6 Steps to the California CCW Permit Process

Carrying a concealed weapon requires an applicant to meet criteria. These are steps to the California concealed weapon (CCW) permit process.

The approval of a California CCW application is up to the discretion of an official in the county in which the application was filed. Applicants must meet the age requirement of 18, be of good moral character, have good cause, and complete an approved firearm training class. File the CCW application with your county sheriff’s office and wait 90 days to be notified of your application’s approval.

Requirements for a Concealed Carry Weapon Permit in California

To meet requirements for a CCW Permit in California, an applicant must:

Be over the age of 18
Be of good moral character
Have a good cause for the license
Be a resident of or work in the county
Have completed an approved firearms training class (minimum of 8 hours) OR provide proof of exemption pursuant to California Penal Code Section 31700
Not have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors (lifetime prohibition if convicted of domestic violence)
Not be subject to a temporary restraining order or have been the subject of a protective order
Not be addicted to drugs
Not be diagnosed as mentally ill
Not have been hospitalized more than once in a year for a mental health diagnosis (lifetime prohibition)

California concealed carry weapons (CCW) licenses are provided at the county level by a county sheriff’s office or a local police department. California is a may-issue state in which applicants must pass basic requirements in order to carry a concealed weapon. The licensing author (e.g. county sheriff, police department) is permitted to use their own judgment for issuing or denying a permit. Concealed carry is only allowed with a CCW in California.

Steps to Obtain a Concealed Carry Weapon License in California

Here are the steps an individual needs to take to apply for a concealed carry weapon license in California:

1. Contact your county sheriff’s office or local police department for more information on what training courses are approved.

2. Complete an acceptable training program for a CCW permit.

3. Some jurisdictions may require psychological testing on the initial application.

4. Fill out the CCW permit application.

Fill out sections 1 through 5 on the CCW application from the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms before going to a county sheriff’s office. Sections 6 through 8 must be filled out in the presence of an official of the licensing agency. Do not write anything in section 7, but review the questions and be prepared to answer them orally.

5. Bring your application to your county sheriff’s office.

You will need your training certificate, proof of residency, and identification. The county sheriff’s office will fingerprint, photograph, and interview you at this time.

6. You will be notified within 90 days by mail if your application was approved or denied.

Related: How to Get a CCW Permit in California

FAQs About the California CCW Permit Process

Is anyone prohibited from applying for a concealed carry weapon permit in California?

Yes. The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 prohibits certain individuals from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition, including:

persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by an imprisonment term exceeding 1 year,
individuals illegally residing in the U.S., and
military veterans discharged under dishonorable conditions

Is firearm training necessary to complete the process for carrying a concealed weapon in California?

Yes. Training must consist of 8 hours of instruction regarding firearm safety, technique, and operation acceptable to the licensing authority.

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