CA CCW Permits 

Click HERE for Best Handgun Training CCW Instruction and Certification Fees in CA.  Or click HERE for CCW training schedules.

Your first step should be to check with your county sheriff department, and obtain their CCW policies and procedures.  Many counties have a CCW website, and can commonly be found in a search engine browser, by entering  "(the name of your county)" sheriff CCW requirements. Look for their official county website, which usually appears within the first few results on the first page.

Be sure to investigate the background check and disqualifying factors (crimes, driving record, moral character and/or other concerns) before signing up for a CCW class. The CCW training course is non refundable.

Unlike most states, CA is a "may issue" state when it comes to Concealed Weapons Permits.

California CCW permits are generally issued by the Sheriff of the county which you reside or work in.

The Sheriff or his/her designee has the ultimate authority whether to issue you the CCW, or deny the CCW. If you are denied, you are able to appeal the decision, within a certain time frame.

Of the 58 counties in CA, some Sheriff's departments down right refuse to issue CA CCW permits.  There are others that respect our 2nd Ammendment rights, and issue a permit to law abiding citizens with good cause, allowing us to defend ourselves and our loved ones. While it may be possible (in some areas) to obtain a CCW permit in CA from your local police department, it is more common for the police department to refer you to the local Sheriff. 

Each county has their specific training requirements to obtain your CA CCW permit.  The CCW training may differ from county to county as well. 

The Sheriff's department approves CCW trainers within the county.  California CCW training consists of 16 hours for an initail CCW permit, and 8 hours for a renewal.  The original CCW permit is not valid for a period of longer than 2 years, and must be renewed prior to the 2 year expiration.  

There are state and federal laws and restrictions as to when and where a CCW permit holder may not carry a concealed weapon. 

The CA Issuing Agency (Sheriff) may impose any sort of restrictions on a CCW Permit.  Some issuing agencies have been known to place restrictions such as "no schools, no gun free zones, no public assemblies, no area with a sign prohibiting firearms", etc.

For more information, visit this link. 

Utah CCW Permits, Arizona, Nevada and Florida CCW Permits DO NOT allow you to carry a concealed firearm within the State of California. Utah CCW Permits, Nevada and Florida CCW Permits are issued for "Personal Protection". Reciprocity and Recognition of Permits from State to State is a complex issue, we cannot and will not give legal advice. If you need accurate answers to specific legal questions, contact the State Issuing Authority or consult an Attorney who is licensed within the State in question. This is not an NRA sponsored or NRA certified course.