Alien Firearms License

When do I need to have a Alien Firearms License?

RCW 9.41.170 requires anyone who is not a citizen of the United States to have an alien firearms license to possess any firearm.

How do I Apply for an Alien Firearms License?

You will first need to obtain an alien firearms license application packet either by contacting the Department of Licensing at the address or phone number listed below, or by selecting this link, alien firearms license.  The application packet is available in seven different languages and will provide important instructions for completing your application.   Their address is:                  

Department of Licensing
Firearms Licensing
P.O. Box 9649
Olympia WA 98507-9649
360-664-6616

Where do I apply for an Alien Firearms License?

If you live in the unincorporated area of Kitsap County you must apply in person at the Sheriff’s Office in Port Orchard, Silverdale, or Kingston.  If you live in an incorporated city within the county, you must apply in person at either the city police department or Sheriff’s Office. 

What are the application hours?

Application hours are 9:00-11:00 am and 1:30-3:30 pm weekdays, excluding holidays. The application process takes about 30 minutes.

Is there a background check?

Yes.  You will be fingerprinted and a criminal history background check will be conducted before your alien firearms license is issued.

Are there other requirements?

Yes.  The following requirements must be met:

• Lawfully present in the United States
• Resident of Washington State for at least 90 consecutive days
• Resident of Kitsap County
• No pending trial, appeal or sentencing on a prohibitive charge
• No outstanding warrants for any charge, from any court 
• No court order or injunction against possessing a firearm
• No mental health restrictions
• No felony convictions
• No convictions for any of the following crimes when committed by one family member against another on or after July 1, 1993;
  • Assault IV
  • Coercion
  • Stalking
  • Reckless Endangerment in the second degree
  • Criminal Trespass in the first degree
  • Violation of the provisions of a protection order or no-contact order restraining the person or excluding the person from the residence

How long does it take before I receive my Alien Firearms License?

It may take up to 30 days to complete the background check before the license is issued.  If you do not have a Washington driver’s license or identification card it can take up to 60 days.

What documents will I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring:

• Your completed, but unsigned alien firearms application form
• Picture identification, (i.e. Washington driver’s license or identification card)
• A fee of $74.25 in cash, check, or money order made payable to KCSO (Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.)  This fee is non-refundable.

How long is my Alien Firearms License valid?

Your alien firearms license is valid for five years from the date your license is issued.  You will not receive a renewal notice and it is your responsibility to ensure your license has not expired.

How do I re-apply for an Alien Firearms License?

You must apply for a new license every five years.  The process is the same as

For more information about firearms law:

If you would like to obtain more information pertaining to state firearms laws, call the Department of Licensing in Olympia at (360) 664-6616, or select this link to the Department of Licensing for answers to some frequently asked questions. You may also write to:

Department of Licensing
Firearms Licensing
PO Box 9469
Olympia, WA 98504-9649
 

For questions regarding federal law pertaining to firearms, or if you would like to obtain a copy of Federal Firearms Regulations, please write or call: 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
915-2^ndAve, Room 790
Seattle, WA 98174
(206) 389-6800

For additional information, please select this link www.atf.gov.

Fingerprinting hours are from 09:00am to 11:00am and from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday at the Port Orchard and Silverdale Offices; Tuesday and Wednesday only at Kingston

If you have an emergency or need a deputy to respond, do not email. Call 911. If you would like to be notified of new media releases, please contact: Deputy Scott Wilson (360) 337-5698 email

Web Coordinator Email Statewide Victim Information and Notification Program