Washington
Washington Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protection Order
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 2 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Washington, a Protection Order issued under the unified RCW Chapter 7.105 can be obtained by any person who qualifies under one of six covered order types; for most order types a final order lasts at least one year and may be made permanent, though Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from that one-year floor and any petitioner may request a shorter term. Eligible individuals can file at no cost, normally in the county where the petitioner lives.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help 24/7, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Types of protection orders in Washington
Washington is one of the few states to have fully unified its civil protection order system under a single statute. As of July 1, 2022, RCW Chapter 7.105 replaced six separate statutes and consolidates them into one framework with one petition form. The six covered order types are: (1) Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), for intimate partners and family or household members; (2) Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO), for any victim of sexual assault regardless of relationship; (3) Stalking Protection Order, for any person experiencing stalking; (4) Anti-Harassment Protection Order, for any person experiencing unlawful harassment; (5) Vulnerable Adult Protection Order, for adults who are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited; and (6) Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which addresses firearm risk.
The DVPO is the track most commonly associated with domestic violence situations and is the one that triggers mandatory firearm surrender and the federal firearms ban. Four of the other five order types, covering sexual assault, stalking, unlawful harassment, and vulnerable adults, are available without any qualifying domestic relationship, which means a victim of harassment by a neighbor, a stranger, or a coworker can access civil court protection under the same statute. The Extreme Risk Protection Order is the exception: under RCW 7.105.100(1)(e), an ERPO petition may be filed only by an intimate partner or a family or household member of the respondent, or by a law enforcement agency.
Who can get a protection order in Washington?
For a Domestic Violence Protection Order, the person seeking protection (the petitioner) must have a qualifying relationship with the respondent. That includes intimate partners such as spouses, domestic partners, dating partners, and persons who share a child in common. It also includes family or household members, meaning anyone related by blood, marriage, or adoption, as well as anyone currently or formerly residing in the same home.
For the Sexual Assault, Stalking, Anti-Harassment, and Vulnerable Adult order types, no domestic relationship is required. A victim of stalking, sexual assault, or unlawful harassment does not need any prior connection to the respondent to seek relief. An Extreme Risk Protection Order works differently, because RCW 7.105.100(1)(e) limits who may ask for one to an intimate partner or a family or household member of the respondent, or a law enforcement agency.
Age matters as well. Under RCW 7.105.100, a person who is 15 or older may petition on their own behalf without filing through an adult. A person under 15 who is seeking relief must do so through someone the statute authorizes to petition on their behalf.
How to file for a protection order in Washington
Washington's 2022 reform standardized the petition forms statewide, so the same unified petition is used across the state. Superior courts hear petitions for all six order types. Under RCW 7.105.050, district courts also have jurisdiction over domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and anti-harassment protection order proceedings, but a district court must transfer the case to superior court in several situations, including when the order would affect the respondent's care, control, or custody of a minor child, when it would affect the use or enjoyment of real property or exclude a party from a shared dwelling, when the petitioner, victim, or respondent is under 18, or when a superior court is already exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties.
Venue is not open-ended. RCW 7.105.075 provides that a petition should be filed in the county where the petitioner resides. The statute also allows filing in the county where an act giving rise to the petition occurred, the county where a child to be protected by the order primarily resides, the county where the petitioner resided before relocating if the relocation was due to the respondent's conduct, or the court nearest to that residence or former residence. If a petition is filed in the wrong court, RCW 7.105.100(7) directs that court to identify the correct venue, have the clerk transfer the petition, and notify the parties who have appeared. Under VAWA, there is no filing fee or service fee for a Domestic Violence Protection Order, and by extension the unified Washington system does not charge petitioners filing fees.
Court staff and self-help centers at the courthouse can assist with completing the forms. Washington also maintains free assistance through local domestic violence organizations and legal aid providers. After you file, a judicial officer reviews your petition the same day and decides whether to issue a temporary ex parte order. If a temporary order is granted, the court schedules a full hearing within the temporary order period. You do not need a police report or a prior criminal case to file for a civil protection order.
