Washington

Secure Storage
Laws in Washington

Washington has significantly strengthened its gun laws in the last decade and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a child access prevention law, which took effect in Washington in 2019.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Washington

Washington state law addresses the implications of improperly secured firearms.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in Washington face punishment if they store or leave a firearm in a location where they know or should know that a minor or other prohibited person may gain access, such a person does gain access and then subsequently utilizes that firearm. A gun is stored securely if it is:

  • In secure gun storage, meaning and in a locked box, gun safe, or other secure locked storage space that is designed to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of a firearm; or
  • Secured with a trigger lock or similar device designed to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of the firearm.

If a gun owner is leaving a pistol unattended in a vehicle, it must be locked inside the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

Gun owners in Washington may be subject to criminal penalties if they store or leave a firearm in a location that they know or should know that a child under age 18 (or other prohibited person) may gain access, that person does gain access and causes the firearm to discharge, carries or displays it in an alarming manner in public, uses the firearm in the commission of a crime, or causes personal injury or death.

By the Numbers

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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Washington Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Washington in English or Spanish.