How to Get Your CCW in California: County-by-County Guide (2026)

The Big News: California is Now "Shall Issue"

Thanks to the Supreme Court's NYSRPA v. Bruen decision (2022), California became a "shall issue" state. This means if you meet the objective requirements, the sheriff must issue you a CCW permit.

No more "good cause" requirements. No more proving you have special danger. If you're legally eligible, you can get a permit.

Basic Requirements (All Counties)

To qualify for a CA CCW, you must:

✅ Be 21+ years old ✅ Be a California resident (in the county you're applying) ✅ Have valid CA driver's license/ID ✅ Pass a background check ✅ Complete required training (8-16 hours) ✅ Not be prohibited from owning firearms ✅ Show "good moral character" (generally means clean record)

The Application Process

Step 1: Contact Your Sheriff (or Police Chief)

In most counties, the Sheriff's Department handles CCW permits. In some cities, the Police Chief does.

Step 2: Complete Application

Most counties now have online applications. You'll provide:

• Personal information
• Employment history
• References (usually 3)
• Reasons for wanting CCW (self-defense is now sufficient)
• Firearms you want to carry (specific makes/models/serials)

Step 3: Livescan (Fingerprinting)

You'll get fingerprinted via Livescan. Cost: $50-100

Step 4: Training

Complete the required training course from a certified instructor:

• Initial: 8-16 hours (varies by county)
• Renewal: 4-8 hours (every 2 years)

Training covers:

• Firearm safety
• CA laws on deadly force
• Conflict de-escalation
• Live-fire qualification

Step 5: Interview

Some counties require an in-person interview. Be professional, honest, and calm.

Step 6: Wait

Processing times vary by county:

• Fast counties: 30-60 days
• Slow counties: 90-180 days
• Anti-gun counties: 6+ months (they're dragging their feet)

Step 7: Receive Permit

Once approved, you'll receive your CCW permit. Carry your permit + valid ID whenever carrying.

County-Specific Information

Los Angeles County

• Issuing Authority: LASD (Sheriff)
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours initial
• Cost: $400-500 total
• Notes: Much improved since Sheriff Luna took office. Previously anti-CCW.

San Diego County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-450
• Notes: Pro-CCW sheriff. Good county for permits.

Orange County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-400
• Notes: Sheriff Barnes is pro-2A. Relatively easy process.

Riverside County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $300-400
• Notes: Good approval rates since Bruen.

San Bernardino County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $300-400
• Notes: Sheriff Dicus supports CCW rights.

Sacramento County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-120 days
• Training Hours: 16 hours (longer than most)
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: Sheriff Cooper improved the process significantly.

San Francisco County

• Issuing Authority: SFPD (Police Chief)
• Processing Time: 6+ months
• Training Hours: 16+ hours
• Cost: $500-600
• Notes: Still anti-CCW but must issue. Expect delays and scrutiny.

Alameda County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 6+ months
• Training Hours: 16 hours
• Cost: $450-550
• Notes: Previously anti-CCW. Dragging feet on implementation.

Santa Clara County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: New sheriff improved process after Bruen.

Contra Costa County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: Improved but still slower than inland counties.

Fresno County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Pro-CCW. Fast approvals.

Kern County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Sheriff Youngblood is very pro-2A.

San Joaquin County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $300-400
• Notes: Good approval rates.

Stanislaus County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Pro-CCW sheriff.

Sonoma County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-120 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-450
• Notes: Improved after Bruen.

Marin County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 16 hours
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: Slower approvals, more scrutiny.

San Mateo County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 16 hours
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: Anti-CCW culture. Expect delays.

Santa Barbara County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-450
• Notes: Reasonable process.

Ventura County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-450
• Notes: Good approval rates.

San Luis Obispo County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $300-400
• Notes: Pro-CCW environment.

Monterey County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $350-450
• Notes: Improved after Bruen.

Santa Cruz County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 90-180 days
• Training Hours: 16 hours
• Cost: $400-500
• Notes: Slower, more scrutiny.

Placer County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Pro-CCW. Fast approvals.

El Dorado County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Very pro-2A county.

