Any Pierce County resident, City of Milton resident (Pierce or King County), or non-Washington resident may apply for a CPL through South Sound 911.  Applications from residents of other counties will be rejected without refund for any paid convenience and credit card processing fees.

Depending upon the city of residence, there may be alternative locations to submit a CPL application; however, residents of unincorporated Pierce County and the cities of DuPont, Edgewood, Fife, Fircrest, Lakewood, Milton, Orting, Roy, Ruston, Steilacoom, Tacoma, and University Place may only apply at South Sound 911.  Residents who live within the city limits of Bonney Lake, Eatonville, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, or Sumner may be able to apply at their respective local police departments. Hours and days in which residents can apply may be limited, so please verify procedures in advance.

Need a dealers license instead? Visit our Firearms Dealer Licenses page.

Applying for a CPL

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you may submit and pay for an application online (subject to convenience and credit card processing fees). NOTE: While the online system allows out-of-area applications, applications received from outside of South Sound 911’s service area will be rejected and any convenience and credit card processing fees will not be refunded.

All new/original Applicants (and those with licenses expired more than 90 days) must be fingerprinted as part of the application process; this service requires an appointment which can can be scheduled via the online application. If when you apply there are no available appointments, please attempt to submit your application on the next business day (Tuesday – Saturday). Appointments are released each business day for up to 147 days out.

Applicants must show or upload a valid, government-issued photo I.D. and the expired/expiring CPL, if applicable. A school or work I.D. is not acceptable I.D. 

If you encounter problems using the online application system or have questions, please email CPL@southsound911.org.

APPLY ONLINE 

Appointments

South Sound 911’s public counter is currently open on an appointment-only basis, one person per appointment for online new/original CPL applicants only. For the health and safety of all, South Sound 911 asks visitors do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home if you are sick
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering
• Come to your appointment alone
• Be on time, but do not check-in for your appointment more than five (5) minutes early
• Bring valid photo identification and all applicable completed paperwork
• If there is a line, visitors should maintain 6-foot physical distancing
• Make sure your hands are clean, but avoid using hand sanitizer beforehand as it may affect your ability to be fingerprinted

Appointments are in high demand. In-lobby wait times should be limited, but may still occur.

Please allow ample time to find parking. If you are late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Fees

• Original License – $49.25
• Renewal License – $32
• Late Renewal License – $42
• Replacement License – $10
• Alien Firearm License – $83.25

Online applications will incur a $4 convenience fee and a credit card processing fee ($.30 + 2.9% of the total). 

* The listed fees include the $13.25 FBI fingerprint-based background check when applicable.

Renewing or Replacing a CPL

You may apply to replace a CPL at any time or renew a license up to 90 days prior to its expiration date. If your license is between one and 90 days past expiration, you may submit a Late Renewal Application. A fingerprinting appointment is not required for a renewal or replacement CPL.

Any license which is expired by more than 90 days cannot be renewed; an application for an Original License would be required. Military personnel unable to renew on time as a result of out-of-state deployment/assignment may qualify for an exemption to the 90-day renewal time limit. Applicants must apply within 90 days of returning to Washington state and provide proof of deployment/assignment dates.

RENEW / REPLACE ONLINE 

Receiving Your CPL

If your completed application is approved, you can expect to receive your CPL in the mail in approximately 30 days. Applications are considered “complete” when fingerprints are received, if applicable.

If your application is denied, you will receive communication informing you of the reason(s) for denial along with information on how to appeal the denial. If you have lost your firearm rights, you may petition the court of record where you reside or where the conviction occurred for the restoration of your rights. Out-of-state convictions are more complex when it comes to restoration of your rights; you may wish to consult an attorney for advice or assistance. South Sound 911 personnel cannot offer legal advice.

Application Status

The online Order Tracker allows applicants to check the status of their application and their fingerprint appointment time. You will need your order (application) number, the email address you provided, and password. If you do not know your password you can use the reset password function.

You may also choose to inquire with South Sound 911 staff; however, since information about CPL applications is protected by law, in order for South Sound 911 to provide information about your application or its status via email we must have proof of your identity. You may provide a copy (photocopy, scanned image, photograph) of the I.D. you presented at the time you applied as proof of your identity. Email the image of your I.D. to CPL@southsound911.org and we will respond with status information as soon as possible.