Firearms/NICS

*Update 10-6-22: WSP has confirmed that NICS training will continue to be offered quarterly online in 2023. There will be no class size limit. Dates and times for these trainings will be announced in December 2022. Contact [email protected] with any questions.*

  • Chapter 9.41 RCW Firearms and Dangerous Weapons lists the requirements for concealed pistol license and firearm deliveries. If you process concealed pistol licenses you definitely want to check out the Washington State Current Firearms Laws and Rules.
  • Washington State Patrol ACCESS NICS under the miscellaneous training section provides an online training for NICS information.  Please take the time to read over this training, it provides valuable information for firearms eligibility.
  • National Instant Criminal Background Check System or NICS. Mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 and launched by the FBI on November 30, 1998, NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. NICS is located at the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. It provides full service to FFLs in 30 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia As law enforcement agencies we have access to information contained in the NICS index to assist in determining firearms eligibility.  
  • The Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) has many Special Interest Groups (SIGS) that are beneficial to law enforcement personnel. You can also find information regarding LEEP at the FBI website.
  • Washington State Health Care Authority provides mental health background checks for individuals applying for firearms.  Their current contact information is phone 360-725-3710, fax 360-725-2378 or email [email protected].
  • There have been many questions about the impact of Initiative 1639.  Attorney General Ferguson has published information to help navigate the changes.