Temporary vs. final orders: how long they last
Washington distinguishes between two stages of protection. The temporary ex parte order is issued without the respondent being present, based solely on the petitioner's sworn statements. It is designed to provide immediate protection while the case is pending.
| Order stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temporary ex parte order | Up to 14 days (extendable for good cause) |
| Final order after hearing | At least 1 year for most order types (may be made permanent); Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from the one-year floor, and any petitioner may request a shorter term |
The temporary order remains in effect until the full hearing, which must be held within the 14-day window. At the full hearing, both parties have an opportunity to present their positions. That hearing, held within the 14-day window, decides whether a final order issues, so let a Washington family lawyer help you prepare your side, starting with a free case evaluation (attorney advertising). If the court grants a final order, RCW 7.105.315 provides that, other than for Anti-Harassment Protection Orders, the order lasts for at least one year and may be made permanent unless the petitioner has specifically requested a shorter period. A petitioner may seek renewal within 90 days of expiration; under RCW 7.105.405, the petitioner bears no burden of proving continued fear or new acts, and the court grants renewal unless the respondent proves a substantial change in circumstances that makes future harm unlikely.
Firearms and a Washington protection order
Washington law imposes mandatory firearms surrender for DVPOs and for other qualifying orders that involve a credible threat. RCW 9.41.800 requires the respondent to surrender all firearms and any concealed pistol license to the local law enforcement agency. This requirement applies upon service of a qualifying temporary order as well as upon issuance of a final order. RCW 7.105.340 imposes a parallel surrender requirement specifically for Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
In addition to the state-law requirement, a qualifying final protective order triggers the federal firearm prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8). Under federal law, a person subject to such an order may not possess, purchase, or receive any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the order. Violations of the federal prohibition carry serious federal criminal penalties. Respondents who own firearms are responsible for arranging surrender and providing proof to the court; failure to comply can result in contempt proceedings.
What happens if someone violates the order?
Violating a Washington protection order is a criminal offense, but the penalty depends on which type of order was violated. Chapter 7.105 splits the enforcement rules across three separate sections.
For domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and vulnerable adult protection orders, RCW 7.105.450 makes a willful violation of the order's restraint provisions a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. That violation is elevated to a Class C felony, carrying up to five years in prison, if it involves an assault that does not amount to assault in the first or second degree, if it involves conduct that recklessly creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury, or if the person has at least two previous convictions for violating a protection order.
Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are governed by a different section. Under RCW 7.105.455, a respondent who is 18 or older and willfully disobeys the order's restraint provisions commits a gross misdemeanor and may also be held in contempt of court under RCW 7.21. That section contains no felony escalation for a repeat violation or for a violation involving assault, so the exposure for violating an anti-harassment order is capped at a gross misdemeanor.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders have their own rule. RCW 7.105.460 makes it a gross misdemeanor to have custody or control of, access, purchase, possess, or receive a firearm while knowing an extreme risk protection order prohibits it, and a Class C felony if the person has two or more previous convictions for violating an order issued under this chapter.
Police may arrest a respondent without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred. If someone violates the order against you, call 911 immediately. It is also helpful to document the violation as thoroughly as you can (date, time, what happened, any witnesses) and report it to the court that issued the order. Courts take violations seriously, and a documented violation may be used to support renewal, modification, or escalation of the order.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and it is not a safety plan. Protective-order rules vary by state and change. If you are in danger, call 911. For help with your specific situation, contact your local court's self-help center, a domestic-violence advocate, or a licensed attorney.
Related pages
For more background on Washington state law, see the cluster hub at Restraining Order Laws by State. Washington's recording consent laws are covered on the Washington recording law page. For self-defense doctrines in Washington, see the Washington self-defense laws page.
More Washington Laws
- Washington Child Custody Laws
- Washington Divorce Laws
- Washington GPS Tracking Laws
- Washington Self-Defense Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a restraining order in Washington?
File a petition for a Protection Order in civil court. Under RCW 7.105.075 you should file in the county where you reside, though the statute also allows the county where the act occurred, the county where a protected child primarily resides, or the county you lived in before relocating because of the respondent's conduct. Superior courts hear all six order types, and district courts also hear domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and anti-harassment petitions. Court staff can help you complete the unified petition form at no cost, and a judge reviews your petition the same day and can issue a temporary order immediately if there is danger.
How long does a protection order last in Washington?
A temporary ex parte order lasts up to 14 days until the full hearing. For most order types, a final order issued after the hearing lasts at least one year and may be made permanent, though Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from that floor and any petitioner may request a shorter term. The petitioner can seek renewal within 90 days of expiration.
