Washington Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Washington. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody Armor is legal with restrictions in Washington. There is no state law prohibiting body armor ownership. However, under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 931), convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Washington follows this federal standard. Body armor can be purchased online or in-store without a permit or license.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Washington has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Washington does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor, though courts may consider it at sentencing.
Age Restriction
No state age restriction. Some retailers voluntarily restrict sales to those 18 and older.
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALWashington state law prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of brass knuckles under RCW 9.41.250. Possession is illegal except for law enforcement or military personnel, and sale or manufacture is prohibited.
Possession
Illegal to possess except law enforcement or military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Gross misdemeanor; punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in Washington, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Washington requires a license to carry a concealed pistol under RCW 9.41.070. Permitless concealed carry is not legal, but open carry is allowed without a permit.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry requires a license; open carry allowed without a permit.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under RCW 9.41; private sales require background checks.
Penalties
Unlicensed concealed carry is a gross misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
Minimum Age
21 years or older to obtain concealed pistol license.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Washington with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Washington with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Washington without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Washington's open carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDWashington allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense but restricts container size to 2 ounces or less under RCW 9.91.160. Sale to minors under 18 is prohibited, and use outside of self-defense may lead to criminal charges.
Carrying
Legal if container is 2 ounces or less; no permit required.
Purchase
Sale to persons under 18 prohibited.
Penalties
Misuse or possession of larger containers can result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors are legal in Washington state only for hunting purposes and require a valid hunting license. RCW 77.15.290 prohibits possession of suppressors except when used for hunting with proper authorization.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal only for hunting with a valid license; otherwise prohibited.
Dealer Availability
Sale restricted to persons authorized to use suppressors for hunting.
Penalties
Misdemeanor charges and possible firearm confiscation for illegal possession.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal NFA age requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDSwitchblades are legal to possess in Washington under RCW 9.41.250. Switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches are illegal to carry concealed but legal to possess and sell. Open carry is allowed.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
Concealed carry of illegal knives is a gross misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Washington. No significant legislative changes since the current laws on stun guns and self-defense were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+