This site will answer some basic questions about the concealed pistol license procedure, handgun laws and discuss some safety issues that impact persons who own and use handguns.

Please remember that by possessing a handgun the possibility of firearm accidents and injury can increase unless you and every member of your household know how to safely keep and use a firearm.

We hope you will find this pamphlet helpful. It has been prepared by the Clallam County Sheriff's Office staff to assist you in obtaining a concealed pistol license and to help you become more knowledgeable about your responsibilities as a gun owner and user.

How to Apply for a Concealed Pistol License
(Residents who live inside a city's jurisdiction must apply at the appropriate Police Department.)

1. To apply, you must be 21 years of age or older, and live in the unincorporated areas of Clallam County.

2. You must apply in person at the Clallam County Sheriff's Department in Port Angeles, or at our Detachment Office in Sequim. Applications are available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

3. Two sets of fingerprints are required for applicants for original CPL.  If you request renewal or replacement of a license and have no Washington driver's license or ID card, two sets of prints are required. There is a $24.00 fee for fingerprints.

4. If you are eligible to have a license, your license will be mailed to you within 30 days. If you are ineligible, your application will be denied and you will be notified by letter.  Fees are non-refundable.

5. The license is valid for 5 years from date of issue. The license is good in the State of Washington. Other states have their own gun laws.

Note to license holder: Whenever carrying a concealed pistol, the license must be carried and exhibited to any Peace Officer upon demand.

Original
1. An original license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

2. The fee is $60.00 (incl. prints), which is non-refundable.

Timely Renewal
1. A license may be renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

2. The fee is $32.00, which is non-refundable.

3. The expiration date on the new license will be 5 years from the expiration date on the previous license.

Late Renewal
1. The day after the license expires, the license becomes a late renewal.  There is no grace period.  (If the license is expired over 90 days, an original license will be issued.)

2. The fee is $42.00, which is non-refundable.

3. The expiration date on the new license will be 5 years from the expiration date on the previous license.

Replacement License
1. If your license has been lost or destroyed you can apply for a replacement license.

2.  The fee is $10.00, which is non-refundable.

3. The expiration date is the same expiration date as on the one being replaced.

Note: All permit fees are set by State Law and may be changed by Legislative Assembly only.

Ten Commandments of Gun Safety
1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.

2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

3. Be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

4. Know your target and backstop before you pull the trigger.

5. Unload firearms when not in use.

6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.

7. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water.

8. Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children.

9. Know your firearm's required ammunition. Read your instruction manual.

10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before or while handling firearms.

By no means are these the only safety rules to follow when handling firearms. Other common-sense rules should always be followed. The bottom line is that you should be fully capable of handling your firearm in a safe and proper manner at all times. If you are in doubt or have any questions, ask your firearms dealers, a local Hunter Education Instructor or other knowledgeable person for assistance.

The Law
Both state and federal laws govern the use of firearms. Here in Washington, most state firearms laws are found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW Chapter 9.41) while many federal laws and regulations are listed in the United States Code. Although these two legal reference sources are informative, they are not all-inclusive, and additional firearms restrictions may apply in some cases.

One familiar example of additional firearms restrictions is in airports, where the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits carrying firearms in certain restricted areas on or about a person or accessible property (such as carry-on luggage). No private citizen, not even with a valid concealed pistol license, is exempt from this special restriction.

Cities, counties and municipalities in Washington are prohibited from enacting firearms laws and ordinances unless such ordinances are specifically authorized by state law. For example, while you may be legally entitled to own a handgun and carry it with a concealed pistol license, you may be prevented by county or municipal regulations from discharging that firearm for target practice in certain areas.

Just as with firearms safety, it is your responsibility as a firearms owner to know applicable firearms laws and regulations. Although no single pamphlet can possibly list all firearms laws and regulations, the ones below are of general interest to all firearms owners.

Carrying handguns
Generally speaking, state law requires you to have a valid concealed pistol license before you can carry a handgun concealed on your person. However, the law does provide a number of exceptions, including: (RCW 9.41.060 and 9.41.050) Persons within their home or fixed place of business. Members of gun collecting or shooting clubs going to or from their gun shows or places of target practice. Persons on hunting, fishing or camping trips. Persons carrying pistols unloaded and in secure wrappers.

Use or possession of firearms by minors
There are certain restrictions that apply to minors buying, owning and possessing pistols or shotguns and rifles. These restrictions can be found in RCW 9.41.042, 9.41.240 and Chapter 44 Title 18, U.S. Code.

Carrying firearms in restricted areas
Firearms may not be carried by private individuals in any of the following places: restricted areas of a jail; courtrooms, jury rooms or judge's chambers; public mental health facilities; school facilities; and those portions of establishments classified by the state liquor control board as off-limits to persons under 21. This means no firearms in bars or cocktail lounges. (RCW 9.41.280 and 9.41.300)

Shooting from public highway
It is unlawful to shoot a firearm from, across or along the maintained portion of a public highway. (RCW 77.16.260)

Aiming or discharging firearms
It is a misdemeanor to aim any firearm_whether loaded or not_at or toward any human being. It is also against the law to discharge a firearm in a place where any person might be endangered thereby. (RCW 9.41.230)

Aliens must be licensed
Anyone who is not a citizen of the United States (or who has not declared his intention to become a citizen) is prevented from carrying or possessing any firearm without first obtaining an alien firearm license from the Director of Licensing. (RCW 9.41.170)

Loaded firearms in vehicles
You must have a license to carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle. Pistols - must be on the licensee's person, or the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there. If the licensee is away from the vehicle the pistol must be locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle. (RCW 9.41.050) Shotguns/rifles - Shotguns and rifles in or on motor vehicles must be unloaded. This means no shells or cartridges in the chamber or magazine. (RCW 77.16.250)

Unlawful possession of firearms
Certain persons are prevented by state and/or federal law from possessing firearms. Among those prohibited are persons who are drug addicts, habitual drunkards, persons of unsound mind, persons convicted in this state or elsewhere of any felony, serious offense, crime of violence, or certain offenses involving domestic violence. Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Felony. (Chapter 9.41 RCW)

Contact the Sheriff´s Department with questions or comments about the information on this page