How much does a restraining order cost in Washington?
Filing is free. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, courts cannot charge a filing fee or service fee for a domestic violence protective order. Washington's unified protection order system does not charge petitioners for any covered order type.
Can I get a protection order without a police report?
Yes. A civil protection order is a separate process from any criminal case. You do not need a police report, a prior arrest, or a criminal conviction to file. You file directly with the court based on your own sworn statements.
Does a protection order take away gun rights in Washington?
A qualifying final Domestic Violence Protection Order requires the respondent to surrender all firearms to the local law enforcement agency under RCW 9.41.800 (RCW 7.105.340 covers surrender specifically for Extreme Risk Protection Orders). The federal law under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8) also bans the respondent from possessing any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the order.
What happens if the abuser violates the order?
The penalty depends on the order type. For domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and vulnerable adult orders, RCW 7.105.450 makes a violation a gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail and a $5,000 fine) and a Class C felony (up to 5 years) when it involves assault, reckless conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury, or the person has at least two previous protection order violation convictions. Violating an Anti-Harassment Protection Order is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 7.105.455, which has no felony escalation. Call 911 if the order is violated and document what happened.
Who can file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order in Washington?
Unlike the other order types, an ERPO is not open to anyone. RCW 7.105.100(1)(e) allows a petition to be filed only by an intimate partner or a family or household member of the respondent, or by a law enforcement agency. A person 15 or older may petition on their own behalf for the order types available to them; a person under 15 must seek relief through an authorized petitioner.
What is Washington's unified protection order and how is it different from other states?
Washington's SB 5297 (2021, effective July 1, 2022) consolidated six separate protection order types into one statute, RCW Chapter 7.105, with one petition form. This means victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and harassment all use the same process and the same court, which simplifies access to protection compared to states with multiple separate systems.
Updates
Corrected the venue rule (RCW 7.105.075 directs filing in the county where the petitioner resides, not any county), noted that district courts as well as superior courts hear most protection order petitions, added the limits on who may seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order and the age rules for petitioners, and split the violation penalties by order type so anti-harassment and extreme risk orders are no longer described as carrying the felony escalation that applies only to the other order types.
Corrected the bill number credited with unifying Washington's protection-order system (SB 5297, not SB 5245, which is an unrelated crime-victims bill) and fixed the renewal-standard description so it correctly states that the respondent, not the petitioner, bears the burden of proof at renewal.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected two blanket rules: the 'final order lasts at least one year' claim now notes Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are statutorily exempt and any petitioner may request a shorter term, and the DVPO firearms-surrender attribution was moved from RCW 7.105.340 (which governs Extreme Risk Protection Orders only) to RCW 9.41.800.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Revised Code of Washington
§ 7.105.100Filing—Types of petitions.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) There exists an action known as a petition for a protection order. The following types of petitions for a protection order may be filed: (a) A petition for a domestic violence protection order, which must allege the existence of domestic violence committed against the petitioner or petitioners by an intimate partner or a family or household member. The petitioner may petition for relief on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of family or household members who are minors or vulnerable adults. A petition for a domestic violence protection order must specify whether the petitioner and the respondent are intimate partners or family or household members. A petitioner who has been sexually assaulted or stalked by an intimate partner or a family or household member should, but is not required to, seek a domestic violence protection order, rather than a sexual assault protection order or a stalking protection order. (b) A petition for a sexual assault protection order, which must allege the existence of nonconsensual sexual conduct, nonconsensual sexual penetration, or commercial sexual exploitation that was committed against the petitioner by the respondent.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-14 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 23 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Anne Jones Obo C.j., V. Maguire Darragh (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…ual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration. RCW 7.105.100(1)(b), .225(1)(b). However, in Jones v.…”
- Kathryn Cox, V. Charles A. Fulmer (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 555 P.3d 431)“…or vulnerable adult protection order as defined in RCW 7.105.100. The Protected Person should hav…”
- Lorelle Rose Harke v. Rex Elam Harke (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 543 P.3d 829)“…etitioner. Rex contends that, in addition to RCW 7.105.210, RCW 7.105.100 sanctions an order of protection only…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Restraining Order Laws by State (2026): How to Get a Protective Order
