Even in Los Angeles, it’s Possible
*UPDATE 6-25-22* – On June 23, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen case that the 2nd Amendment includes the right to self-defense outside the home. The justices decided 6-3 that requiring a special need to obtain a concealed carry permit was unconstitutional. In response, the California Attorney General swiftly issued an alert instructing all permit-issuing law enforcement agencies to stop requiring applicants to provide a "Good Cause" reason. It remains to be seen what new requirements will be introduced to demonstrate "Good Character" or which additional "sensitive areas" will be identified where carrying firearms is prohibited. Currently, there has been a rapid increase in the issuance of permits. Upcoming California laws will be evaluated in courts based on the new standards established by the Supreme Court this week.
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You might have heard that the rules for getting a California Concealed Firearm License (CCW Permit) have become more lenient in certain counties, and you're interested in learning how to apply. Traditionally, Los Angeles County has been one of the toughest places to get a CCW. Even after the 2014 Peruta vs. San Diego District Court decision initially favored applicants, Los Angeles County maintained strict regulations on CCW issuance. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the sheriff’s department began easing these policies around 2020, leading to a significant rise in the number of issued permits. Moreover, a 2022 Supreme Court ruling has eliminated the need for a "good cause" reason to request a permit. Now, any law-abiding citizen can obtain a CCW permit, and we highly recommend anyone interested to apply as soon as possible.
Here are the necessary steps to navigate the CCW process in Los Angeles County:
1. Determine the jurisdiction responsible for issuing a CCW permit where you reside. Unlike most counties, the Los Angeles County Sheriff has delegated the authority for CCW issuance to individual cities and their police chiefs. If the county does not serve your city or an unincorporated area, you will need to apply directly to your city’s police department. If your application is denied by your local police department, you can then present the denial evidence to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and reapply according to their policies and procedures.
2. Complete the California Department of Justice Standard Application for a Concealed Firearms Permit thoroughly, ensuring that Sections 1-8 are fully filled out and sign on pages 3, 8, and 11. Once finished, you can either bring the application to your local Sheriff Station or mail it, along with a $30 non-refundable check or money order made payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). If you choose to mail the application, send it to:
Justice HallAttention: CCW Coordinator211 West Temple Street, 8th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90012
Once your application is received, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please make sure to bring the following documents to your interview:
- A valid California driver's license or a California identification card.
- Original Birth Certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization, or Valid United States Passport
- Verification of Los Angeles County Residence (utility statement)
- DD-214 (if applicable)
4. Complete your Live Scan fingerprinting. After your background check is completed, the CCW coordinator will contact you to arrange your firearms training class. You have the option to receive approved training either through a private appointment at your home or office in Los Angeles County, or by attending public classes in Orange County. However, residents of L.A. County must either attend classes in person or remotely via Zoom. Please note that the county sheriff does not accept our "blended learning" online classes, so do not enroll in those if you are an L.A. County resident.
After finishing the firearms training course, you need to email a copy of the signed Shooting Proficiency form to CCW_Unit@lasd.org. The CCW Coordinator will reach out to you to arrange a date for picking up your license. When you go to pick up your license, make sure to pay the remaining balance of $120 to LASD by check or money order.
