You may need both a federal and a state license to work with explosives

If you want to work with explosives, you need to be aware of both federal and state regulations in place to ensure protection for the general public and a safe workplace for users of explosives, and to prevent illegal use and misuse of explosives.

You need a federal license

... to purchase, sell, manufacture or import explosives in the state of Washington.

Here's how to get it:

Request from the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) at 404-417-2750 or nlc@atf.gov.

Additional information on explosives is available at ATF Online (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US Department of Justice).

You need a Washington State explosives license

...to use, purchase, sell, manufacture or store explosives

Here's how to get it:

Request an explosives licensing packet by phone at 360-902-5563 or e-mail at hajn235@lni.wa.gov. Please specify the type of explosive license requested.

Ask an Expert

E-mail a Specialist - if you have questions about the explosives rules.

Regulation & policy

• WAC 296-52-62005 - Dealer license.
• WAC 296-52-63005 - Purchaser license.
• WAC 296-52-64005 - User license.
• WAC 296-52-65005 - Manufacture license.
• WAC 296-52-66005 - Storage license.
• WAC 296-52 - Safety Standards for the Possession and Handling of Explosives.

Other important Washington State regulations:

• WAC 296-800 - Safety and Health Core Rules.
• WAC 296-24 - General Safety and Health Standard.
• WAC 296-62 - General Occupational Health Standards.
• WAC 296-155 - Safety Standards for Construction.
• WAC 296-59 - Safety Standards for Ski Area Facilites and Operations.
• WAC 296-67 - Safety Standards for Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.

Other national resources

• ISEE - International Society of Explosives Engineers.
• IME - Institute of Makers of Explosives.
• ATF Online - Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

See also:

Doing Business in Washington.