<P> There are no age restrictions on the possession of firearms and some people are prohibited from possessing firearms due to certain criminal convictions or who are released on bond or their own recognizance pending trial for certain criminal charges . Since July 1, 1994, machine guns, short - barreled shotguns, and any parts thereof are prohibited . Suppressors and short - barreled rifles may be possessed and used in accordance with federal law . Pistols transferred through an F.F.L. dealer must be registered with Washington State D.O.L. </P> <P> There is a rather long list of places where the possession or storage of firearms or ammunition is prohibited or otherwise restricted . Statutory law prohibits firearms in places such as areas of buildings used for court proceedings, certain areas of public mental health facilities, establishments which serve alcohol and are off - limits to persons under 21 years of age, restricted - access areas of commercial airports, State correctional facilities, and outdoor music festivals . Administrative law prohibits or otherwise restricts the possession or storage of firearms in places such as certain schools, premises of the Office of Administrative Hearings, child care centers, horse races, near certain explosive materials, and certain shelters for respite or youths . See the Washington' infobox' or one of this section's referenced documents for the complete list as well as where exceptions apply for those who hold concealed pistol licenses . </P> <P> As a general rule, a person may legally open - carry in Washington state in any place it is legal to possess a loaded handgun, as long as it does not manifest "an intent to intimidate another or (warrant) alarm for the safety of other persons ." To open - carry a handgun in a vehicle (e.g, car, bus, etc ...) a person must have a valid concealed pistol license . The county sheriff or city police chief shall issue a concealed pistol license to any applicant, age 21 or older, who meets certain requirements, including no felony convictions, no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, and no outstanding warrants . Open carrying of firearms is not prohibited by law, although trouble with some law enforcement agencies has been encountered while open carrying in the past, most notably in a case in Ellensburg, Washington . </P> <P> In Washington, the police may temporarily seize guns from people a judge deems a threat to themselves or others . Law enforcement personnel may alert mental health professionals, who can determine if someone is a threat or needs involuntary treatment . The police must notify any family or household members who want to know about a gun being returned to the person from whom it was taken away . </P>

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