How Much is a Concealed Weapons Permit in Washington?
Owning a firearm can be a significant responsibility, and in Washington state, obtaining a concealed weapons permit is a crucial step in safeguarding your right to self-defense. The cost of a concealed weapons permit in Washington is a common concern for many individuals, and in this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the fee structure and the process involved.
Direct Answer
The cost of a concealed weapons permit in Washington state is $54, which is a non-refundable fee. $46 of the fee goes towards the applicant’s background check, while $8 goes towards the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Renewal Fees
A concealed weapons permit in Washington state is valid for 5 years. To renew your permit, you need to apply for a new one, and the fee is also $54.
Fees for Temporary Permits
If you need a temporary permit while your application is being processed, the fee is $10. This permit is valid for 90 days.
Fees for Duplicate Permits
In case you lose your concealed weapons permit, you can apply for a duplicate copy, and the fee is $10.
Concealed Carry Fees for Non-Resident
If you’re a non-resident looking to obtain a concealed carry permit in Washington state, the fee is $60. This permit is valid for 3 years.
Fingerprinting Fees
As part of the application process, you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken. The cost of fingerprinting is $10 per set, and you can get your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service.
Background Check Fees
The background check fee is $46, which is included in the total cost of $54 for a concealed weapons permit.
What’s Included in the Fee
The $54 fee includes the following:
- Background check
- Processing of application
- Issuance of permit
- Validity of permit for 5 years
Process for Obtaining a Concealed Weapons Permit
The process for obtaining a concealed weapons permit in Washington state involves the following steps:
- Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Not have a felony conviction or a weapons-related misdemeanor conviction
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of identity
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
- Proof of Washington state residency
- Step 3: Fill Out the Application
- Apply online or by mail through the Washington State Department of Licensing
- Complete the application form and pay the fee
- Step 4: Pay the Fee
- Pay the $54 fee online or by mail
- Step 5: Submit Required Documents
- Submit the required documents, including proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and Washington state residency
- Step 6: Have Your Fingerprints Taken
- Have your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service
- Step 7: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application and all required documents to the Washington State Department of Licensing
Timeline for Processing a Concealed Weapons Permit
The processing time for a concealed weapons permit in Washington state typically takes 1-2 months after submitting your application. Note: Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the Washington State Department of Licensing.
In conclusion, the cost of a concealed weapons permit in Washington state is $54, which includes a background check, processing, and issuance of the permit. The permit is valid for 5 years, and the renewal fee is the same as the initial application fee. It’s essential to understand the process involved in obtaining a concealed weapons permit and the fees associated with it to ensure you’re prepared for the responsible ownership of a firearm in Washington state.
