In an age where people feel a need for greater safety, many find protection in carrying a gun with a CCW Permit. This is everything you need to know about obtaining a California Concealed Weapons Permit in California.
In California, it is typically considered a criminal offense to carry a loaded, unloaded, concealed, or unconcealed gun in public without a proper permit. Gun owners in California can obtain a CCW permit, authorizing them to carry a pistol from the California list of legal handguns. Your county’s sheriff may issue you a CCW Permit if you:
- You are considered to be of good moral character AND
- You are a resident of the county in which you have applied for a CCW permit, or your place of employment or business is in the county in which you applied for a CCW permit AND
- You have completed all the required training courses.
Does California issue CCW permits? Why Is it So Hard?
California currently issues CCW permits only to its residents. According to California law, “When a person applies for a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county may issue a license to that person.” Being able to get a CCW permit in California is not an easy feat to achieve. Contacting an attorney who is specialized in acquiring CCW permits in California is almost necessary. Pride Legal is here to help.
California has put itself as one of the hardest states to acquire a CCW permit. Unlike New York, California CCWs are to be renewed yearly and must have good causation as to why a person needs their CCW renewed. Our state has enacted harsh anti-gun laws to make regular people avoid wanting guns or even applying for a CCW. Governor Gavin Newsom has recently passed an anti-2A law, which forces gun makers to input microstamping technology- so every bullet fired from your gun would be traced back to you. Gunmakers already have trouble making new parts for their guns to be CA legal. Microchipping guns will only force gunmakers to stay away from our state, as they can’t afford it.
Click here to read our other article on how to get a CCW permit in Los Angeles County.
Who issues CCW permits?
In California, the sheriff of the applicant’s county issues CCW permits. This will depend on the city or county you live in. For example, residents of Beverly Hills would not be able to go to their local sheriff. These residents would need to head to the Los Angeles Sheriff to obtain their CCW permit. Likewise, with West Hollywood residents, they would need to head down to Downtown Los Angeles to acquire their CCW permit.
As of July 2022, the CCW application process has changed. Thankfully, laws are becoming more lax in the state of California. The recent NYSRPA v. Bruen ruling has made it easier for the average citizen to be able to apply for their conceal carry permit in California. Now, applicants will not have to complete a good cause statement in order to be eligible to gain a conceal carry permit. However, all other requirements must be met in order to proceed with an application.
The state of California has enacted new ways to gauge “good moral character,” which in the past included if a person has any felonies, misdemeanors, the amount of traffic tickets they have, as well as a personal interview with a law enforcement officer. Now, investigators may look into an applicant’s social media accounts, as well as any posts made online. Some social media posts may have an effect on the outcome of an applicant’s decision.
Is a background check required when applying for a CCW Permit?
Yes, background checks are often required by the applicant’s county sheriff. This includes taking the applicant’s fingerprints when submitting the application and submitting the gathered data to the California Department of Justice.
What Is “Good Moral Character” in California?
In California, “good moral character” could be described as a person who has not been convicted of any violent crimes, drug addiction, fraudulent crimes, or has a criminal history. Multiple traffic violations could also have an effect on the outcome of an applicant’s permit.
How long is a CCW permit valid after it is issued?
A California Concealed Weapons Permit is valid for 2 years after the date was issued.
What is the processing time for a CCW permit application?
The processing time for a California License to Carry permit is within 90 days of the date of application, or 30 days after the background check is received from the Department of Justice (whichever is sooner). As of July 2022, many counties such as Los Angeles have been backed up with an overflow with new applicants,
How much does it cost to obtain a California License to Carry?
The total cost to obtain a CCW permit in California is anywhere from $200 to $300. This total cost may include the following:
- A $44 state fee
- A licensing authority fee of up to $120 (20% collected at the time of application and 80% collected once issued)
- Prices of the required classes
- Fingerprints
- Psychological testing fees of up to $150 (Licensing authorities are authorized to require psychological testing)
Beginning January 7, 2021, the Initial License fee has increased from $56 to $120 in Los Angeles County. Likewise, the CCW application fee has increased from $10 to $30.
What are the requirements of obtaining a California Concealed Weapons Permit?
Licensing authorities may issue you a California Concealed Weapons Permit if:
- You are considered to be of good moral character AND
- You are a resident of the county in which you have applied for a CCW permit or your place of employment or
- business is in the county in which you applied for a CCW permit AND
- You have completed all the required training courses.
What are the training requirements for a California License to Carry?
New license applicants must complete all courses required by the licensing authority. These courses will not exceed 16 hours or be less than 4 hours and must include instruction on firearm safety and the law regarding the permissible use of a concealed firearm.
I am a California non-resident. Can I apply for a CCW Permit?
California does NOT issue CCW Permits to non-residents.
How do I renew my California License to Carry?
Contact the same licensing authority that issued your CCW Permit. You must pay fees that will cost no less than $25 and no more than $100.
What do I do if my CCW Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?
If your CCW Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the licensing authority that issued your CCW Permit.
Do other states recognize CCW Permits?
Yes, some states recognize your California License to Carry. When in another state, you must obey the concealed carry laws of that state.
Contact Pride Legal
If you or a loved one is seeking to obtain a CCW Permit, 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.
