The livescan process is about 4-6 weeks. The CCW application process, from application completion to having it granted, can take anywhere from 2 months up to 5 months. The entire process, therefore, can take anywhere from 2 or 3 months, up to 6 to 7 months. In rare circumstances, due to matters beyond our control, the process can take about 9 months to complete.

No. If you are granted a CCW license by any law enforcement agency within your county, you may carry within the entire state of California, subject to certain limitations. (Check local laws, as they are always changing!

Yes. According to California Penal Code 26190(f), at the Licensing Authority’s discretion, a psychological assessment may be conducted on initial applicants and may only be conducted on renewal applicants if there is compelling evidence to warrant the assessment. Each agency has their own requirements and we will notify you if your agency requires this aspect of the application process.

When you purchase a package with the livescan option, we will email you a link for you to search for the closest DOJ-approved fingerprinting location near your home or place of work.

There are a number of fees throughout the process, including fees payable to:

• • your city police department or county sheriff’s department for the application; 
  • your city police department or county sheriff’s department for the final CCW license issue; 
  • psychological evaluation fees;
  • firearm safety and training fees;
  • livescan fees required by your city police department or county sheriff’s department; and
  • livescan fingerprinting fees to the location conducting the actual fingerprinting;

Some fees are as low as $20, while others are a few hundred dollars. In total, expect to spend fees as low as $450 or up to $1,200.

Yes, it is unlawful and you are subject to losing your CCW if arrested and/or convicted for such an offense.

No. You are limited to THREE (3) firearms/handguns that are registered to you, which must be taken to your training and qualification session. Therefore, make sure you are very familiar with the use and shooting of your firearm before listing it in your CCW application.

Yes, because carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW license in a crime, and depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you could face misdemeanor OR felony charges, subjecting you to imprisonment in prison, jail, fines, or a combination of the two.

Do not assume that your California CCW is valid in every state. Check the state you want to travel to whether they have reciprocity with California.

Once granted, your CCW license expires in two (2) years. If you’d like to renew it, you must do so PRIOR to the expiration. We suggest you start your renewal process at least 2 to 3 months prior to your CCW expiration date.

No. In short, if your firearm (not rifle or shotgun) is registered to you, then you can register it as one of your three CCW firearms on your license. State and local authorities may have specific requirements for handguns that can be carried concealed. These may include, but are not limited to: the handgun being listed on the California Department of Justice’s roster of approved handguns, and the handgun and holster being equipped with proper safety and retention mechanisms.

State and local regulations place various restrictions on where an individual with a valid CCW license may carry a concealed handgun. These may include, but are no limited to:

• public buildings, such as schools and government buildings;
• public events, such as fairs and parades, airports and other transportation hubs;
• certain businesses, such as bars and nightclubs;
• and private property where the owner has posted a sign prohibiting firearms.

Specific conditions and restrictions may also exist at the licensing authority’s discretion; which makes it important to be familiar with local guidelines before carrying a concealed handgun.

Seems like a lot, but they’re all logical and self-explanatory! While this is a thorough list, it is not a complete list:

• • You must first be at least 21 years old;
  • You must be a resident within the State of California;
  • You must have at least one firearm/handgun. (If you do, you’ve probably also completed the firearm safety training course);
  • You must not be prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under state or federal law;
  • You must not have any prior criminal convictions or restraining orders that would prohibit you from owning or registering a firearm, even if you previously registered a firearm;
  • You must not have any history of mental illness that would disqualify them from owning a handgun or firearm;
  • You must not be addicted to alcohol or illicit drugs;
  • You must not have been convicted of certain misdemeanors;
  • You must not have been convicted of any felony that could have resulted in a prison sentence of more than one year, unless you later had that felony reduced to a misdemeanor

The newest version of the DOJ CCW application revised in January of 2024 requires that you list at least 3 references.

• Senate Bill 2, which became effective on January 1, 2024, requires that the firearms training course for initial CCW applications be for a minimum of 16 hours, while the training for the CCW renewal applications be for a minimum of 8 hours. 
• The training course must include firearms safety and handling, shooting techniques, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm. Further, the course must include a live fire demonstration at an approved range. There, the applicant must demonstrate safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm requested to carry concealed (up to three firearms). During this course and live fire drill, certain important factors to consider are:
  • Your firearms/handguns will be inspected; 
  • Your holsters, if any, will be inspected;
  • Most live fire sessions will include shooting at least 10 rounds from each firearm at targets of 7, 10 and 15 yards;
  • Your instructor will determine whether you have passed at the end of your live fire session.