Obtaining a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit (CCW) in California
Californian citizens may obtain a concealed carry weapon permit but must have a good reason in order to do so. Here’s how to get a CCW permit in California.
What is a CCW Permit?
In California, it is generally illegal for any ordinary citizen to carry a firearm in public. The only manner by which it is legal is if they have a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. This permit allows qualified California residents to carry a handgun in a concealed manner and prevents one from being convicted under California Penal Code Sections 25400, 25850, and 26350 in relation to carrying a concealed firearm.
In order to obtain a CCW permit in California, an applicant must
- be of good moral character
- have good cause
- be a resident of the city/county in which the application is filed, and
- have completed an approved 8-16 hour training course.
An individual would have good cause to apply for a CCW permit if they are in some sort of danger that would be alleviated by having a concealed carry weapon.
In California, it is illegal to openly carry a gun, which means that residents cannot obtain a permit that allows them to carry a gun in their hands in public unless they live in a county of under 200,000 people. A concealed carry weapon permit is the only way in which an ordinary citizen in most counties can carry a gun in public unless they are transporting their gun in a sealed container to their vehicle.
Step-by-Step Guide
The specific process by which a person can obtain a CCW permit varies by county. Therefore, if you are considering requesting a CCW permit, contact your local police department to find out their procedure. However, there are some general steps that everyone must follow.
As the California CCW application and process is complicated, unfortunately, most applicants do not have the legal knowledge or experience to make the most compelling application possible and are often subsequently denied. One of our experienced attorneys can help you with your CCW application, from start to finish. We’ll make sure you’re surely qualified for a CCW permit before you retain our services: 99% of our California CCW clients are approved. We’ll be with you every step of the way and make sure California understands you’re qualified to have a CCW permit.
Step 1: Submit a CCW permit application.
Submit the uniform CCW permit application to the city police department or county sheriff’s office. This application is used by all departments statewide, and it is the first step that any person must take when pursuing a CCW permit. If the individual lives in an incorporated city, they may send the application to their city’s police department or the county sheriff’s office. If the individual does not live in an incorporated city, they must send it to the sheriff’s office. California Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155 affirm that only the sheriff of the county or the chief of police may issue a CCW permit. The applicant should consult their local department’s website for information regarding additional documents.
An experienced attorney from Her Lawyer can help you form and submit your CCW application.
Step 2: Participate in an interview with the police or sheriff.
In order to issue a CCW license, the police chief or sheriff must ensure that the individual is of good moral character, has good cause for wanting the license, is a resident of the city/county, and that they have completed a training course (Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155). This interview will attempt to further determine whether the applicant is of good moral character and has good cause.
While it is primarily up to the discretion of the chief or sheriff, ‘good cause’ generally means that the individual is facing some abnormal danger and that a concealed carry weapon would help alleviate that danger. Therefore, an individual generally cannot obtain a CCW permit simply because they want one.
Step 3: Participate in a psychological evaluation, if applicable.
This is not required in all counties.
Step 4: Complete a training session if the previous steps are successful.
According to California Penal Code Section 26165, every applicant for a CCW permit must complete an 8-16 hour training course that includes live-fire training. This is to ensure that the applicant knows how to operate a firearm in a controlled manner.
If every step is completed successfully, then the applicant will be provided with an approved CCW permit.
Who issues CCW permits in California?
Concealed carry weapons permits are issued by the sheriff of the CCW applicant’s county. For example, if a CCW applicant lives in West Hollywood, California, the CCW permit would need to be issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff. Citizens of
FAQs About Getting a Concealed Carry Weapon Permit in California
What is a CCW permit?
A concealed carry weapon permit allows for a citizen to carry a concealed weapon on their person in public. It is illegal otherwise.
Do I need a CCW permit to carry a weapon?
If you are an ordinary citizen (that is, your occupation does not require you to carry a weapon), then you must acquire a CCW permit to carry a weapon in public. The exception is if a person carries a weapon in a sealed container to and from their car.
How do I apply for a CCW permit?
If you live in an incorporated city, you can mail the application to your local police department or sheriff’s office. If you do not live in an incorporated city, you must mail it to the sheriff’s office.
How much does it cost to get a CCW permit in California?
It costs between $200 and $300 in total to get a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permit in California, which may include:
- A $44 state fee
- Licensing authority fee of up to $120 (20% paid upon application and 80% paid once issued)
- Prices of the required classes
- Fingerprinting
- Psychological testing expenses of up to $150 (Licensing authorities may require you to undergo psychological testing)
What are the requirements for being approved for a CCW permit?
The applicant must be of good moral character, have a good cause, be a resident of the city/county, and have completed an approved 8-16 hour training course.
What does it mean to have a good cause?
In general, it means that the applicant must be in some sort of danger that would be alleviated by having a concealed carry weapon.
Related: Gun Violence Restraining Orders in California
How will they determine if I have good moral character and have a good cause?
Some of this information will be included in your original application, and they will determine further if you have good moral character and a good cause by conducting an interview.
Do I have to complete an interview to receive a CCW permit?
Yes. You will be called in for an interview after submitting your application.
Do I have to undergo a psychological evaluation to receive a CCW permit?
It depends on the county in which you are applying. Consult your police department or sheriff’s office’s website.
Do I have to complete a training course to receive a CCW permit?
Yes. Under California law, an individual must complete an 8-16 hour training course that includes live-fire training.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about getting a CCW permit in California, contact us. We can help you obtain your CCW permit, from start to finish. Get your free consultation with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal situation!