California CCW Permit 2026, How to Get a Concealed Carry License Step by Step
California is now a shall-issue state — meaning sheriffs must issue a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit to any eligible applicant who meets the legal requirements, without requiring a specific reason or justification. That changed in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Bruen, and it remains the law today. But getting a California CCW in 2026 involves more steps, stricter background checks, and higher fees than most other states. This article walks through exactly what is required, what changed in 2026, and what to expect.
Who Can Apply for a California CCW in 2026?
To be eligible for a California CCW permit, you must generally meet all of the following requirements:
You must be a minimum of 21 years old and own a firearm registered to you in California. You must also be a resident of the county where you apply — or a resident of a city within that county if applying through a police department rather than the sheriff’s office.
California is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen on June 23, 2022. Licenses are issued by the county sheriff’s office or local police station and while there are some minimums, each county in California is able to set additional requirements beyond the state minimum.
You are generally disqualified if you have a felony conviction, certain misdemeanor convictions, active restraining orders, a history of mental health commitments, or are a prohibited person under state or federal law. Under AB 1078, which took effect January 1, 2026, the disqualification list was expanded. AB 1078 modifies licensing requirements for CCW permits, expanding disqualification criteria to include convictions under federal or out-of-state laws, being an unlawful user of controlled substances, and other potential risk factors.
New in 2026: Key Changes Every Applicant Must Know
1. Virtual interviews now available
Beginning January 1, 2026, if the applicant has all required documents, the CCW unit will schedule an in-person interview or virtual interview where the applicant appears by video and audio, at the applicant’s election. This is a significant convenience improvement — applicants no longer have to take time off work to appear in person for the interview phase in counties that offer this option.
2. Expired permits over 90 days must restart as new applications
Effective January 1, 2026, any CCW license that has been expired for 90 days or longer must be processed as a new application. Applicants in this status will no longer be eligible for renewal and will be required to complete all initial application requirements. If your permit lapsed and you have been waiting to renew, check your expiration date immediately — if it has been expired more than 90 days, you are starting over from scratch.
3. Live Scan fingerprinting required for ALL renewals starting September 1, 2026
Renewing permittees will be required to submit additional Live Scan fingerprints starting after September 1, 2026, per California Penal Code section 26185(b)(2). Previously, renewal applicants were not required to resubmit fingerprints. The Live Scan fee is currently $93 and is the responsibility of the applicant, on top of any county renewal fees.
4. More thorough background investigations under AB 1078
AB 1078 requires a more thorough background investigation for CCW license applicants, including reviewing publicly available information and character references. Expect investigators to review social media activity, conduct reference interviews, and scrutinize your background more thoroughly than in prior years.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a California CCW in 2026
Step 1: Confirm your county’s specific requirements
California’s CCW process is administered at the county level. Each county in California is able to set additional requirements beyond the state minimum. Make sure to contact your local sheriff to find all requirements to get your CCW permit. Processing times, fees, and additional requirements vary significantly by county — what applies in Sacramento may differ from what applies in Los Angeles or Riverside.
Step 2: Submit your application online
Most California counties now use online portals — commonly Permitium or CCW PRO — to accept applications. All CCW applications must be submitted through the online system. Please ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not proceed to interview until all requirements have been met. Required documents typically include proof of residency, a passport-style photo, and proof of firearm registration.
Step 3: Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to complete Live Scan electronic fingerprinting. The CCW applicant is responsible for payment of Live Scan fees, which include fees charged by the DOJ and any fee the Live Scan provider charges for their service. Live Scan fees are separate from fees charged by the sheriff’s office for issuance of a permit. Fingerprint results are submitted directly to the DOJ for a state and federal background check.
Step 4: Complete your background investigation and interview
Once your application and fingerprints are reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. As of 2026, you may have the option to complete this interview virtually by video. The sheriff’s office conducts background investigations of CCW applicants in accordance with statutory provisions under California Penal Code 26202. You must list a minimum of three references in your application, at least one of whom must be a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, or former cohabitant if applicable.
Step 5: Complete your firearms training course
New applicants must complete a training course no less than 16 hours. Renewal applicants must complete a training course no less than 8 hours. The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal methods to transport firearms and securing firearms in vehicles, laws governing where permit holders may carry firearms, mental health and mental health resources, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.
Training must be completed through a DOJ-certified CCW instructor. Applicants should not complete firearms training until instructed to do so by the CCW unit. Once authorized, firearms training must be completed within 60 days. Failure to complete training within 60 days will result in the application being withdrawn.
