Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Practice Exam

What type of background check is required for a Washington CPL application?

1. State background check only

2. Federal background check only

3. Both state and federal background checks

4. No background check is required

The correct answer is: Both state and federal background checks

A Washington CPL application requires both a state and federal background check. A state background check alone would not meet the requirements as it leaves out any possible criminal history in other states. Similarly, a federal background check only looks at records maintained by the federal government and may not include information from state or local agencies. And while no background check may be required by the state, obtaining a CPL from Washington often involves applying through the local law enforcement agency, which may require a background check. Thus, both a state and federal background check are necessary for a complete and thorough review of an individual's criminal history.