Concealed Carry Weapon License Requirements: ^{must meet ALL requirements}

Authority

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a Sheriff of a county or the Chief or other head of municipal police department of any city, or city and county, shall issue or renew a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (Concealed Carry Weapon license).

Who Shall be Issued a License?

The licensing authority specified in Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 shall issue a license to persons who are not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202, meet residential requirements, and have completed a course of training. All applicants for a Concealed Carry Weapon license will be fingerprinted and state and federal records will be checked to determine if they are eligible to possess firearms. Click here to view all categories that would prohibit a person from possessing firearms and being granted a Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Completing the Application

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county shall issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (CCW license). Penal Code section 26175 requires the Attorney General to prescribe a statewide standard application form for a CCW license.  Answering all the questions on the Application does not guarantee the issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. The determination whether to issue the license is at the discretion of the licensing authority. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 26160, each licensing authority will have a written policy summarizing their requirements for issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. In addition, prior to issuing a Concealed Weapon Permit, the California State Statutes require proof that:

• The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202;
• The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Penal Code 16400;
• The applicant is a resident of that city or city and county. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicant’s filing of a homeowner’s property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s primary residence is in another county or city within the county;
• The course of training prescribed by the licensing authority has been completed after notification of CCW Permit Approval.
• The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

Non-California Resident Applicants

Prior to issuing a Concealed Weapon Permit, the California State Statutes require proof that

• Applicant is member of either:

• the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Incorporated,
• Gun Owners of America, Inc.,
• Gun Owners of California, Inc.,
• The Second Amendment Foundation, or
• Firearms Policy Coalition.

• Be prepared to upload a copy of your valid membership card into your application.
• The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202.
FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS LISTED FOR NON-RESIDENT APPLICANTS

Character References

You will need to provide the names and contact information of three persons willing to serve as references.  One of the three must be a person described in Penal Code section 273.5, subdivision (b) (your spouse, or former spouse, your cohabitant or former cohabitant, your fiancée, or someone with whom you have, or previously had, an engagement or dating relationship, or the mother or father of your child), if applicable.  At least one of the three must be your cohabitant if applicable.

WARNING: IT IS A CRIME TO KNOWINGLY PROVIDE FALSE INFORMATION ON AN APPLICATION TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON.

Please click on this link to view APPLICATION/PERMIT DENIAL REASONS

DMV

Your home address must be current with the California DMV and you must be a resident of San Joaquin County.  We are required to check DMV’s database to ensure your home address is updated and current.  You cannot update your home address simply by registering a vehicle or updating your vehicle registration.  It can take over 72 hours for the DMV database to reflect the changes.  It is not required that your actual driver’s license reflect your current address as the DMV does not normally issue you a new license simply because you update your address. We will check the DMV database to make sure it matches your current home address.

NON-RESIDENT DMV       

Provide a copy of your current State Driver’s license/ or State ID card 

Military

If you served in the US Military you will need to upload a copy of your DD-214 that displays the type of discharge you received.  A VALID Active Duty Military Identification card, a copy of current military orders showing duty status/location to establish residence, if your permanent residence is not in San Joaquin County. 

Former Law Enforcement Officers

If you are a former PEACE OFFICER, as defined in Chapter 4.5, (commencing with section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a Federally qualified law enforcement officer, as defined in section 926B of Title 18 of the United States Code you must apply to your last agency of employment for a Concealed Weapon Permit.  If you are denied you must obtain a denial letter from that agency and upload it along with all other required documents. 