Step 6: Range qualification
In addition to classroom training, you must qualify on the range with each firearm you want listed on your permit. There is a maximum of three handguns allowed on a CCW permit. Effective January 1, 2024, you may only legally carry two firearms at one time. Make sure your firearms are California-legal and registered to you before attempting qualification.
Step 7: Pay fees and pick up your permit
Fees vary by county and have increased significantly since 2023. For new applications in Sacramento County, a non-refundable $288 initial CCW application fee is required to reserve an interview appointment. Application fees are non-refundable. Other counties have similar non-refundable fee structures. Once all steps are complete, you will be notified to pick up your permit in person.
Can Non-Residents Apply for a California CCW?
Yes — under specific circumstances. Effective April 22, 2025, non-California residents can apply for a California CCW license. Non-resident applicants are required to attend a 16-hour CCW training course and qualification and must apply with, and attest under oath, that the jurisdiction to which they are applying is the primary location in California where they intend to travel or spend time.
Members of certain firearm rights organizations may also qualify under a separate pathway. The California Attorney General confirmed in a DOJ bulletin that members of the Firearms Policy Coalition who are not residents of California and provide proof of membership are entitled to apply for a CCW license with any California licensing authority. Other qualifying organizations may also be recognized — check with your county sheriff for the current list.
Where Can You Carry With a California CCW?
Having a valid CCW permit does not mean you can carry everywhere. California law defines a long list of sensitive places where carrying is prohibited even with a permit. These include schools and school grounds, government buildings, courthouses, polling places, public transit, libraries, parks and playgrounds, stadiums and arenas, hospitals, places of worship, and any establishment that primarily serves alcohol.
California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 govern where licensed carry is permitted. Local regulations differ and laws vary — citizens must check with the jurisdiction where the firearm is to be used. Private businesses may also post signage prohibiting firearms on their premises, which CCW holders must respect.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times vary dramatically by county. Urban counties with large backlogs — including Los Angeles — can take six months to over a year to process new applications. More rural or suburban counties with smaller volumes may process applications within 60 to 90 days. Status updates are not provided by CCW staff by email, telephone, or walk-in visits in some counties — all CCW business is conducted through the online portal. Check your county sheriff’s website for current estimated processing times before applying.
Renewing Your California CCW
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee and you may not receive any notification. Contact your issuing authority well in advance of your CCW license expiration date — typically at least 30 to 90 days before expiration.
Remember the two critical 2026 renewal rules: if your permit has been expired for more than 90 days you must restart as a new applicant, and starting September 1, 2026, all renewal applicants must complete a new Live Scan fingerprint submission at their own expense.
FAQs
Is California a shall-issue state for CCW permits in 2026?
Yes. California became a shall-issue state following the Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen on June 23, 2022. Sheriffs must issue a CCW to any eligible applicant who meets the legal requirements — they cannot deny based on a subjective “good cause” determination as they could prior to that ruling.
How long is a California CCW permit valid?
California CCW permits are generally valid for two years. You must qualify biennially with the firearms listed on your permit. Renewal applications should be submitted 30 to 90 days before expiration depending on your county.
What firearms can I list on my California CCW?
The firearm listed on your CCW application must be a handgun registered to you in California. AR pistol platforms and similar handgun styles are prohibited. The handgun must be capable of being concealed upon a person or within a reasonably sized bag. A maximum of three handguns may be listed on one permit, but you may only carry two at any one time.
What happens if my CCW permit expires?
Effective January 1, 2026, any CCW license that has been expired for 90 days or longer must be processed as a new application and is no longer eligible for renewal. If your permit expired recently, check the date immediately and contact your county sheriff’s office.
Do I need to complete training before applying?
Applicants should not complete firearms training until instructed to do so by the CCW unit. Wait until you receive authorization from the sheriff’s office before scheduling and paying for your training course — otherwise your training certificate may expire before your application is processed.
Can I carry in other states with a California CCW?
California CCW permits are not recognized by most other states. Reciprocity agreements are limited, and California does not have broad reciprocity arrangements. If you travel to other states, check that state’s concealed carry laws before carrying. Some states offer their own non-resident permits for Californians who wish to carry while traveling.
What does a California CCW cost in 2026?
Fees vary by county and have increased since 2023. Sacramento County charges a non-refundable $288 initial application fee. Other counties charge similar or higher amounts. Live Scan fingerprinting fees are additional and currently around $93 through the DOJ, plus any provider service charges. Training course fees are separate and typically range from $150 to $400 depending on the instructor and location.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and legal procedures vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. For advice regarding a specific situation, consult a qualified attorney or the appropriate authority.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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