In our recent article, Washington’s Firearm Sales Plummet After Aggressive Gun Control Push, we exposed how 2023’s HB 1240 and other sweeping laws led to a 45.7% drop in firearm sales – the steepest decline of any state. But while gun purchases have slowed, something else is accelerating: concealed pistol licenses (CPLs).
Between January and June 2025, Washington added 8,700 new CPLs, with June alone seeing a record-breaking 1,410 new licenses. That’s a sharp uptick compared to the same period in 2024, which saw just 6,200 new CPLs.
But here’s the key: this rise doesn’t necessarily reflect new gun owners. Many of these individuals already own firearms, they’re simply getting ahead of the next wave of restrictions. And it’s worth noting: Washington is an open carry state, meaning residents can legally carry a firearm without a license, so a CPL isn’t a legal necessity. Instead, it’s a strategic choice. A CPL allows for concealed carry, quicker firearm transfers, and, critically, demonstrates preparedness as lawmakers push toward more restrictive policies.
HB 1163: The Permit-to-Purchase Law That Changed Everything
Passed in 2025, HB 1163 requires Washington residents to obtain a state-issued permit before purchasing any firearm starting May 1, 2027. That permit demands:
- Live-fire training
- Fingerprinting
- Background checks
- A 10-day waiting period
It’s not just red tape it’s a state-run registry of lawful gun owners. And citizens are responding by securing CPLs now, before the law takes effect.
Does Having a CPL Satisfy HB 1163’s Requirements?
No. While both CPLs and HB 1163’s permit-to-purchase involve background checks and training, they are separate processes. A CPL will not exempt someone from the new permit requirement. Starting in 2027, even CPL holders must obtain a state-issued purchase permit before buying a firearm. This is good incentive for Washington citizens to purchase a firearm before May 1, 2027 – from the selection that has been severely pared down by Washington democrats.
Women Are Leading the Charge
About 20% of CPL holders are women, many of whom are seeking protection in a state where violent crime is rising and police staffing is stretched thin. For survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or threats, a CPL isn’t just a license – it’s a lifeline.
Bottom Line
Washington’s lawmakers may have succeeded in suppressing firearm sales, but they’ve ignited something else: a widespread realization that self-defense is a personal and constitutional right. HB 1163 didn’t make Washington safer. It punished law-abiding citizens with red tape and delays while leaving criminals untouched.
And the pressure’s building. In January 2026, HB 1504 (mandatory liability insurance) and HB 1386 (firearm and ammo taxes) will automatically be reintroduced. These proposed laws would create financial barriers to a right that should never be taxed or licensed out of reach.
At Conservative Ladies of Washington, we believe in facts—and the fact is this: CPLs are rising because trust in government protection is falling—and because Washingtonians won’t surrender their rights quietly.
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