General Information

When applying for a new CPL, you must also schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted. This fingerprinting appointment must be scheduled within 30 days of your application for a concealed carry permit.

If you do not make arrangements to be fingerprinted within 30 days of your application, or should you miss your fingerprinting appointment without notifying us, your concealed pistol permit application will expire and be withdrawn. Any fees paid will be forfeited. You will need to start the application process again to include payment of fees associated with the application process.

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.

NOTICE REGARDING CONTACT INFORMATION: Entering a contact telephone number and email address is optional.  However, providing us with your email address and telephone number will allow automated communication regarding your CPL application and status.  If you choose not to provide your email and telephone information, you may leave those fields blank and we will communicate with you via U.S. mail.  However, if you do not provide your email address, you will not be able to use the online Order Tracker to check your application status, reschedule your appointment, or upload requested documents.

If you reside within the City of Bellingham, or are a resident of another state, you may apply for a CPL with the Bellingham Police Department. If you are a county resident, you may apply to the local law enforcement agency (Sheriff's Office) in the jurisdiction of where you reside.

To confirm you are a City of Bellingham resident, and not a county resident with a Bellingham mailing address, please check your address here: CityIQ Online Map Viewer - City of Bellingham

• 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 City of Bellingham 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 Bellingham Police Department regardless of where your CPL was originally issued.

Pricing:

• An online service fee and nominal credit card transaction fee will be viewable prior to transaction completion.
• Fingerprinting is required for an original Concealed Pistol License.  Appointments for fingerprinting are generally available on Tuesdays 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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CPL