If you own a weapon that is protected by a concealed weapons permit in Washington, you may be curious to know whether or not the same permit is permissible in another state. The good news? Washington State concealed carry reciprocity exists, so your permit is recognized by some other states. In this guide, we will take a closer look at what states offer Washington concealed carry reciprocity and what conditions you need to be aware of.

Does Washington State Honor Concealed Carry Reciprocity? Yes, With Conditions

If you have a concealed carry weapons permit from another state, then Washington state concealed carry reciprocity may apply to you. However, there are certain conditions that your permit must meet for it to be recognized by the state. These conditions are as follows:

• The state of Washington only extends concealed carry reciprocity to states that also recognize concealed carry permits from Washington.
• The state in which the concealed carry permit has been issued must not issue concealed pistol licenses (CPL) to individuals under the age of 21 years, as this will nullify Washington state CPL reciprocity.
• The state in which the concealed carry permit has been issued must require that those who have received their concealed carry permit have undergone mandatory fingerprint criminal background checks as well as mental health history checks to acquire their concealed carry permit.

For states that meet all of the above conditions, Washington concealed carry reciprocity laws will apply to your own concealed carry permit. However, it’s important to note that there are still restrictions. Of course, before attempting to travel with a firearm, you will want to do further research to understand the laws of different states and regions in greater depth.

Which States Fall Under These Washington State Guidelines?

Now that you understand the conditions for reciprocity, the next question is: which states meet these criteria? Although it’s important to do your research and ensure that you’re safe to carry with a concealed license, some states that align with Washington concealed carry reciprocity laws include:

• Ohio
• Idaho
• Utah
• Kansas
• Michigan
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Louisiana

If you anticipate traveling or moving to another state in the future, the good news is that many other states will recognize Washington state concealed carry permits as well, making it possible for you to enjoy Washington state concealed carry reciprocity beyond just the states listed here (although there may be additional conditions and exceptions in some cases). Take the time to understand not only the concealed carrying laws but the laws in regards to firearms usage in general.

Staying protected legally and physically requires extensive research so that you do not unintentionally break any laws while seeking to benefit from Washington concealed carry reciprocity. If you anticipate visiting another state while carrying a weapon, look into that state’s laws to ensure that your concealed carry permit is recognized to avoid any legal issues.

Get Legal Assistance to Protect Your Gun Rights

Interested in learning more about Washington state CPL reciprocity laws or need assistance if you have violated any state laws and are facing legal repercussions? At Findley & Rogers, we are dedicated to helping you access high-quality legal representation at an affordable rate to defend your constitutional rights. When you choose Findley & Rogers, you have the benefit of free initial consultations, personalized attention that works with your schedule, and competitive flat-fee pricing for issues pertaining to Washington concealed carry reciprocity and beyond.

To navigate the legal system successfully, you need an experienced guide. That’s where we can help! Schedule a free consultation today to get started.