of July 1, 2019, the department of licensing shall, in conjunction with the Washington state patrol and other state and local law enforcement agencies as necessary, develop a cost-effective and efficient process to:(a) Verify, on an annual or more frequen…
RCW 9.41.140 Alteration of identifying marks—Exceptions.
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No person may change, alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's number, or other mark of identification on any firearm. Possession of any firearm upon which any such mark shall have been changed, altered, removed, or obliterated, shall be prima fac…
RCW 9.41.171 Alien possession of firearms—Requirements—Penalty.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***It is a class C felony for any person who is not a citizen of the United States to carry or possess any firearm, unless the person: (1) Is a lawful permanent resident; (2) has obtained a valid alien firearm license pursuant to RCW 9.41.173;…
RCW 9.41.173 Alien possession of firearms—Alien firearm license—Political subdivisions may not modify requirements—Penalty for false statement.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***(1) In order to obtain an alien firearm license, a nonimmigrant alien residing in Washington must apply to the sheriff of the county in which he or she resides.(2) The sheriff of the county shall within sixty days after the filing of an app…
RCW 9.41.175 Alien possession of firearms—Possession without license—Conditions.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***(1) A nonimmigrant alien, who is not a resident of Washington or a citizen of Canada, may carry or possess any firearm without having first obtained an alien firearm license if the nonimmigrant alien possesses:(a) A valid passport and visa …
RCW 9.41.185 Coyote getters.
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The use of "coyote getters" or similar spring-triggered shell devices shall not constitute a violation of any of the laws of the state of Washington when the use of such "coyote getters" is authorized by the state department of agriculture and/or the state department of fish and …
RCW 9.41.190 Unlawful firearms—Exceptions.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2320-S.SL) ***(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person to:(a) Manufacture, own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, or have in possession or under control, any machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, …
RCW 9.41.220 Unlawful firearms and parts contraband.
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All machine guns, bump-fire stocks, undetectable firearms, short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles, or any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in a machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, or in converting a weapon into a machi…
RCW 9.41.225 Use of machine gun or bump-fire stock in felony—Penalty.
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(1) It is unlawful for a person, in the commission or furtherance of a felony other than a violation of RCW 9.41.190, to discharge a machine gun or to menace or threaten with a machine gun, another person.(2) It is unlawful for a person, in the commission or furtherance of a felo…
RCW 9.41.230 Aiming or discharging firearms, dangerous weapons.
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(1) For conduct not amounting to a violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, any person who:(a) Aims any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being;(b) Willfully discharges any firearm, air gun, or other weapon, or throws any deadly missile in a public place, or in any p…
RCW 9.41.240 Possession of pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle by person from eighteen to twenty-one.
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(1) A person under twenty-one years of age may not purchase a pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may sell or transfer a semiautomatic assault rifle to a person under twenty-one years of age.(2) Unless an exception un…
RCW 9.41.250 Dangerous weapons—Penalty.
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(1) Every person who:(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife;(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous…
RCW 9.41.251 Dangerous weapons—Application of restrictions to law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, and military personnel.
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(1) RCW 9.41.250 does not apply to:(a) The possession or use of a spring blade knife by a general authority law enforcement officer, firefighter or rescue member, Washington state patrol officer, or military member, while the officer or member:(i) Is on official duty; or(ii) Is t…
RCW 9.41.260 Dangerous exhibitions.
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Every proprietor, lessee, or occupant of any place of amusement, or any plat of ground or building, who allows it to be used for the exhibition of skill in throwing any sharp instrument or in shooting any bow gun or firearm of any description, at or toward any human being, is gui…