§ 7.105.315Duration of full protection orders—Other than for extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1) When issuing an order after notice to the respondent and a hearing, the court may either grant relief for a fixed period of time or enter a permanent order of protection. Other than for antiharassment orders, the court shall not grant relief for less than one year unless the petitioner has specifically requested relief for a shorter period of time. (2)(a) If a protection order restrains the respondent from contacting the respondent's minor children, the restraint must be for a fixed period not to exceed one year. This limitation is not applicable to protection orders issued under chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW. (b) If the petitioner has petitioned for relief on behalf of the respondent's minor children, the court shall advise the petitioner that if the petitioner wants to continue protection for a period beyond one year, the petitioner may either petition for renewal pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or may seek relief pursuant to the provisions of chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Jamie Ann Sullivan v. Cory Daniel Schuyler (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 556 P.3d 157)“…ed period or enter a permanent order of protection.”) with RCW 7.105.315(1) (“When issuing an order after notice…”
- Aiden Asbach v. Adam Couto (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…ated to a renewal of the DVPO for a period of one year, and RCW 7.105.315(2) limits a protection order that rest…”
- John Loop, V. Lisa Loop (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…ing orders protecting minors are limited to one year under RCW 7.105.315(2)(a). While a protection order issued…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.405Renewal of protection orders—Other than extreme risk protection orders.In force
The following provisions apply to the renewal of all full protection orders issued under this chapter, with the exception of the renewal of extreme risk protection orders. (1) If the court grants a protection order for a fixed time period, the petitioner or protected party may file a motion to renew the order at any time within the 90 days before the order expires. A minor who is or was previously protected by a protection order who has reached the age of 18 may petition for renewal of the order as the petitioner pursuant to subsection (10) of this section. The motion for renewal must state the reasons the petitioner seeks to renew the protection order. Upon receipt of a motion for renewal, the court shall order a hearing, which must be not later than 14 days from the date of the order. Service must be made on the respondent not less than five judicial days before the hearing, as provided in RCW 7.105.150. (2) If the motion for renewal is uncontested and the petitioner seeks no modification of the order, the order may be renewed on the basis of the petitioner's motion and statement of the reason for the requested renewal.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 14 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Heather A. Hudon, Obo H.p And S.p., V. Nicolai Piffath (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…ed chapter 26.50 RCW effective 2022. LAWS OF 2021, ch. 215. RCW 7.105.405(1) now refers to the request as a “moti…”
- Danielle Rae Prussak, V. Robert Allan Prussak (Court of Appeals of Washington 2023)“…e has a current reasonable fear of harm by the respondent.” RCW 7.105.405(3). Rather, the respondent must prove b…”
- Amy Espinoza, V Ursurla Uribe (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…eals the renewal and argues that the trial court misapplied RCW 7.105.405 and infringed upon her Fifth Amendment…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.450Enforcement and penalties—Other than antiharassment protection orders and extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1)(a) Whenever a domestic violence protection order, a sexual assault protection order, a stalking protection order, or a vulnerable adult protection order is granted under this chapter, or an order is granted under chapter 9A.40, 9A.44, 9A.46, 9A.88, 9.94A, 10.77, 10.99, 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW, or there is a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, or there is a Canadian domestic violence protection order as defined in RCW 26.55.010, and the respondent or person to be restrained knows of the order, a violation of any of the following provisions of the order is a gross misdemeanor, except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section: (i) The restraint provisions prohibiting acts or threats of violence against, or stalking of, a protected party, or the restraint provisions prohibiting contact with a protected party; (ii) A provision excluding the person from a residence, workplace, school, or day care; (iii) A provision prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle; (iv) A provision prohibiting interfering with…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 22 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Jamie Ann Sullivan v. Cory Daniel Schuyler (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 556 P.3d 157)“…the portion criminalizing violations of protection orders. RCW 7.105.450- .470. Schuyler does not challenge tho…”
- State Of Washington, V. Brennaris Marquis Johnson (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 540 P.3d 831)“…mum on Johnson’s no-contact order violation was 60 months. RCW 7.105.450(5) (no-contact order violation is a cl…”
- State of Washington v. Ian Connor Takeshi Ozasa (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…i felony violation of an NCO under.RCW 10.99.050(2)(a) and RCW 7.105.450(5). ·Rew 10.99.050(2)(a) provides that…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.455Enforcement and penalties—Antiharassment protection orders.In force
