Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility How to Get a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County - Pride Legal

Obtaining a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permit can be fairly challenging for residents in California, especially those who reside within Los Angeles County. With the help of a legal professional, proper knowledge, and the recent changes made in LA County, With the proper knowledge and legal help, eligible citizens may be able to obtain their CCW Permit sooner than they think. Specifically, on June 28th, 2020, the LA County Sheriff announced that he would be increasing the number of CCW permits they grant by up to 400%. Since then, the application process to obtain a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County, CA, has changed significantly. Here is everything you need to know about applying for a CCW permit, alongside information about the consequences you may face without one.

What are the Steps to File for a CCW Permit?

All applicants must take six key steps when applying for a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County, CA. Regardless of the cause motivating their application, all applicants must:

  • Meet all the basic qualifications for eligibility
  • Submit an initial application and a 30-dollar non-refundable application fee to the LA 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.

Who may Apply for a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County?

In Los Angeles, an individual must meet four basic requirements to determine eligibility to apply for a CCW Permit. Los Angeles implemented these baseline requirements because of the enactment of the CCW Permit Law in California in 2011. Under this law, individuals must apply for a CCW and then present the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office with evidence that they meet the following four basic requirements:

  • Applicant must be of good moral character (no prior convictions, no legal issues)
  • There must be convincing cause for the permit (i.e., life is in danger)
  • The applicant must show proof of completing a gun safety training course
  • The applicant must legally own a registered gun that is eligible to be listed on the permit.
  • The applicant is a resident of the state, owns a business in the county, or has spent a significant amount of time in the county.
  • Lastly, applicants in Los Angeles County must be at least 21 years to apply.

Ultimately, under the Good Cause Law, the final approval of your permit is left to the County Sheriff. Therefore, meeting all other eligibility requirements does not necessarily mean that your CCW Permit sheriff’s office will grant the permit. If the LA County Sheriff finds that one lacks good cause after reviewing their application, the office will likely deny the application. Because of this, it is vital to understand the California Good Cause Law before submitting one’s application to obtain a CCW Permit.

The Good Cause Law:

When applying for a CCW Permit, one of the four basic requirements an applicant must meet is having good cause proving their need for the permit. There is no one correct answer for what the sheriff’s office may consider a good cause. Legislature considers the Good Cause Law qualifying if it meets the following statement. “If there is convincing evidence of a clear and present danger to life or of great bodily harm to the applicant, his spouse, or dependent child, which cannot be adequately dealt with by existing law enforcement resources, and which alternative measures cannot reasonably avoid danger, and which danger would be significantly mitigated by the applicant’s carrying of a concealed firearm.” Generally, the Good Cause Law means that if one or their family are in danger, one may be able to more easily receive approval to hold a CCW permit by the LA County Sheriff.

Completing the Required Live Scan and Firearm Training:

All CCW Permit Applicants in Los Angeles County are required to complete a Live Scan and Firearm Training and pass a background check. Due to recent changes made by the county sheriff’s office, the process of meeting these requirements looks different than it ever has before.

Completing a Live Scan:

A Live Scan is an electronic process of formally capturing an applicant’s fingerprints digitally. The digital format of a Live Scan allows the applicant’s information to be sent directly to the investigating agent. During the application for a CCW Permit, the Live Scan occurs as a part of one’s background check. The LA County Sheriff’s office will use fingerprints and all other collected data to ensure applicant suitability. If the Live Scan reveals any incriminating information, the sheriff’s office will deny one’s application. Further, mistakes in the recorded information will lead to delays in the application process.

Training Requirements for a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County:

Upon completing and passing a background check and Live Scan, the process requires all applicants to undergo and complete a pre-approved firearm safety course. Per California Penal Code 26165, all CCW Permit Applicants in Los Angeles County must complete firearm training that:

  • Includes direction of proper firearm safety, handling, and shooting techniques
  • Information on all California Laws regulating the use of firearms and CCW Permits
  • Includes a formal inspection confirming the firearm’s safety, legality, and operable state according to California Firearm Rules and Regulations.
  • Includes a live-fire course that all CCW Permit applicants must complete and pass.

