A Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW Permits) is the only legal path to gaining the right to carry a concealed weapon in public in California. Without a CCW Permit, it is illegal to carry a weapon in public regardless of whether one conceals it. A CCW Permit allows the license holder to own and carry any firearm that they can conceal on their person.
How to Get a CCW or Concealed Carry Permit in California
Though there is far more to the process than the initial requirements, one must meet the four primary requirements to obtain a CCW permit in California.
- Have a good moral character
- Have a good, easily provable reason for requiring the permit’s issuance
- Have completed a required firearm safety and training class
- Meet all residency requirements for holding a CCW Permit in your area.
The sheriff’s office may still deny an individual who initially meets all these requirements for issuing a CCW Permit. Denial sometimes results because California is a may-issue state. A may issue state gives local law enforcement the final say in issuing the permit. For instance, even if a Los Angeles resident meets the CCW Permit qualifications, the LA Sheriff’s Department may still deny the permit. CCW Permits are typically valid for two years. However, the State of California Department of Justice may revoke a CCW Permit if they find the permit holder violates the law or is no longer fit to hold the permit. The firearm owner must register their weapon before applying for the CCW permit if they wish to use a firearm under a legally obtained CCW Permit.
The sheriff’s office will outright deny the issuance of their CCW Permit if they:
- Have been diagnosed with a mental illness or handicap
- Are a known drug addict
- Have previously lost the right to hold a gun license due to a domestic violence charge, or
- Have previously been convicted of a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor
Though a mentally ill or handicapped diagnosis disqualifies an individual from holding a CCW Permit, the need for a psychological analysis does not. Suppose you are applying for a CCW Permit and local law enforcement requests that you undergo a professional psychological evaluation. In that case, this does not mean that the sheriff’s office will deny the permit. While the evaluation’s results may determine if you are eligible to receive a permit, the evaluation referral itself is not a disqualifying factor.
Steps and Fees for a CCW in California
The steps and fees for a CCW in California can vary based upon the instructor one hires and where one receives their Live Scan and permit. Most fees remain the same, but one should consult their local county sheriff’s page for full details. In general, the application process and fees are as follows:
- Meet all the basic qualifications for eligibility
- Submit an initial application and a 30-dollar non-refundable application fee to the local County Sheriff’s Office.
- Submit all required documents
- A Valid California Driver’s License or a Valid California Issued State ID
- An original birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or a Valid United States Passport
- Proof of holding residency in Los Angeles County
- If applicable, DD-214
- Submit all documents proving the good cause underlying one’s application
- Completion and passing of a Background Check and Live Scan
- Complete the required firearm training
- Before your CCW Permit may be issued, one must pay all required application and filing fees.
- $30 non-refundable initial application fee
- Live Scan Fee (amount will vary)
- For first-time licenses, the county requires a $120 fee
- For Renewing Applicants:
- A $52 Department of Justice Renewal Fee
- A $30 Renewal Application fee
- A $29 License Renewal fee
- The final step is to retrieve your license from the county sheriff’s office if the application is approved.
Where Can One Use a Concealed Carry Permit in California?
In California, the law does not require citizens to have a CCW permit to own and openly or concealed carry a firearm in the following places:
- Their legal residence
- Their place of business
- On any property that the individual rightfully and legally owns.
A state-issued permit is required to open or concealed carry a firearm in any other location. However, even with a permit, there are some exceptions and restrictions permit holders must be aware of.
Where Can One Not Use a Concealed Carry Permit in California
California law defines a loaded firearm as having a magazine or clip attached to the firearm or a shell or cartridge in the chamber. Generally, it is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm, openly or concealed, in a vehicle in the following locations:
- On or at any public street or location in an incorporated city
- Any location in an unincorporated city or territory if it is unlawful to fire the firearm there.
There are Three Main Exceptions to these Prohibitions on Concealed Carry Permits in California Regarding Loaded firearms in California.
- If an individual legally possesses a CCW Permit.
- If a country has previously granted the right to carry a weapon openly within the country.
- If the individual believed that they needed the loaded firearm to prevent or diffuse a threat of immediate danger or harm on their property.
Individuals Who Legally Hold a CCW Permit are also Exempt from the Following Statewide Restrictions Prohibiting the Open Carry of a Firearm in these Locations:
- California State Parks
- State Buildings
- Local Buildings
- Any Public Meeting Place
Lastly, California Law Prohibits the Concealed Carry of a Firearm at the Following Locations, Regardless of Permits or Licenses Held:
- Any polling location
- In the State Capitol
- At any location where members of the California State Legislature are or will be meeting
- State of California’s Governor’s Mansion
- At any residence of any member of the California State Legislature
- In-School Zones
- At any public or federal building
What are the Penalties for Breaking the Laws for Concealed Carry Permits in California?
When applying for a CCW Permit in California, the sheriff’s office informs the applicant that holding the permit is a privilege that one should not take for granted if they approve a CCW Permit. Specifically, the application states that when a permit holder is exercising their privilege to concealed carry, they may not:
- Consume any type of alcoholic beverage
- Individuals should not conceal carry at any location intended to sell and consume drinks such as bars, wineries, breweries, etc.
- Be under the influence of a prescribed drug or medication
- Be under the influence of any illegal drug or medication
- Refuse to present their permit to a law enforcement official when requested
- Act as a hindrance to a local law enforcement official’s ability to perform their job properly.
- Impersonate any law enforcement official
- Open carry their CCW firearm.
- Attempt to carry a weapon a different weapon from the one written on the CCW permit
- Fail to abide by the location restrictions and limitations of holding a CCW Permit in California.
Though this is not an all-inclusive list of possible violations, the severity of consequences will vary if one violates the terms of their CCW permit. Generally, the sheriff’s office will revoke their CCW permit no matter the offense. However, prosecutors may charge them with a more severe offense depending on the violation one commits.
Violating CCW Permit Laws: What Are the Possible Charges?
The penalties for concealed carrying without a CCW permit are dependent on the type of violation that occurred.
- Offenses involving unloaded and unregistered weapons are subject to felony charges
- Offenses involving an unloaded and registered weapon are subject to misdemeanor charges
- Offenses involving a loaded and registered weapon are two misdemeanors’ charges
- Offenses involving a loaded and unregistered weapon are two felony charges
Contact Pride Legal
If you or a loved one is seeking to obtain a CCW Permit in California, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.