CCW Questions & Resources

To start your initial CCW process, you must apply through the law enforcement agency responsible for providing services for your place of residence. In some counties, you may apply directly through the Sheriff’s Department or Office in the county in which you reside. For Riverside and San Bernardino County residents, it is advised to apply directly through the Sheriff’s department. For Los Angeles County Residents, you may need to apply through your local police department if you are in an incorporated city that has it’s own Police Department. For residents in unincorporated LA County, you may apply directly through the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Most issuing agencies have an online application process, but this may vary from agency to agency. It is advisable to check on your local issuing agency’s website for more information on the application process.

Quick Links for Online CCW Applications By County:
San Bernardino County
Riverside County
Los Angeles County

Each issuing agency’s timeline for issuance will vary. Things like number of pending applications, manpower, your personal background check, class availability and live-scan processing times will determine your overall timeframe from time of application to permit issuance.

Generally speaking, it can take a couple months, to a couple years, depending on the county in which you are applying with, and your individual background process. Therefore, it’s advisable to start the process as soon as you can if you do want to obtain a permit.

1. You must reside in California and apply only in the county where you primarily reside. You cannot apply for a county in which you do not live
2. You must have valid proof of residence to verify that you are a resident of said county, each issuing agency will have different documentation requirements
3. You must be at least 21 years of age
4. You must be able to legally own and possess firearms
5. You will need to be able to pass a background check, and in some cases, a psychological evaluation

Your permit, once issued, is valid throughout the entire state of California, except where places where carry is prohibited. It is not only valid for the county in which it is issued, therefore only one permit is required and you don’t need to obtain a permit for multiple counties.

Generally speaking, your issuing agency has the authority to place restrictions on the types of firearms you can carry, so this may vary from county to county. However, most issuing agencies will allow any legally owned and possessed firearms that are registered to you. Firearms must be concealable, and may have caliber restrictions. Most issuing agencies are not restricting any type of additional accessories like optical sights, weapon mounted lights, and even performance modifications. Some counties like San Bernardino, may still impose a policy against using “Large Capacity Magazines” or any magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

No, as a result of the Supreme Court Case NYSRPA v. Bruen, subjective or arbitrary requirements such as “Good Cause” or “Good Moral Character” are no longer legal. It is unlawful for an issuing agency to require a reason for obtaining your permit.

Each issuing agency will have their own qualification standard. These are available and posted on each issuing agency’s website.

Some issuing agencies will allow online courses for the required training. We are currently offering online initial and renewal courses for:

1. Non-Resident (outside of California) CCW Applicants
2. San Bernardino County Applicants
3. Riverside County Applicants

Initial Applicants must be approved by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s prior to taking the course, renewal applicants can take the course without prior approval
Click here fore online CCW Courses

Each issuing agency can set their own “reasonable” fees to process CCW Permits. On average, the cost of the Initial Application is around $250 and Renewals are around $140. These figures do not include training courses and fingerprinting fees that can vary from $195-350 and $100-$150 respectively. A total fee schedule is available on each issuing agency’s CCW Permit web page. Each approved permit is valid for a period of 2 Years.