Alien firearms license
There are a tremendous number of individuals wanting to get their Alien Firearms License (AFL) at this time. Due to the volume, as well as our limitations of how many appointments we can schedule daily, we understand getting an appointment can be challenging.
We ask that you continue to check back frequently for openings in the online appointment system. Calling the downtown Seattle location for an appointment will not be successful in getting an earlier time slot than what is available using the online appointment system.
We appreciate your patience as we work to reduce and/or eliminate backlogs created as a result of the extended pandemic restrictions.
Requirements
| At the time you apply, the following are required: |
- A completed Alien Firearm License Application.
- You must be 18 years of age, or older.
- You must live in King County, or outside the state of Washington, in the case of non-resident applicants.
- You must have a current Driver’s License or State issued ID. Passports or Military ID’s are not accepted in lieu of State issued ID.
- Residential address must be up to date with Department of Licensing.
- The waiting period to receive the Alien Firearm License is 30 to 60 days, and will be mailed.
- If you have a Driver’s License or State ID issued by a state other than Washington, you may have a 60 day wait for an original application.
- You must bring your current Passport, VISA, and a Washington State issued hunting license or proof of membership to a Sport Shooting Club. Original documents required.
- The print out of your most recent I-94 (can be obtained from the US Department of Homeland Security’s website at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov).
To begin the process:
If you meet the requirements listed above, you may begin the process by downloading an Alien Firearm License application, which is valid for a new (original) or replacement Alien Firearm License.
The application process for an Original Alien Firearm License typically takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. This application process must be conducted IN PERSON. The process includes fingerprinting at time of application submittal (no 3rd party prints accepted). Some applications may take longer, so we appreciate your patience.
For information on scheduling an appointment, please see the Scheduling an Appointment tab on this page.
There is no renewal process for an Alien Firearms License. Alien Firearms Licenses are good for two (2) years, and upon expiration, a new application must be submitted.
An application for a new (original) Alien Firearm License may be submitted up to 90 days before your current license expires.
If your Alien Firearm License expires, you will no longer be able to possess a firearm or Concealed Pistol License.
Requirements
Any person who resides anywhere within King County may submit an application for replacement if they meet the following requirements:
- AFL has been lost, stolen or damaged.
- AFL has not expired.
| At the time you apply, the following are required: |
- A completed Alien Firearm License Application.
- You must be 18 years of age, or older.
- You must live in King County, or outside the state of Washington, in the case of non-resident applicants.
- You must have a current Driver’s License or State issued ID. Passports or Military ID’s are not accepted in lieu of State issued ID.
- Residential address must be up to date with Department of Licensing.
- The waiting period to receive the Alien Firearm License is 30 to 60 days, and will be mailed.
- If you have a Driver’s License or State ID issued by a state other than Washington, you may have a 60 day wait for an original application.
- You must bring your current Passport, VISA, and a Washington State issued hunting license or proof of membership to a Sport Shooting Club. Original documents required.
- The print out of your most recent I-94 (can be obtained from the US Department of Homeland Security’s website at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
Applicant MUST BE PRESENT at time of application submittal. Applications will ONLY be accepted for the subject of the license to be renewed.
There will be no exceptions made for this process. Your application may be denied if all elements of the applicable process are not met at the time of submittal.
New/Original Alien Firearm License (AFL):
All processing is handled by appointment only. Any person who resides anywhere within King County may set up an appointment at the downtown Seattle King County Courthouse location using the button below.
When scheduling an appointment using the online appointment system, you may see the message: “Sorry, no days currently available." This means the scheduling calendar is full. If appointment cancellations occur, the schedule is automatically refreshed. The page is updated immediately as appointments become available. Please check back frequently.
For operating hours, services and appointment options provided by our partner cities, please see the LOCATIONS dropdown menu on this page.
King County Courthouse / Downtown Seattle
516 Third Ave, W-150
Seattle, WA 98104
HOURS:
Mon – Fri | 8:30am – 4:00pm
PAYMENTS ACCEPTED:
Cash / Check / Money Order
NEW AFL:
Appointment Only
link for Downtown Seattle location
REPLACE AFL:
Walk in only (8:30am - 3:30pm)
Current Fees:
Check, Money Order or Cashiers check must be for EXACT amount only. We are unable to provide change for any over payment.
$10.00 (For Replacements) - if license is VALID and NOT EXPIRED
$84.25 (For Alien Firearm License) - includes license and fingerprinting fees (for a 2 year license)
Current Fees: Accepted Methods of Payment
Check, Money Order or Cashiers check must be for EXACT amount only. We are unable to provide change for any over payment.
- Cash
- Personal check/money order requirements:
- Check/money order must be made payable to King County Sheriff’s Office or KCSO
- Checks must be preprinted and match the name on the license.
- If payment is to be applied to more than one license, ALL names must be preprinted on the check.
- King County Sheriff’s Office will not accept 3rd party checks.
- No debits or credit cards are accepted.