US Residency

If you were not born in the United States you will be required to upload verification that you are here in the US legally by uploading to your application:

• Naturalization Certificate
• Resident Alien Card (be sure to upload the backside showing the expiration date, if applicable).
• Valid US Passport
• Certificate of Birth Abroad

Proof of Residency

When submitting an application for a NEW, RENEWAL, or Address MODIFICATION, all applicants will be required to upload the following:

• All proof of residency documents must include your home address (we do not accept P.O. Boxes as addresses!)  You will need to scan two (2) of the following "proof of residency" documents dated in the last (60) days showing your current address in San Joaquin County (i.e. Utility bill, phone Bill, Mortgage statements, etc.).  The proofs of residency must be at least the entire first page of the bill, including the tear-off, mail-out portion so we can view both the location of service and the address where the bill is mailed and ensure there is no past due balance.  We DO NOT accept overdue bills.  We also do not accept documents from DMV, lease/rental agreements, tax bills, nor insurance policy statements.  If your bills/statements are not delivered to your residence, please go ONLINE and print out a copy of the actual bill/statement and upload them into your application by following the procedure to ADD FILES.   Acceptable proof of residency must be a MONTHLY bill such as:
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Cell phone bill
• Credit card statement
• Mortgage statement

Firearms

A total of three (3) firearms can be listed on your permit.  Be sure each firearm you list on your Concealed Weapon Permit is registered to you in the state of California.  The firearm(s) cannot be registered to any other family member.  You may not add rifle caliber weapons (AR-Pistol, AK-Pistol, etc.) to your CCW permit.

Penal Code 26200 (10) (d):  A Licensee authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to this chapter shall not carry more than two (2)  firearms under the licensee’s control at one time. 

Order Number and Password

After you submit a NEW, RENEWAL, MODIFICATION, or DUPLICATE application and pay your fees, you will receive an email providing you with your Order Number.  Please print this email out and save it for your records because you will be required to access your Order throughout various stages of the CCW process.  Also, please do not forget your password.   To access your Order go to the top of the page on this website, click on ORDER TRACKER, then type in your Order Number and password.

Failure to complete all steps in the CCW process six (6) months from the date of the Approval email will result in the withdrawal of the CCW Application, as will inactivity on the application for six months.

Please click on this link to view the CCW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

If you are detained/cited/arrested/booked for a Misdemeanor (i.e Drunk Driving, Exhibition of Speed, Theft, Brandishing a weapon, etc), or for any Felony charge, it is your responsibility to contact the CCW Unit by Email:  CCW@sjgov.org and  by telephone at (209) 468-5822 within 10 days after the incident.  Failure to do so may result in Revocation of your CCW. 

APPLICATIONS

NEW Applicant – prior to completing a NEW Application please be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID.
• Two (2) of the following "proof of residency" documents dated in the last (60) days showing your current address in San Joaquin County (i.e. Utility bill, phone Bill, Mortgage statements, etc.).
• If applicable, upload your DD214 or NG Form 22 (National Guard) with the type of discharge included.
• Upload verification that you are in the US legally if you were not born in the US.

Please DO NOT take your training and qualification courses or get fingerprinted until instructed to do so. Please do not jump ahead in the process as your training and qualification courses will not be accepted. You may list the handguns you initially wish to list on your permit; however, the final handguns listed on your CCW permit will be based upon the information provided on the Training and Qualification verification documents your Firearms and Qualification Instructor will provide to you to upload later in the process.

The steps in the NEW Application process are as follows:

1. Submit a New Application(click on the appropriate link/type of application you are filing on the left side of the webpage).If you select the wrong type of application we cannot convert it over to the proper type for you (your application will be denied and you will have to start the process over).  To submit a New Application, please follow these steps:
2. Type your personal information into the online Application (be sure to select the appropriate type of application from the selections on the left side of this web page).Please be sure to answer all of the Application questions truthfully because it is a crime to provide false information on the application.Once you complete your Application it cannot be revised.  The only method you can use to correct incorrect information or mistakes is to write or type the information on a separate piece of paper and upload it to your completed CCW Application by following the ADDING FILES/ DOCUMENTS procedures outlined below. 
3. Upload all required documents. Please BE SURE to review the Proof of Residency section above regarding acceptable proof of residency.  
4. Schedule your appointment for LiveScan fingerprinting.  All appointments are conducted at 7000 Michael Canlis Blvd., French Camp, CA 95231.The appointment calendar is entirely client-operated.  If you desire an earlier appointment, please check the appointment calendar regularly because a rescheduled or canceled appointment will open up that appointment slot.  By accessing your Order and selecting a new appointment date, the other appointment will automatically be canceled once you confirm this decision (see instructions below regarding how to access your Application Order). You can view your appointment details at any time by accessing your Application Order
5. Pay initial fees (follow online instructions). 
6. Once you have successfully completed all steps in the application process you will receive an email providing you with your ORDER NUMBER.Please be sure to retain this ORDER NUMBER and remember your passwordbecause you will be required to access your Application Order in the future to upload additional documents. 

