How to Get a CCW Permit in Ventura County

Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) allows a person to carry a weapon in public in a hidden manner, either on their person or in close proximity. Here’s how to get a CCW permit in Ventura County, California.

A licensee can use a CCW as a means of self-defense. The application process to get a CCW may seem complicated and tedious; however, an applicant should understand what a CCW entails and how to obtain a CCW permit legally in Ventura County.

Applicant Requirements

To apply for a CCW in Ventura County, the applicant must:

Be a full-time resident of Ventura County
Be at least 21 years of age
Currently, own a firearm registered with the State of California
Complete an application that will include substantial personal information (may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act)
Be free from criminal convictions or other prohibiting conditions that would disqualify the applicant from carrying a concealed weapon.
- Applicants may inquire about their eligibility to possess and own firearms before applying by completing the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check form and submitting it to the California Department of Justice.
Provide fingerprints and complete a criminal background check
Be of good moral character
- Factors considered include honesty, arrests or negative contacts with law enforcement agencies, a conviction of any crime (including expunged convictions), alcohol or drug-related incidents, etc.
Good cause exists for issuance of the license (such as a need for personal safety or self-defense)
Pay all required fees in the manner prescribed in this policy
- Fees are non-refundable in the event disqualifying information is discovered
Complete the required training

Application Process

The application process for obtaining a CCW in Ventura County consists of four phases, including:

1. Application and initial fees

1. New applicants and applicants with a CCW from another Californian county must complete Standard Application forms, which can be completed and submitted here
2. Renewal applicants should complete Standard Renewal Application forms no earlier than 120 days before their CCW’s expiration date.
3. At the time of application submission, the applicant must provide the following documents:
  1. Current California driver’s license with current residence on file with DMV
  2. If renting or leasing, a current rental/lease agreement
  3. Copies of separate utility bills: gas, electric, and water (2 minimum) to prove California residency
  4. Prior military personnel are required to submit a copy of your DD214 or discharge certificate that shows discharge status
  5. Active-duty military personnel is required to provide the following documents in addition to the documents listed above:
    1. Current home state driver’s license
    2. Military ID
    3. Current Station Orders

2. Fingerprinting and background check

1. All applicants must submit to fingerprinting and a background check
  1. The Department of Justice will require a $90 fee, and the applicant may be subject to a “rolling” fee as well
2. The investigator will contact the applicant for an interview to determine the completeness of the application and clarify and interpret the information provided

3. Determination

1. Applicants who are approved must pay the $80 local fee and complete the required training within 90 days from the date of the conditional approval letter.
  1. The firearms instructor will email the original test and qualification scores to: vcso.ccw@ventura.org
2. Types of licenses:
  1. Standard license: valid for a period of up to two years
  2. Judicial license: issued to a state or federal magistrate, commissioner, or judge; also valid for a period of up to two years
3. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) will issue a CCW ID hard card as an additional identification for the licensee.
  1. The licensee must carry either the license or ID card on their person at all times when they are carrying an approved concealed firearm.
  2. The applicant shall retain the paper state license and the CCW ID hard card.
4. Upon picking up their renewed/amended licenses, the licensee must return both the paper state license and CCW ID hard card

4. Training

1. For new license applicants, the training course is:
  1. No less than eight hours and no more than sixteen hours
  2. Performed by a VCSO-approved CCW firearms trainer
  3. Includes instruction on firearm safety and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm and a demonstration of firearm proficiency
    1. Completion of Training is not required until conditional approval is granted
2. For license renewal applicants, the training course is:
  1. No less than four hours
  2. Performed by a VCSO-approved CCW firearms trainer
  3. Includes instruction on firearm safety and the law regarding the permissible use of a firearm, as well as a demonstration of firearm proficiency
    1. No course of training shall require any person listed as a VCSO-approved firearms trainer to renew their license

FAQs About Getting a CCW in Ventura County

How much will it cost to get a CCW?

The cost varies from applicant to applicant, but the list of fees from VCSO is linked here.

Which permit do I carry?

Only carry the hard plastic card and keep the paper permit in a safe place, as photocopies of permits are not valid. One must have the license on their person when in possession of your weapon.

When should I submit my paperwork to renew my permit?

Submit a renewal application no earlier than 120 and no later than 90 days before the expiration of your license.

Do I need an authorized firearm instructor for training?

Yes, all applicants must complete a firearm course with a VCSO-approved CCW firearms trainer.

What happens to my CCW if I move?

A CCW licensee must notify the VCSO in writing within ten days of any change to their place of residency. If the licensee moves out of the jurisdiction of issuance, the license shall expire 90 days after you have moved. Proof of the change of address will be required.

How do I add a firearm to my permit?

The VCSO is no longer doing weapon amendments. Therefore, if a licensee wants to add or delete a firearm to your permit, you can only do so when renewing your CCW license. A license holder can have up to five firearms on your permit.

What happens if I lose my permit?

If a licensee loses either the paper license or the hard plastic card, file a “Lost Property” report immediately with your local law enforcement agency and email VCSO the report number. They will schedule a time for you to come in and pick up a replacement. There is a $10 re-printing fee.

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If you or a loved one would like to know more about how to get a CCW Permit in Ventura County, get your free consultation with one of our attorneys today!