A complete walkthrough of the California CCW application process following the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. SB 2 removed the good character and good cause requirements and uses statutory disqualification criteria. Applications go through the county sheriff or city police chief and require at least 16 hours of training, a Live Scan background check, and an in-person interview.
Following the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen[1], California's concealed carry permit process underwent significant changes. Bruen held that New York's proper-cause requirement violated the Second Amendment. The Legislature responded with SB 2[2], which removed the good character and good cause requirements, adopted statutory disqualification criteria and expanded training requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a California CCW permit under Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155[3], you must:
- Be at least 21 years old (no military exception for CCW. The age-18 provision under PC 27510 applies only to firearm purchases, not carry permits)
- For a sheriff application by a California resident, reside in the county or have your principal place of employment or business there and spend a substantial period of time there. California residents applying to a city police chief must reside in that city or city and county. Non-California residents must attest under oath that the jurisdiction is the primary California location where they intend to travel or spend time
- Not be a disqualified person under PC 26202. The issuing authority applies the statutory criteria, including danger to self or others, specified convictions and qualifying restraining orders
- Complete a qualifying firearms training course
- Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law
Step 1: Contact Your Issuing Authority
California CCW permits are issued by the county sheriff or, in incorporated cities, the chief of police. Most applicants apply through their county sheriff's office. Each issuing authority has its own application forms, scheduling process, and supplemental requirements. Check your county sheriff's website for specific instructions and appointment availability.
Step 2: Complete Required Training
SB 2 requires at least 16 hours of training for new license applicants. Required topics include
- Firearms safety and handling
- California firearms laws, including use-of-force standards
- Live-fire shooting proficiency qualification
- Situational judgment and decision-making
Except for the mental health and mental health resources component, training must be taught and supervised by DOJ-certified firearms instructors or in a manner prescribed by regulation. Your issuing authority may require additional hours beyond the 16-hour minimum. Upon completion, you will receive a training certificate valid for your application.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Live Scan
You must submit a completed application form along with Live Scan fingerprints for the background check. The Live Scan is processed through the California DOJ Bureau of Firearms[4] and the FBI. Application fees vary by issuing authority. Los Angeles County lists a $43 application fee and a $173 issuance fee for a standard new license. Fingerprint costs are separate, and Live Scan providers set their own rolling fees and may charge additional service fees.
Step 4: Background Check and Interview
The issuing authority conducts a thorough background investigation, including criminal history, mental health records, restraining orders, and GVRO checks. Most counties require a personal interview. Under PC 26202, the issuing authority determines whether the applicant is a disqualified person by applying the statutory criteria, including danger to self or others, qualifying restraining orders and specified convictions.
Step 5: Permit Issuance
If approved, you will be notified to pick up your CCW license. California CCW permits generally are valid for up to two years under current law. Employment-based licenses generally last no more than 90 days, specified judicial officials may receive licenses for up to three years, and specified custodial officers and reserve peace officers may receive licenses for up to four years.[3] Under AB 1948 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2026), which amends Penal Code Section 26220, licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027 may be issued for up to three years. Permits issued before that date retain their existing terms, including any applicable statutory exception to the general two-year maximum. The permit will list the specific firearms you are authorized to carry. Processing time varies by county and typically ranges from 90 to 180 days.
SB 2 Sensitive Places: Where You Cannot Carry
SB 2 designated 26 specific categories of "sensitive places" and incorporated other places prohibited by state, federal or local law. The statute provides exceptions, including permission by posted sign at otherwise covered private commercial establishments. Following the Ninth Circuit's ruling in May v. Bonta[5] (September 2024) and the mandate issued on January 23, 2025, the injunction remains in place for Penal Code Section 26230(a)(7), (8), (10), (22), (23) and (26). The court reversed the injunction as to the other challenged categories and associated parking areas. CCW holders are prohibited from carrying in:
- Government buildings, courthouses and legislative chambers, subject to statutory exceptions. The court-building restriction excludes a justice, judge or commissioner of that court. The local-government-building restriction excludes carrying for license training under Section 26165, and state legislative and executive buildings have the exceptions referenced in Section 171c
- K-12 schools, school grounds, and childcare facilities
- Colleges and universities
- Polling places on election days
- Airports with a secured area that regularly serve a federally certificated air carrier, and passenger vessel terminals at the portion of a qualifying harbor or port facility with a secured area that regularly serves scheduled commuter or passenger operations
- Law enforcement buildings and nuclear facilities
- Bars and restaurants serving alcohol
- Playgrounds, and parks or athletic areas or facilities open to the public. The park and athletic-area restriction does not apply when a licensee must walk through to access their residence, place of business or vehicle
- Youth centers and public libraries
- State parks and Department of Parks and Recreation property, except designated hunting areas, public shooting grounds and buildings where firearm possession is permitted by applicable law
- Casinos, stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, zoos, and museums
- Parking areas associated with the above locations
Six categories remain enjoined (carry is still permitted): hospitals and medical facilities, public transit, places of worship, financial institutions, gatherings requiring a government permit, and private commercial property (the default "opt-in" sign requirement is blocked; the traditional rule applies).
This enforcement landscape is subject to change as litigation continues. Monitor your issuing authority's website and the DOJ's guidance for updates.