ACCESSING your submitted CCW Application Order and ADDING FILES/DOCUMENTS:

At the top of the website click on the ORDER TRACKER button [if using an iPad or smartphone, or any device with a screen smaller than a standard computer monitor you will click on the MORE button which is often shown with three dots (…)].  

Once you access the ORDER TRACKER you will need to type in your Order number and password to access your application and add documents.  Scroll to the bottom of your Order and click on ADD FILES (you have to save the document(s) you want to upload to your Order Tracker by first saving them to your desktop or device).  When you click on ADD FILES, you go to the stored documents on your computer and select the document you want to upload, and then click on ADD FILES.  Once this is completed there will be a list of the documents displayed so you can confirm they were successfully uploaded.  It is advisable to specifically name each document you save to your desktop so it will be much easier for you to verify which document(s) were uploaded and make it easier for CCW staff to access specific documents by name. 

1. All remaining steps and the uploading of all remaining required documents must be completed within six (6) months of the date on the Approval email.  
2. Once all required documents have been uploaded and the DOJ/FBI background clearances have been received, your application will be approved and you will receive an email requesting that you go back online and make your final payments.Please DO NOT come to the CCW Office to pick up your CCW permit until after you receive our final email advising you to do so. 
3. Staff will process your application in order by date/time of submission and finalize your application.  You will receive an email advising you of the dates/times for pickup.
4. Dates/Times to pick up your Permit: By APPOINTMENT ONLY.  To schedule your appointment, please log in to the Order Tracker - https://sanjoaquinca.permitium.com/order_tracker. You will need your Order Number, email, and password you created during the application process. Please DO NOT come to the CCW Office to pick up your CCW permit until your scheduled appointment date.  If you have problems or questions scheduling your appointment call (209) 468-5822, or email CCW@sjgov.org and we can assist you with your pick-up appointment. 
   
   Please bring with you either a valid California Driver's License or a government-issued photo ID.  Your CCW license cannot be issued unless you have proper identification.

DENIALS

If your CCW Application is denied, you will receive an email to advise you of this action.  Please be sure to review the APPLICATION/PERMIT DENIAL REASONS.  

RENEWAL – CCW Permit Holders may renew their CCW permits 90 days prior to the permit’s expiration. 

NOTICE TO ALL CCW PERMIT HOLDERS:  Pursuant to Penal Code Section 26210 and CCW Bureau Policies and Procedures, all CCW Permit Holders are required to notify the CCW Bureau of any change in residency, temporary or permanent, within 10 days of the date they move by submitting an online Modification Application for an address change (note:  please upload only the documents associated with a change of address; it is not necessary to upload training and qualification documents for an address change only).  Please follow the instructions for submitting a Modification Application for an address change (see instructions below).   FAILURE TO DO SO RENDERS YOUR CCW PERMIT INVALID!!

Prior to completing a RENEWAL Application, please be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID.
• Scan copies of two (2) of the following "proof of residency" documents dated in the last (60) days showing your current address in San Joaquin County (i.e. Utility bill, phone Bill, Mortgage statements, etc.). Documents MUST have your name and home address on them. 
• If applicable, upload your DD214 or NG Form 22 with the type of discharge included.
• 8-Hour Firearms Training Certificate that lists the date of your training and qualification and each weapon you qualified with that will appear on your permit (refer to above Firearms section).

 PLEASE NOTE:   Renewal Applicants must answer all questions on the application truthfully and honestly, even if the information has previously been disclosed.  There is a 90-day grace period if you let your permit expire but you cannot conceal carry if your permit has expired.  If you fail to submit your Renewal Application and scan and upload all required documents by the end of the 90-day grace period, you may have to start the process over as a New Applicant.