(1) When the court issues an antiharassment protection order under this chapter, the court shall advise the petitioner that the respondent may not be subjected to the penalties set forth in this section for a violation of the order unless the respondent knows of the order. (2) A willful disobedience by a respondent age 18 years or over of any of the following provisions of an antiharassment protection order issued under this chapter is a gross misdemeanor: (a) The restraint provisions prohibiting acts or threats of violence against, or unlawful harassment or stalking of, a protected party, or restraint provisions prohibiting contact with a protected party; (b) A provision excluding the person from a residence, workplace, school, or day care; (c) A provision prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle; or (d) A provision prohibiting interfering with the protected party's efforts to remove a pet owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, respondent, or a minor child residing with either the petitioner or the respondent.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Washington v. Kaitlyn T. Stolaroff (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…ly disobeying a civil anti-harassment order in violation of RCW 7.105.455(2)(b). III. STOLAROFF’S BENCH TRIAL…”
- State of Washington v. Gordon Lee McVay (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…n. Violation of a no-contact order is a gross misdemeanor. RCW 7.105.455(2)(a). Unless a conviction is for a dom…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9.41.800Surrender of weapons or licenses—Prohibition on future possession or licensing.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(1) Any court when entering an order authorized under chapter 7.105 RCW, RCW 9A.40.102, 9A.44.210, 9A.46.080, 9A.88.160, 10.99.040, 10.99.045, 26.09.050, 26.09.060, 26.26B.020, 26.26A.470, or 46.61.5055 shall, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, that a party has: Used, displayed, or threatened to use a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a felony, or is ineligible to possess a firearm under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040: (a) Require that the party immediately surrender all firearms and other dangerous weapons; (b) Require that the party immediately surrender any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070; (c) Prohibit the party from accessing, having custody or control, possessing, purchasing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, any firearms or other dangerous weapons; (d) Prohibit the party from obtaining or possessing a concealed pistol license; (e) Other than for ex parte temporary protection orders, unless the ex parte temporary protection order was reissued after the party received noticed and had an opportunity to be heard, direct law enforcement to revoke any concealed pistol license issued to the party.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 34 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Alexandra Braatz v. Michael Braatz (Court of Appeals of Washington 2018, 413 P.3d 612)“…rson to surrender all firearms and other dangerous weapons. RCW 9.41.800(3). We are asked to determine the burde…”
- Jennifer Jo Dare Medlin v. Andrew Allen Miller (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…firearms, dangerous weapons, and concealed pistol licenses. RCW 9.41.800(1)(a), (b), (2)(c)(ii)(A), (B). The ord…”
- State Of Washington, V. Caleb Dane Bell (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…ith No. 87502-7-I)/4 (II) Includes an order under RCW 9.41.800 requiring the person to surrend…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Washington Knife Laws (2026): Spring Blade, Intimidation Rule, Washington Pepper Spray and Stun Gun Laws (2026)
§ 7.105.340Surrender of firearms—Extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1) Upon the issuance of any extreme risk protection order under this chapter, including a temporary extreme risk protection order, the court shall: (a) Order the respondent to surrender to the local law enforcement agency all firearms in the respondent's custody, control, or possession, or subject to the respondent's immediate possession or control, and any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070; and (b) Other than for ex parte temporary protection orders, direct law enforcement to revoke any concealed pistol license issued to the respondent. (2) The law enforcement officer serving any extreme risk protection order under this chapter, including a temporary extreme risk protection order, shall request that the respondent immediately surrender all firearms in the respondent's custody, control, or possession, and any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070, and conduct any search permitted by law for such firearms. The law enforcement officer shall take possession of all firearms belonging to the respondent that are surrendered, in plain sight, or discovered pursuant to a lawful search.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Joshua Mckinney, V. Christine Booker (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024)“…trial court erred in not awarding him attorney fees under RCW 7.105.340(7)(f). That statute provides, “The cour…”
- Frerichs v. Spokane City Police Department (District Court, E.D. Washington 2024)“…year limitations period. 1 B. Second Amendment & RCW 7.105.340 Claims 2…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.050Jurisdiction—Domestic violence protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, stalking protection orders, and antiharassment protection orders.In force
(1) The superior and district courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence protection order proceedings, sexual assault protection order proceedings, stalking protection order proceedings, and antiharassment protection order proceedings under this chapter, except that such proceedings must be transferred from district court to superior court when: (a) A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties; (b) The action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child; (c) The action would affect the use or enjoyment of real property for which the respondent has a cognizable claim or would exclude a party from a shared dwelling; (d) The petitioner, victim, or respondent to the petition is under 18 years of age; or (e) The district court is unable to verify whether there are potentially conflicting or related orders involving the parties as required by RCW 7.105.105 or 7.105.555.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Julie Elizabeth Siems, V. Jesus A. Lugo (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…6 No. 60398-5-II RCW 7.105.050 establishes the superior court’s jurisd…”
