In Washington State, local law enforcement agencies are responsible for issuing concealed pistol licenses (CPL.) You are required to obtain a CPL if you carry a concealed pistol on your person, or if you have a loaded pistol in your vehicle. Bellingham PD has partnered with Permitium to move the application process online.
To be eligible to apply for a CPL with the Bellingham Police Department, you must:
- be at least 21 years of age and
- reside within the city limits of Bellingham.
If you do not meet the residency requirement, you will be directed to apply for a CPL from the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in which you reside.
Applicants must provide one of the following state or federally issued photo identification:
- A current driver’s license
- A current Washington state identification card
- Military identification card
- A current passport
- Law enforcement identification
- Additional required documentation (if applicable)
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Alien Firearms License
NOTE: When applying for a new concealed pistol license, you must also schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted. This appointment must be scheduled within 30 days of your initial application for a concealed pistol license.
Should you miss your fingerprinting appointment, and do not make arrangements to be fingerprinted within the 30 day window for processing of applications, your concealed pistol permit application will expire and be withdrawn. Any fees paid will be forfeited. You will then need to start the application process again, to include payment of fees associated with the application process
All CPL applications are submitted online only by going to the Permitium website.
CPL new/original: You will need to fill out an initial application at the website.
CPL renewals: You may not apply until 90 days prior to the expiration date shown on your current CPL.
CPL late renewals: Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the expiration date shown on the current CPL.
In accordance with RCW 9.41.070, a CPL will be issued to an eligible person residing in Whatcom County within 30 days of submitting an application.
If the applicant does not have a valid Washington state driver’s license or Washington state identification card or has not been a resident of Washington for the previous ninety consecutive days, the CPL will be issued within 60 days of submitting an application.
Payment and application fees are non-refundable if your application is denied. The fees for a CPL are:
- New/Original CPL: $48.00 (as of 01/01/2025)
- Renewal CPL: $32.00
- Late Renewal: $42.00
- Replacement CPL: $10.00
If you are resident of Bellingham and your CPL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may apply for a replacement with BPD using the online Permitium portal.
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