Please bring in your old CCW permit and turn it in.  Your Renewal permit will not be issued if you do not turn in the old permit.  The Renewal CCW date starts over the day you pick up your CCW. 

MODIFICATION Applications are submitted to change your home address.  They must be submitted within 10 days of the day that you move and you are also required per California State law to change your home address with the California DMV.  We will check the DMV database to ensure you have done so.  Modification Applications can also be submitted to add/delete firearms on your permit; however, please know these types of applications have the very lowest priority because first priority is given to New/Renewal/Address Modification applications.  Gun modifications are best done at the time of Renewal.

Prior to Completing a MODIFICATION Application, be prepared to upload the following:

• Upload a copy of your valid California driver’s license or California ID.
• IF CHANGING YOUR HOME ADDRESS:   Be prepared to scan two (2) of the following "proof of residency" documents dated in the last (60) days showing your current address in San Joaquin County (i.e. Utility bill, phone Bill, Mortgage statements, etc.). Make sure you update your home address with DMV.   You can go online to DMV.CA.org to update your address. 
• IF ADDING WEAPON(S):  Qualify with the added firearm(s) with one of the approved vendors.  You may NOT carry the new firearms loaded/concealed until you receive the updated CCW Permit. 

All Modification applications will be processed in order by date/time of submission and they will not take priority over New and Renewal applications. 

DUPLICATE Applications are submitted to request a duplicate copy of a lost/stolen permit.  Prior to Completing a DUPLICATE Application, be prepared to upload the following:

• Upload a copy of your valid California driver’s license or California ID.
•  A Crime Report must be filed with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the location where the loss/theft occurred. Upload a copy of the Crime report or a pdf document or image containing the following information:
• Crime Report Number, name of Agency reported to, Date CCW Permit lost/stolen and brief description of the circumstance of loss. 

NON-RESIDENT CCW INSTRUCTIONS

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY SECTION OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION.

You must be a resident of states or U.S. Territories outside of California who can legally own, purchase and possess a firearm capable of being concealed upon your person. Additionally, you shall be member at the time of submission to one of the following groups:  

• The California Rifle & Pistol Association, Incorporated,
•  Gun Owners of America, Inc.,
• Gun Owners of California, Inc., or
• The Second Amendment Foundation

Upload copies of the following items to INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION SUBMISSION: 

• Valid state Driver’s License/state ID

• Membership card for one of the four above mentioned groups

• A digital photo similar to a passport photo

• Nothing in the background and neutral in color
• No Shadows
• Natural pose and facial expression
• Do not digitally alter or add effects
• No hats or glasses

Signed affidavit stating you will be visiting San Joaquin County within the next 12 months.

Your current home address must be on record with your jurisdiction’s Department of Motor Vehicles. If your current residence address does not match your state issued Driver’s License/ID, you shall supply one of the following: 

• A current resident CCW for the state/jurisdiction in which you reside.

• All proof of residency documents must include your home address (we do not accept P.O. Boxes as addresses!)  You will need to scan two (2) of the following "proof of residency" documents dated in the last (60) days showing your current address in San Joaquin County (i.e. Utility bill, phone Bill, Mortgage statements, etc.).  The proofs of residency must be at least the entire first page of the bill, including the tear-off, mail-out portion so we can view both the location of service and the address where the bill is mailed and ensure there is no past due balance.  We DO NOT accept overdue bills.  We also do not accept documents from DMV, lease/rental agreements, tax bills, nor insurance policy statements.  If your bills/statements are not delivered to your residence, please go ONLINE and print out a copy of the actual bill/statement and upload them into your application by following the procedure to ADD FILES.   Acceptable proof of residency must be a MONTHLY bill such as:
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Cell phone bill
• Credit card statement
• Mortgage statement

Fingerprints

Schedule a fingerprint appointment with a certified fingerprint roller or qualified law enforcement personnel. (California Penal Code section 26185).

