← Washington firearms laws›Open Carry
Washington Open Carry Laws (2026)
Conditional: Open carry of a pistol is generally legal in Washington at 21 or older without a license, because no statute directly prohibits it.
Open carry of a pistol is generally legal in Washington at 21 or older without a license, because no statute directly prohibits it. It is a crime if done in a way that shows intent to intimidate or warrants alarm. A loaded pistol in a vehicle still needs a Concealed Pistol License. Open carry is barred in many places, including permitted demonstrations, the west state capitol campus, local government meetings, libraries, zoos and transit stations. Ages 18 to 20 may possess a pistol only at home, work or their own property, with limited exceptions.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Carry in states bordering Washington
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IdahoPermitted
Open carry of a handgun in plain view needs no license anywhere in Idaho, including inside cities. Cities and counties cannot add their own bans. It is open to adults 18 and older who may legally have a gun. Private owners can still bar guns from their property, and school property is off limits except in narrow cases.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: legislature.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
- OregonConditional
Yes, at 18 or older, with limits. State law does not ban carrying a handgun openly, for example in a belt holster. Cities and counties may ban carrying a loaded firearm in public places, and Portland does, including in a vehicle, unless you hold an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL). State law bans firearms in public buildings, including schools, hospitals, city halls and airport terminals, with narrow exceptions.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →
We watch the official sources behind Washington firearms rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.