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Washington Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: Without a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you may not carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle, a misdemeanor.
Without a Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you may not carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle, a misdemeanor. A pistol is loaded if a cartridge is in the chamber or in an inserted magazine. An unloaded pistol left in a vehicle must be locked inside and out of sight from outside. With a CPL, a loaded pistol may be on you, or in the vehicle with you, or locked and concealed when you are away. The law does not say if a visitor's recognized out-of-state permit counts. Until that is settled, unload the pistol before it goes in a vehicle unless you hold a Washington license.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Washington
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IdahoPermitted
In Idaho you may carry a handgun concealed in a motor vehicle without a license, loaded or unloaded, as long as you are legally allowed to have a gun. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: legislature.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
- OregonConditional
Without an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL), a concealed handgun that is readily accessible in a vehicle is a crime. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →
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