Shasta County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $200-300
• Notes: Extremely pro-CCW. Sheriff Bosenko supports 2A.

Butte County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $250-350
• Notes: Pro-CCW environment.

Humboldt County

• Issuing Authority: Sheriff's Department
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Training Hours: 8 hours
• Cost: $300-400
• Notes: Moderate approval process.

Training Requirements

What to Expect

Classroom portion covers:

• CA firearms laws
• Use of force / deadly force
• Conflict de-escalation
• CCW permit responsibilities
• Where you can/can't carry

Range portion covers:

• Live-fire qualification
• Usually 50-100 rounds
• Must demonstrate safe handling
• Hit target at various distances

Finding Instructors

• USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association)
• NRA Certified Instructors
• Local ranges often have classes
• Your sheriff's office may provide approved instructor list

Costs

• Initial class: $150-300
• Renewal class: $75-150
• Ammo for qualification: $25-50

What Guns Can You Carry?

Your CCW permit lists specific firearms you're authorized to carry. You must qualify with each one.

Handgun Roster Doesn't Apply to CCW

Off-roster handguns CAN be added to your CCW! This is a major benefit.

Common CCW Guns

• Glock 17 (Gen 3 on roster, others via CCW)
• Sig P226
• Smith & Wesson M&P9

• Glock 19 (most popular CCW gun nationwide)
• Sig P320 Compact
• M&P9 Compact

• Glock 26, 43
• Sig P365 (via CCW only)
• Springfield Hellcat (via CCW only)
• Smith & Wesson Shield

• Smith & Wesson J-Frame
• Ruger LCR
• Colt Detective Special

How Many Guns?

Most counties allow 2-3 firearms on your permit. Some allow more for additional qualification fees.

Where Can You NOT Carry?

Even with a CCW, California prohibits carry in:

❌ Schools (K-12) - without written permission ❌ Colleges/Universities - most prohibit by policy ❌ Government buildings ❌ Courthouses ❌ Airports (past security) ❌ Federal buildings ❌ Post offices ❌ Bars (places that primarily serve alcohol) ❌ Some private property (if posted)

Renewal Process

CCW permits are valid for 2 years in most counties.

Renewal requires:

• New application
• Updated training (4-8 hours)
• New Livescan
• Renewal fee ($100-200)

Tips for Success

1. Be honest on your application - Background checks will find everything.

1. Clean up your social media - Don't give them reasons to deny.

1. Take training seriously - Learn the material, don't just endure it.

1. Dress professionally for interviews - First impressions matter.

1. Be patient - The process takes time, especially in anti-CCW counties.

1. Consider USCCA or CCW Safe insurance - Legal protection if you ever use your firearm.

1. Practice regularly - Shooting is a perishable skill.

1. Learn the laws - Know where you can/cannot carry.

Common Reasons for Denial

• Felony convictions
• Domestic violence convictions
• Recent mental health holds
• Dishonorable discharge
• Recent DUI or drug charges
• Lying on application
• Poor moral character (varies by interpretation)

What If Denied?

You have the right to appeal:

1. Request written reason for denial
2. File appeal with issuing authority
3. Consider legal help - CRPA or FPC may assist
4. Fix the issue if possible (wait for charges to age, etc.)

Non-Resident Permits

California does NOT issue non-resident CCW permits. You must be a CA resident with ID from the county you're applying in.

Resources

Organizations

• CRPA (California Rifle & Pistol Association) - crpa.org
• FPC (Firearms Policy Coalition) - firearmspolicy.org
• USCCA - uscca.com

Training

• Search "CCW training [your county]"
• Ask your sheriff for approved instructor list
• Check local gun ranges

Legal Help

• CRPA Legal Team - if wrongfully denied
• Michel & Associates - CA gun law specialists
• FPC Legal - challenge unconstitutional delays

Conclusion

Getting your CCW in California is now possible for any law-abiding citizen. The process varies by county, but the "shall issue" standard means you can't be arbitrarily denied.

If you live in a pro-CCW county, the process is relatively fast and affordable. If you're in an anti-CCW county, expect delays and higher costs, but you can still get your permit.

Stay safe, train regularly, and exercise your rights responsibly.