Applicants must complete the required firearm safety courses to remain eligible to obtain a CCW Permit. These courses typically will not exceed 16 hours and will not be less than 4 hours. Specifically,

  • New CCW Permit applicants must complete a minimum of 8 hours of mandatory firearm training. For new applicants, mandatory training hours may not exceed 16 hours.
  • Renewing CCW Permit applicants must complete a minimum of 4 mandatory firearm training hours.

The application process mandates one complete firearm training for the firearm listed on the CCW Permit. To determine the eligibility of a firearm to be used with a CCW Permit, reference the following criteria. Automatic firearms, such as automatic rifles, may not be used with a CCW Permit.

Qualifying Handguns must:

  • Be registered to the individual applying for the CCW Permit
  • Be able to be concealed on one’s person or within their purse/bag.
  • Be deemed a legal firearm by remaining under all California State gun laws and regulations.

FAQs:

Can I Expedite my CCW Application Process?

Yes. Typically, the approval of one’s CCW Permit can take anywhere between 30 days from the date the background search is complete to 90 days from the date one applies. Acquiring the help of an attorney to help you process all necessary paperwork and legally guide you can be essential in getting your CCW permit. Contact one of Pride Legal’s many attorneys to assist you throughout the lengthy process of acquiring a CCW.

How Long is a CCW Permit Valid?

There are four types of CCWs with different periods of validity; the most common is the Standard CCW permit. This license is issued to residents of a county. Standard CCW Permits are issued for two years and are eligible for renewal for $20-$100. If one is a judge or ex-military, it will be much easier for them to acquire a CCW. Licenses for judges and ex-police last 3 and 4 years, respectively.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a CCW Permit?

Typically, the charge of acquiring a CCW will cost $200-$400. There is a non-refundable deposit fee for sending in your application, fingerprint costs, the price of the classes, and sometimes a psychological evaluation, which can cost up to $150. Not all people must go through the psychological evaluation; it is up to the licensing authority’s discretion. Because of this, the application process costs will vary.

What is Restricting me from Getting a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County?

A few things can restrict one from receiving their CCW or even acquiring a gun license. Convicted felons are not allowed to be around a firearm, nor are they allowed to own firearms. If a court convicts one of a misdemeanor or felony in the past, the sheriff’s office may deny their CCW permit. If one has had drug or alcohol abuse addictions, these can affect whether they may receive your permit. History of mental illness can also have an effect. Non-California residents cannot get a CCW under California’s laws.

Will my CCW be valid in Different States?

Some states will recognize your California CCW permit, but any CCW permit granted outside California will not be recognized once you have entered California. For instance, residents of Nevada with a Nevada CCW permit may not carry their firearm on their person when entering California. They must store the firearm in a locked container in the trunk of a car or glovebox container.

How Can I Check my Local Laws for a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County?

Many counties have different laws. For example, Beverly Hills adopted the LA county CCW laws, but counties like West Hollywood do not. If you reside in West Hollywood, you must go to the sheriff’s office in the county. If you reside in Beverly Hills, you must go to the LAPD offices and speak to the undersheriff. With the help of one of Pride Legal’s several conceal and carry attorneys, acquiring your CCW permit can be quick and straightforward. If you have any questions regarding CCW permits, contact us today for consultation.

As of May 1st, 2021, applying for a CCW permit in Los Angeles has become simpler. Residents of California may now visit their local sheriff’s office to start with their CCW application. CCW firearm applicants now do not need to visit their local police station to start their application.

What happens if I get Caught Without a CCW Permit in Los Angeles County or Greater California?

Under California Penal Code 25400, one may face penalties for concealing a loaded or unloaded firearm. Brandishing one’s weapon in a threatening manner without having danger to one’s life carries a different punishment with a maximum of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Carrying a handgun in one’s dashboard, on their person, or in the car can result in felony or misdemeanor charges. If you have prior convictions, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 3 years in prison alongside a $10,000 fine if caught with a firearm without a CCW.

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.

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