How to get a Concealed Pistol License in Seattle

Concealed Pistol license is a nice thing to have, even if you have no plans to carry a concealed pistol.

• It allows you to buy handguns without police background check, and a long attendant wait period (dealer still performs the background check using NICS, but it is instant in most cases, and you walk out with your pistol the same day).
• It eliminates most of the hassle of transporting a gun to a shooting range - there are requirements on storing ammunition and gun separately in an inaccessible area of the car which you not need to care about if you have a CPL.

WA is a "shall issue" state. This means that if you are eligible to possess a firearm, the state WILL issue you the license.

Getting the license is VERY easy. All you need to do is to show up at the Seattle Police Headquarters (610 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104). You will file an application, get fingerprinted, pay the fee ($52.20) by cash or check, and 30 days later (provided that you have been WA State resident for more than 90 days; otherwise it is 60 days) the CPL will arrive in the mail.

The service is provided by SPD's Public Request Unit. They are open 8am-4pm (the time of the last request).