How do I apply for my California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Permit in Los Angeles County?

YOU MUST…

Be a minimum of 21 years old

Own a firearm, registered to the applicant, in California.

Reside within Los Angeles County

Have a clean record

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The first step in applying for your California CCW Permit in Los Angeles County is to find out who you actually need to apply to - and that depends upon where you live. The main agencies that oversee CCW processing are the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. However, if you live in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Gardena, Hawthorne, Burbank, or other cities within LA County, you will  need to apply to those specific departments. Just ask yourself this question: “If I ever need to call on law enforcement for help, who would show up?” 

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION

Once you’ve figured out who to apply to, you will then need to head on over to their respective website for specific instructions on how to proceed. Although different agencies may have different requirements, you will still need to begin by printing or downloading the most updated version of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms Standard Initial and Renewal Application for a CCW License. Remember to read the instructions on the application very carefully, and only fill out the sections you are required to fill out. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART

After what is sure to be an extensive waiting period, depending on the agency, it may take anywhere from 3 months to over a year until you are called in for your interview.

THE INTERVIEW

At some point you will be contacted by your agency to schedule an interview. You will need to bring the following with you to the interview:

Valid California Driver’s License or California ID Card (an ID card will only be accepted if you do not possess a driver’s license from another state).

Original U.S. Birth Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card,  or Valid U.S. Passport (If you were born outside the United States).

Utility Bill (water, electricity, gas, cable/internet, or waste) – must be in the applicant’s name; have the current residence address; and cannot be past due. NO EXCEPTIONS.

If the utility bill is in your spouse's name, they will accept them with proof of marriage or legal domestic partnership.

(Military only) DD-214/orders

 Your application

After around 2 weeks to 3 months, you will be contacted to go complete a Live Scan, and, depending on the agency, a psychological exam. You will also be told to take a required 16-hour CCW course and shooting qualification. 

REQUIRED CCW COURSE AND SHOOTING QUALIFICATION

You will need to complete a 16-hour California approved CCW course, taught by an approved CCW training provider. First Step Shooting is approved by the LASD, LAPD, and all other departments within Los Angeles County to provide this course and qualification. Our course covers topics of firearm safety, basic marksmanship, Stop the Bleed and first aid, state laws pertaining to firearms and the use of deadly force, the aftermath of a shooting, and more. 

The shooting proficiency standard required by the LASD and LAPD, as well as most other departments for issuance of a CCW license includes a course of fire of 24 rounds fired without time limitation at 3, 5, and 7 yards (72 rounds total). Minimum passing score is 70 percent of rounds fired at each distance (17 of 24 rounds) within the 7-ring of the B-27 target. All subsequent firearm qualification courses of fire shall consist of 20 total rounds (10 rounds at 5 yards and 10 rounds at 7 yards) with a minimum passing score of 70 percent of rounds fired at each distance (17 of 24 rounds).

After submitting your Certificate of Completion and Shooting Proficiency Standards form, you will be contacted to set an appointment to pick up your California CCW license.