License and Registration Division 

Information updated July 26, 2021

Our office is closed for lunch 12:00pm-1:00pm.  The phones are off during this time also.

While conducting business in our office, you must wear a face covering if you are not fully vaccinated and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.

The San Diego County Sheriff's License Division is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of approximately 32 regulatory ordinances and other State mandated licensing responsibilities within the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. This Division also handles the criminal registrations for those required by law to meet such requirements, ie: sex offenders, arsonist and gang members.

Criminal Registrations

Effective May 11, 2021, registrations will be handled on a walk-in basis Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00am to 3:00pm and by appointment only on Thursdays.  You must be signed in no later than 11:00am for processing before lunch or by 3:00pm. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on how many people can safely be in our lobby at one time, you may be asked to wait outside after signing in.  There is a slim possibility if you come in the afternoon that we will not have time to process you that day.

Appointments for criminal registrations are available for Thursday mornings only.  

To make an appointment please call 858-974-2020 during business hours.

Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit

For all Carry Concealed Weapon information, please visit our CCW page.

Fingerprint Services

Effective June 21, 2021, we will be providing ink fingerprint services for $25 per card.  We do not provide Live Scan or electronic fingerprint services. 

Translations

Some of our documents are available in languages other than English.

Click here for translated documents

Contact

Email: sd.license@sdsheriff.org

Main line: 858-974-2020

Additional Services Provided

• Notary Services
• International Clearance Letters AKA Good Conduct Letters (for foreign countries entry or request) - This process takes three (3) business days. Individuals wanting a background check within the United States or for immigration purposes, please contact the Sheriff Records Division at 858-974-2110.

For more information on regulated ordinances and license applications, please contact the Licensing Division at 858-974-2020 during business hours.  Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.  We are closed for lunch from 12:00pm-1:00pm and all weekends and holidays.