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General Information
Learning the laws regulating the use of firearms is a must for responsible ownership. Local regulations differ and laws vary from state to state. Citizens must check with the jurisdiction where the firearm is to be used.
In Washington State, law enforcement agencies are required to follow local, state and federal guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for issuing Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs). Due to the detailed nature involved in conducting these background checks, processing times can take up to 30 days (up to 60 days for applicants residing out of state). You will be notified when all required background checks have been completed.
If you reside within Whatcom County, or are a resident of another state, you may apply for a CPL at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. If you are a city resident, you may apply to the local law enforcement agency (Police Department) in the jurisdiction of where you reside.
- For an ORIGINAL CPL, you will be asked to schedule a fingerprint appointment.
- If you are applying for a CPL RENEWAL, you may not apply until 90 days prior to the expiration date shown on your current CPL.
- LATE RENEWAL applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the expiration date shown on the current CPL.
- If you are a Whatcom County or an out of state resident and your Washington State CPL is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may apply for a REPLACEMENT CPL from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office regardless of where your CPL was originally issued.
Pricing:
| Type of Permit | Fee |
|
Original CPL |
$49.25 |
| Renew CPL | $32.00 |
| Late Renewal | $42.00 |
| Replacement CPL | $10.00 |
- For credit card transactions a nominal credit card transaction fee will be charged for each transaction. Charges will be viewable prior to transaction completion.
- Fingerprinting is required for an original Concealed Pistol License. Appointments for fingerprinting are generally available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays excluding legal holidays
- Click the appropriate button on the left of the screen to proceed with an application for a Concealed Pistol License.
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Concealed Pistol License Requirements: must meet ALL requirements
Completing the Application
Answering all the questions on this standard application does not guarantee the issuance of a Concealed Pistol License. The determination whether to issue the license is at the discretion of the licensing authority.
Requirements
The applicant must:
- be 21 years of age, or older.
- You must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent resident alien.
- If you are a permanent resident, you must provide your original Immigration issued Permanent Resident Card at time of application.
- You must live in Whatcom County, or outside of WA state, in the case of non-resident applicants.
- You must have a current Driver’s License or State ID issued by Washington State or any other state. Passports or Military ID’s are not accepted in lieu of a state issued ID.
- If you have a Driver’s License or State ID issued by a state other than Washington, you may have a 60 day wait for an original application.
What to bring to the appointment
You will need to show proof of identification. Accepted photo identification is:
- A current passport
- A current Washington state driver’s license
- A current Washington state identification card
- Equivalent out of state identification
- Law enforcement identification
- Military identification card
Qualifications
Conditions that may prevent the ability to obtain a CPL are listed in RCW 9.41.070 and 18 USC Ch. 44
For More Information, Contact:
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
311 Grand Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-6670
Fax: 360-778-6601
Email: sheriffrecords@co.whatcom.wa.us
For Technical Support, Contact:
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: (855) 642-2453