Rising Concealed Pistol Licenses in Wa Reflect Growing Gun Ownership

Worried about your safety? You're not alone. A lot of people in Washington state are carrying guns. In fact a lot of people are carrying concealed pistols and more people are hoping to gain concealed pistol licenses in Washington State.

CHANGING LAWS

According to officials from the Washington State Patrol the increase is the result of lawmakers' move to tighten up the laws that govern the purchase of guns.
One of the new gun laws will go into effect in 2027 and will require state residents to get live-fire training, buy a permit and be fingerprinted all before buying a gun.

READ MORE: WHAT IS THE SEATBELT COMPLIANCE RATE IN YAKIMA?

THINKING OF BUYING A GUN?

The change in gun laws is expected to impact thousands of gun buyers in future years. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing currently 713, 000 residents hold concealed pistol licenses the most in state history and the number is growing every month.

THE CHANGE WON'T IMPACT CURRENT GUN OWNERS

If you already own a firearm, the new Washington permit-to-purchase requirement will not restrict your right to keep the guns you currently possess. The law applies specifically to the purchase or transfer of new firearms after the effective date, not the ownership of existing guns.

WHERE DO PEOPLE LIVE WITH THE MOST CPL'S?

So where are the most concealed permits held in the state? In King County where some 114,000 people have active concealed carry permits. Under those numbers about 1 out of every 10 residents carry a concealed pistol out of a state population of some 8 million people.

YOU CAN APPLY AT THE YPD OR YSO OFFICES

Some 18,000 people Yakima County are licensed to carry concealed.
Currently to obtain a CPL in Washington, you must be 21 or older, meet certain eligibility requirements, and apply through your local law enforcement agency. The fees for CPLs can vary by county and may include fingerprinting fees. For more information on a permit in Yakima click here.