CALIFORNIA CONCEALED WEAPONS CERTIFICATION

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR CCW PERMIT IN CALIFORNIA

Below you will find information and steps regarding how to obtain your first California Concealed Weapons Permit.

STEP #1: CCW SAFETY COURSE

The first step to obtaining your California Concealed Weapons Permit is to enroll in a CCW
class.

New CCW Applicants will complete a 16-hour training course. Renewing CCW Applicants will
complete an 8-hour training course. All CCW Training Courses require a live fire qualification.

ENROLL NOW

STEP #2: CCW PERMIT APPLICATION

Apply for a CCW Permit with the sheriff’s office in your county. Please be sure that you have all
required materials uploaded to your computer before you begin your online application. You will
need to upload several documents including a copy of the front and back page of your Training
Course Certificate, your California Driver’s License, Proof of Residency, and other required
documents. Please visit the links below to apply for your permit once you have completed your
training course.

Kern County
Kings County
Fresno County
Tulare County

STEP #3: LIVESCAN FINGERPRINTING

After you successfully complete your CCW Permit Application with your county Sheriff’s
office, it is time to get fingerprinted. After applying, and as soon as possible, contact your agency
get an appointment for the livescan. The livescan process takes a few minutes and is easy.

Kern County Live Scan
Kings County Live Scan
Fresno County Live Scan
Tulare County Live Scan

STEP #4: BACKGROUND CHECK

After you
complete your class, application, and livescan process, your agency will review your application
and complete a background investigation. Some agencies are faster than others. Depending on
the agency, typical wait times are one to three months.

STEP #5: YOUR APPROVED PERMIT

Once the background investigation is finished, your agency will contact you to pick up your permit.

STEP #6: PERMIT RENEWAL

You will need to renew your permit every two years. Please remember to participate in regular
ongoing training during this time to either build or maintain your skills.