Washington LEOSA Firearms Qualification and Renewal
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) provides firearms qualification standards and certification options for eligible retired or separated law enforcement officers seeking annual qualification under the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA), also known as HR 218.
WSCJTC does not issue LEOSA identification credentials. Our role is limited to setting standards for firearms certification for all applicants and providing training and qualification by certified firearms instructors. Applicants must have a current photographic LEOSA identification card from their former law enforcement agency.
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What is LEOSA?
The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, commonly known as LEOSA or HR 218, authorizes qualified retired or separated law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms nationwide, subject to federal and state restrictions.
A WSCJTC-issued firearms certificate does not, by itself, authorize concealed carry under LEOSA. Applicants must also have qualifying photographic identification issued by the agency from which they retired or separated. The WSCJTC cannot issue a photo ID that serves as a substitute for the ID that they receive from their agency.
LEOSA Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Washington State LEOSA firearms qualification through WSCJTC, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be retired or separated in good standing as a law enforcement officer for reasons other than mental instability.
- Have been authorized by law to engage in or supervise law enforcement duties before separation.
- Have served at least 10 years as a law enforcement officer.
- Not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
- Have current photographic identification from the agency from which the applicant separated.
- Be a current Washington State resident and provide proof of residency, such as a Washington State photo ID or driver’s license.
How to Get Qualified for a LEOSA Firearms Certificate
Applicants have three options to obtain a Washington State LEOSA firearms certificate:
1. Qualify at WSCJTC
Attend an on-site WSCJTC LEOSA Concealed Carry Qualification conducted by certified instructors. On your application you can specify the date that you wish to attend the course.
WSCJTC will mail a hard plastic certificate card within 7–10 business days after receipt of a complete application and payment.
2. Local Agency Qualification
Contact your local police department to ask whether they conduct LEOSA firearms certifications.
If an active law enforcement range master is used to administer the handgun test, they must have an active WSCJTC Handgun Instructor Level I or II instructor status within the last 3 years.
3. Certified Instructor
Use the Instructor Directory to schedule a handgun qualification with a certified instructor. Costs may vary.
Please note: If an applicant uses a handgun test administrator who does not meet the Handgun Instructor Level certification requirements, we will NOT process the LEOSA application, and we do not issue refunds. Please be sure to review requirements listed above.
Apply for LEOSA Firearms Certification
To apply for LEOSA firearms certification through the WSCJTC, applicants must submit a complete application packet (with supporting documents) and pay a fee. Please be prepared to upload an electronic copy of form 734 and your agency-issued ID.
Application
Application materials must be uploaded through the Acadis Portal. If you do not have an Acadis account, request one before submitting your application.
Required Documents
- Front and back copy of your agency-issued retirement or separation credentials.
- Completed Form 734 - LEOSA Firearms Qualification Sheet.
Fees
As the WSCJTC does not issue refunds, ensure you are qualified, and you review your application carefully.
| Application Type | Completing Qualifications at WSCJTC Range | Off-Site Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| New / Initial Application | $100 | $50 |
| Renewal Application | $50 | $25 |
Payment Information
WSCJTC accepts checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, ACH, or wire transfers. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt; however, certificates may not be issued until payment is received.
Pay by check, money order, or cashier’s check
Make payment payable to WSCJTC. Attach a note identifying whose application the fee is for.
Mail payment to:
WSCJTC
Attn: LEOSA
PO Box 40905
Olympia, WA 98504-0905
Please allow two weeks for processing.
Pay by ACH or wire transfer
Use the ACH or wire transfer instructions and attach a copy of your wire transfer receipt to your application packet.
WSCJTC Range Requirements
For those completing the handgun qualification at the WSCJTC Range
The WSCJTC Firearms Range requires lead-free and/or clean-fire ammunition.
All persons on the WSCJTC range must have a ballistic vest, as required by Labor & Industries. WSCJTC cannot provide ballistic vests, and if you do not have one, you will not be able to do a LEOSA firearms qualification at our facility. Applicants are responsible for personal protective equipment and ensuring its integrity.
Uniform stores carry ballistic vests and those include, but are not limited to: LEEDS, Blumenthal’s, Bud’s Police Supply, San Diego Police Supply, etc. WSCJTC does not endorse one specific supplier.
If you cannot obtain a ballistic vest, contact a Private Security Certified Firearms Instructor using the Instructor Directory to set up a LEOSA firearms qualification outside of WSCJTC.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does WSCJTC issue LEOSA credentials?
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No. WSCJTC provides firearms qualification and certification only. Applicants must obtain qualifying LEOSA photographic identification from their former law enforcement agency.
- Do I need to apply before attending a WSCJTC range qualification?
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Yes. Applicants must apply in advance and prepay the fee before being scheduled for the range. Do not show up at the range without applying and receiving confirmation.
- How often do I need to renew my LEOSA firearms qualification?
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LEOSA firearms certification must be renewed each year.
- Can I use LEOSA credentials for private security work?
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No. LEOSA credentials do not authorize private-sector armed work. Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing for armed guard, armed private investigator, or armed bail bond recovery agent licensing.
- I retired or separated from the military. Can I apply through WSCJTC?
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No. WSCJTC offers yearly firearm qualification only. Military retirees should seek LEOSA credential information through the appropriate military or federal process.
- Can I qualify in Washington if I live in another state part of the year?
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Your primary residence must be Washington, and you must have a Washington State driver’s license or ID card to complete LEOSA firearms qualification through Washington State.
- My former employer issued a letter of good standing instead of a photo ID. Can I use that?
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No. Federal law requires photographic identification issued by the agency from which the individual separated from service as a law enforcement officer.
- Is LEOSA carry authority absolute?
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No. LEOSA does not exempt individuals from all federal, state, or private property restrictions. Applicants should review applicable law and consult an attorney with legal questions.
Forms and Related Resources
- LEOSA Firearms Qualification Sheet.
- Find a certified instructor for off-site LEOSA firearms qualification.
Concealed Pistol License Reciprocity
- Review Washington State Attorney General information about concealed pistol license reciprocity.
- Read more about LEOSA and who is eligible please on the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) website.
- Review Washington State LEOSA-related law.
Need Help?
Staff work a combination of in-office and remote schedules. Please allow sufficient time when submitting your application. The preferred method of contact is email: cjtcpspi@cjtc.wa.gov.