The Chief of Police has authority to issue concealed carry licenses to carry a pistol, revolver, or another firearm in Riverside County, California. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a CCW permit in Riverside County, California.

To obtain a CCW permit in Riverside County, several steps need to be taken, such as a training course, psychological exam and paying necessary fees. One can hold their permit for two years and can renew it at its expiration upon completing the course.

Application Process in Riverside County

  1. Fill out sections 1-8 of the California Department of Justice standard application for a license to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) completely.
  2. Collect all documents required with the application, as noted below.
  3. Contact Personnel at (951) 826-5235 for an appointment to be fingerprinted and pay necessary fees.
  4. After obtaining a receipt of fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice, an applicant will be contacted by a representative from the Riverside Police Department Personnel Bureau with further instructions to complete a personal interview, the California Concealed Carry Weapons Course, and Psychological Exam.
  5. An application will be processed within 90 days from the date of receipt, or 30 days after the criminal background check has been completed by the DOJ, and all certifications have been received.

Each registered weapon must qualify with the Riverside Police Department Rangemaster.

What are the requirements for one to obtain a CCW Permit in Riverside County?

One must:

  • Live in Riverside County
  • Show proof of ownership and registration of each weapon listed on the application
  • Have three signed letters of character reference from individuals other than relatives.

How does one show residency in Riverside County?

Presentation of a valid California identification card and/or a valid California Driver’s license, and proof of residency bearing the applicant’s name and current address (i.e. a current utility bill).

What are the necessary fees for the application in Riverside County?

With a new application, one is required to pay a $93 state fee, due at the time of the fingerprinting, a $100 city fee, 20% due at the acceptance of the application, and a $150 Psychological Examination fee at the time of the exam to the counseling team.

For a renewal application, one must pay a $52 state fee and a $25 city fee.

All payments must be made in the form of money order, certified check, cashier’s check, or Visa/Mastercard. All fees received are non-refundable.

How long do standard CCW permits last in Riverside County?

A standard CCW permit lasts two years, and applicants can renew permits at the expiration of their permit. Applicants should start the process on a renewal permit three months before their current permit’s expiration date.

Related: How to Get a CCW Permit in California

How is a CCW permit issued in Riverside County?

A CCW permit can be issued in two ways:

  • A license to carry a concealed pistol, revolver, or another firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
  • A license to carry loaded and exposed in the county a pistol, revolver, or another firearm capable of being concealed upon the person where the population of the county is less than 200,000 people, according to the most recent federal decennial census.

What is the required training course like in Riverside County?

Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 require new license applicants to complete a course of training. The training course may consist of any course acceptable to the licensing authority. To obtain a permit in Riverside County, one must complete a 16 hour California Concealed Carry Weapons Course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

What are some Sheriff Approved Training Locations in Riverside County?

The complete list of Sheriff-approved training course vendors can be found here.

Does the Riverside County police department schedule the Psychological Examination?

The CCW license applicant must contact “The Counseling Team” for their Psychological Exam. One can make an appointment with “The Counseling Team” by calling (909) 884-0133 for an appointment.

How long does the whole process take for a new CCW permit application in Riverside County?

The process can vary greatly. The volume of applications received by the Sheriff Department may severely impact the processing time. Incomplete applications and lack of required documents may also slow the process.

Is it the same application to renew a CCW permit in Riverside County?

The application for a new CCW permit and renewal are the same. While the application remains the same, the process is little different as the completion of a four-hour firearm training course before renewal is required.

Related: What is “Good Cause” for a CCW Permit in California?

What should one have before filling out a CCW permit application?

One should have prepared:

  • A scanned copy of their valid California driver’s license, or state-issued ID with their current address in Riverside County.
  • Copies of two of their most recent utility bills or any other sufficient proof of their full-time residency within Riverside County.
  • A copy of their birth certificate and/or naturalization papers.
  • A copy of the military discharge DD214 form, if applicable.
  • A training certificate and qualification scores, if one has already completed their CCW firearm safety course and Sheriff-mandated weapon(s) qualification.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about how to get a CCW permit in Riverside County, get your free consultation with one of our most qualified attorneys in California today!