CLALLAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE   

This information is designed to 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.

The Clallam County Sheriff's Office encourages and promotes safe gun use and responsible ownership.  Please remember that by possessing a handgun, the possibility of a firearm accident and injury can increase unless you and every member of your household  knows how to safely keep and use a firearm.  We hope you will find this information helpful.  It has been prepared by us to assist you in obtaining a concealed pistol license and to help you become more knowledgeable.

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:  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.

 

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF 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 permit, 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 we cannot 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 that you 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 on hunting, fishing or camping trips.  Persons carrying pistols unloaded and 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, US Code.

Carrying firearms in restricted areas:  Firearms may not be carried by individuals in any of the following places:

    • Restricted areas of the jail
    • Courtrooms
    • Jury Rooms or Judge's Chambers
    • Public Mental Health Facilities
    • Bars or Cocktail Lounges
      •

Shooting from public highways:  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 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 an concealed from view from outside the vehicle (RCW 6.41.050) 

Shotguns/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 firearm is a felony. (RCW Chapter 9.41)

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CONCEALED PISTOL LICENSE

    To apply, you must be 21 years of age or older and live in the unincorporated (outside the city limits) areas

    You must apply in person at the Clallam County Sheriff's Office in Port Angeles at the Clallam County Courthouse or at our Sequim Detachment located at the Sequim Police Department.  Applications are available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Two sets of fingerprints are required for applicants for an original CPL, or if you request a renewal or replacement of a license and have no Washington driver's license or ID card.  There is a $24 fee for fingerprints.

    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.

    The license is valid for 5 years from the 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 LICENSE

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

      The fee is $60 (including fingerprints) which is non-refundable

 

RENEWAL

      A license should be renewed in a timely manner, up to 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license

      The fee is $32 which is non-refundable

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

 

LATE RENEWAL

      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.

      The fee for late renewal is $42, which is non-refundable

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

 

REPLACEMENT LICENSE

      If your license has been lost or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement license.

      The fee for a replacement license is $10 which is non-refundable

      The expiration date for the replaced license is the same expiration date as on the license being replaced.

Concealed Pistol License form download

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