- Katherine Ann Perkins, V Chad Jensen (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…5, §§ 1, 170(15)-(93); see also chapter 7.105 RCW. Although RCW 7.105.050(1)(c) states that only superior courts,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.075Venue.In force
An action for a protection order should be filed in the county where the petitioner resides. The petitioner may also file in: (1) The county where an act giving rise to the petition for a protection order occurred; (2) The county where a child to be protected by the order primarily resides; (3) The county where the petitioner resided prior to relocating if relocation was due to the respondent's conduct; or (4) The court nearest to the petitioner's residence or former residence under subsection (3) of this section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
§ 7.105.460Enforcement and penalties—Extreme risk protection orders—False petitions.In force
(1) Any person who files a petition for an extreme risk protection order knowing the information in such petition to be materially false, or with the intent to harass the respondent, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, any person who has in his or her custody or control, accesses, purchases, possesses, or receives, or attempts to purchase or receive, a firearm with knowledge that he or she is prohibited from doing so by an extreme risk protection order is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and further is prohibited from having in his or her custody or control, accessing, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, a firearm for a period of five years from the date the existing order expires. (b) A person is guilty of a class C felony for a violation under (a) of this subsection if the person has two or more previous convictions for violating an order issued under this chapter.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
United States Code Title 18
§ 922Unlawful actsIn forcecited in 72 of our articles
It shall be unlawful— for any person— except a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, or in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce; or except a licensed importer or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the business of importing or manufacturing ammunition, or in the course of such business, to ship, transport, or receive any ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce; for any importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector licensed under the provisions of this chapter to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, except that— this paragraph and subsection (b)(3) shall not be held to preclude a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector from returning a firearm or replacement firearm of the same kind and type to a person from whom it was received; and this paragraph shall not be held to preclude an individual from mailing a firearm owned in compliance…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-16 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 40,024 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Section 922(g)(1) bars a felon from possessing a firearm, and the Supreme Court cases in this line turn on sentencing, not on the ban. Taylor v. United States (1990) and Shepard v. United States (2005) held that whether prior convictions enhance a 922(g) sentence under 924(e) is decided from offense elements and limited plea records.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. Booker (Supreme Court of the United States 2004, 543 U.S. 220)“…e Johnson with one crime (say, illegal gun possession, see 18 U. S. C. § 922 (g)) and Jackson with another (say, ban…”
- Almendarez-Torres v. United States (Supreme Court of the United States 1998, 523 U.S. 224)“…cidivism an offense element in such circumstances. But cf. 18 U. S. C. § 922 (g)(1) (prior felony conviction an elem…”
- Taylor v. United States (Supreme Court of the United States 1990, 495 U.S. 575)✓Taylor pleaded guilty to felon-in-possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and had two Missouri burglary convictions; the Court held that 'burglary' in the § 924(e) enhancement attached to a § 922(g) conviction means generic burglary judged by the prior statute's elements.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Can You Become an ICE Agent with a Criminal Record? (2026 Guide), How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record? (2026), Supreme Court Limits the Federal Gun Ban on Marijuana Users (Hemani, 2026)
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This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Revised Code of Washington § 7.105.010 (Definitions.)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- RCW Chapter 7.105 - Civil Protection Orders (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- Washington Courts - Protection Orders Self-Help(courts.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 7.105.075 - Venue (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 7.105.100 - Petition for a protection order: who may file, petitioner age, transfer of a misfiled petition (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 7.105.050 - Jurisdiction of superior and district courts over protection order proceedings (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 7.105.450 - Enforcement and penalties, other than antiharassment and extreme risk protection orders (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 7.105.455 - Enforcement and penalties, antiharassment protection orders (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)
- RCW 7.105.460 - Enforcement and penalties, extreme risk protection orders (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov)