1. Once your application is approved, an e-mail is generated instructing you to take your required safety course and pay the final fee.

    

2. Every applicant is required to complete a firearm course of training provided by an approved vendor.  (Penal Code 26165). An applicant will not be required to complete or pay for any training courses prior to a conditional approval.  The applicant is responsible for the payment of any fee associated with the training and certification required by Penal Code Section 26165.

    

3. The Sheriff's Office will verify the firearm(s) the applicant qualified with are recorded with the Department of Justice in the applicant's name.

    

4. The applicant's firearm(s) is/are subject to inspection at the discretion of the Sheriff's Office.  The Sheriff's Office reserves the right to deny a license for any firearm that has been altered from the manufacturer's specifications or is deemed unsafe. (Penal Code Section 31910).  The approved firearm(s) must be capable of being concealed upon a person.

1. Any applicant whose application is denied or revoked will receive a letter which states the basis for the decision as well as information detailing the Sheriff's Office appeals process. An applicant will have 21 days to file an appeal with the Sheriff's Office.


2. Appeals will be resolved within 60 days of when the appeal is filed.


3. An applicant who is denied or revoked for being a disqualified person pursuant to Section 26206 must first file an appeal with the Sheriff's Office prior to requesting a hearing from a court to review the denial or revocation. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the applicant will have 30 days to request a hearing from a court to review the denial or revocation using the “Request for Hearing to Challenge Disqualified Person Determination” form prescribed by the California Department of Justice.

We do not expedite appointments.  We understand it is a long process and that can be frustrating but we must follow certain protocol to ensure nothing gets missed while we are processing hundreds of applications. 

If you feel you have a situation that's urgent and must be considered for an earlier appointment, you may email ccw@sdsheriff.org with your situation.  A panel will review, discuss and determine whether or not your circumstance is relevant enough for us to double-book our staff.  This is only done in rare instances.

If you have a true emergency and feel like you are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.  Penal Code Section 26045(a) may apply to you.  This is provided simply for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice.

SB2 - Firearms Safety Course hours increased 

All applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024 are subject to the new extended class hours.  Initial applicants must complete a 16-hour course and renewal applicants must complete an 8-hour course.  Applicants must use a vendor approved the Sheriff's Office (Penal Code §26165). 

CCW Firearm Course of Training and Live Firearm Qualification

The California Penal Code §26165. (b), requires the licensing authority to establish and make available to the public, the standards it uses when issuing licenses with regards to the live fire shooting exercises it requires.

For any new license applicant the course of training for issuance of a license is 16-hours of instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.

For license renewal applicant the course of training for issuance of a license is 8-hours of instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.

Practical Qualifications

100 rounds will be required for the course, however, out of the 100 rounds, the qualification rounds and practice rounds are included. (70 rounds class practice, 15 rounds practice qualification, 15 rounds qualification=100 rounds)

50 rounds for the renewal class.  (20 rounds class practice, 15 rounds practice qualification and 15 rounds qualification =50 rounds)

Each additional firearm would require a minimum of 30 rounds, 15 rounds practice qualification and 15 rounds qualification.

Both the new applicant and the renewal applicant course of training shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry. The course of fire qualification requirements are as follows:

In order to pass the qualification course of fire, applicants must have 13 of the 15 Rounds fired either hit on the line of or inside of the target. If applicant cannot demonstrate proficiency, then the license cannot be granted.

Initial applicants must provide the names and contact information of three persons willing to serve as references.  Renewal applicants do not need to provide character references.

If applicable, at least one reference must be the applicant's cohabitant, and at least one reference must be a spouse or former spouse, cohabitant or former cohabitant, fiance or fiancee, or someone with whom the applicant has, or previously had, an engagement or dating relationship, or the mother or father of the applicant (Penal Code §§26175(c)(1) and 26202(b)(2)).

SAN DIEGO COUNTY RESIDENTS

Any firearm you would like listed on your CCW must be recorded in your name in California.  Please make sure this is taken care of BEFORE you apply for a CCW. 

We cannot list the firearm on the CCW until you've completed the process with the Department of Justice (DOJ).  Please note, it can take several months for DOJ to process your paperwork.

It is your responsibility to complete all paperwork with DOJ before any firearm is listed on your CCW.

You may apply for a CCW if you are stationed in San Diego.  Documents to upload include:

Active Military

• Current State ID
  • For out of state driver's licenses, please see Non-Resident section for more information
• Two monthly proofs of residence (see list of acceptable documents)

 Discharged

• DD-214 (must show Character of Service ie: Honorable)

If approved, you will be required to attend the 16-hour Firearm Safety Course, regardless of your job in the military and prior experience.

The application process is several months from when you first apply, until your appointment, background process and final approval/denial stage.  Please consider this if you are only stationed in San Diego for a short time.

 Acceptable proof of residence

San Diego County Residents - Initial & Renewal

Your driver's license, current monthly proofs of residence (2 for initial applicants and 1 for renewal applicants) such as the most current utility bills, cable bill, cell phone bill, bank statements, etc.  See the list of acceptable proofs of residence.

P.O. Boxes are not allowed.

Military

Military Orders stationing you in San Diego, or if you are discharged, a copy of your DD-214 showing your Character of Service (usually the Member-4 page), and valid State ID.

Not Born in The United States of America

If you were not born in the United States, you will be required to upload verification that you are here in the U.S. legally by uploading:

• U.S. Naturalization Certificate
• Resident Alien Card (Must be Permanent Legal Residents.  Be sure to upload the back side showing the expiration date, if applicable).
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Certificate of Birth Abroad

Legal Name Change

Please upload the court order showing your previous and your current legal name.