• You will be required to obtain two (2) FBI Form FD-258 Fingerprint cards to ink roll your fingerprints.
• Use the attached Fingerprint Verification Form and follow the directions. CLICK HERE

Your application will not be processed until the results have been returned from the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicating that you are eligible to possess a firearm, a local criminal history check will be conducted.

Background Investigation 

All resident and non-resident files will be worked on after results have been returned by FBI to our office.

• Files are worked on a first-in-first-worked basis.
• Once your file is assigned to an Investigator you will be contacted by telephone and/or email to set up a Video/audio Interview. Please provide accurate telephone number and email to reach you.
• All video appointments are conducted at Pacific Standard Time (PST) and will be held virtually. You will be sent a link for your interview. Ensure you are logged into the provided virtual link at the time of your interview. If you are late the interview can be rescheduled at the investigator’s discretion. During the interview, your camera shall be on, your face needs to be visible with no masks or filters covering your face the entire time. If the interviewer determines there are too many distractions occurring, you will be warned and if the distractions continue the investigator can end the interview and reschedule your interview for the next available date and time. Any questions can be directed to the CCW Coordinator at CCW@sjsheriff.org.

Weapons/Range Qualifications and Training 

San Joaquin County allows a CCW license holder to list three (3) weapons on an issued permit.

Each CCW license holder is mandated by California state law to attend a firearms safety class. Individuals are also required to qualify with their weapon(s) under the direction of a qualified range master to ensure that each license holder is competent in the safe handling of firearms.

1. NEW applicants are required to complete a 16 Hour on-line California Training Course with one of our approved vendors. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office recognizes only the following training facilities to satisfy your Online Nonresident training requirements. Training from any other facility will not be accepted. For a list of Approved Training Vendors  CLICK HERE

• Applicants MUST attend a Live-Fire Qualification Course to qualify with each weapon listed on their application (maximum of three (3)weapons
• ALL Out of State Live-Fire Trainers MUST meet California required standards and provide copies of their training certifications. A copy of Live-Fire requirements and Trainer certification forms are attached. Print a copy for your Live-Fire trainer to complete. Upload copies into your application once completed.
• CLICK HERE Further Vendor requirements CLICK HERE and add the attachment above.

2. Proof of training and qualification can be submitted via the “Order Tracker”
(https://sanjoaquinca.permitium.com/order_tracker) feature of the online application process.

3. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office recognizes only the following training facilities to satisfy your Online Nonresident training requirements. Training from any other facility will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Final Review 
The Sheriff will conduct a final review of the application after the background process, and training and qualification certification has been submitted.
• If you are approved after this review, a license will be generated and signed by the Sheriff.
• The Sheriff may place restrictions on a license if he/she deems warranted. The restrictions may include time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the licensee may carry the weapon. 
• Your CCW will be mailed to the address on file.

If you are not approved after this review, you will be notified in writing. The letter will advise of your right to appeal. Further questions regarding the application process can be sent to CCW@sjsheriff.org

Appeal Process 
• California Penal Code 26205 mandates issuing agencies must give written notice to the applicant indicating that the application has been approved or denied within 120 days of the initial application for a new license or a license renewal, or 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the California Department of Justice, whichever is later.

• If you have been denied at any point during the application process, you may appeal the Sheriff’s decision.The appeal process will be through the San Joaquin County Superior Court system, and you will be provided the required information at the time of your denial.

Incomplete applications exceeding 120 days will be withdrawn and are Non-refundable 

Gaining competency with firearms is like learning to drive a car or fly an airplane. You need expert instruction and practice. There is no shortcut. If you are not willing to invest the time and effort to become competent, then having a firearm and trying to use it can, in many instances, be more hazardous than any impending threat.

For More Information, Contact:

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office

Address: 7000 Michael Canlis Blvd.
               French Camp, CA 95231

Telephone: (209) 468-5822
Fax: (209) 468-4466
Email: ccw@sjgov.org

For Technical Support, Contact:

Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: (855) 642-2453