Pursuant to California Penal Code section 26155, the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) policy is to issue a CCW license to an applicant who demonstrates that he/she...

CCW Carry Concealed Weapon License Policy

Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Application Guidelines
(Updated January 25, 2023)

In accordance with California Penal Code Section 26155, the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) policy is to issue a CCW license to an applicant upon a finding that he/she:

(1) Is a resident of the City of Los Angeles (LAPD Jurisdiction);
(2) Is of good moral character; and,
(3) Has completed a course of training acceptable to the Department, as described in Penal Code Section 26165, AFTER the person has been approved for a CCW license.

Please note that although Penal Code Section 26155 also contains a requirement that an applicant demonstrate that “good cause” exists for the issuance of a CCW license, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen held that New York’s similar “proper cause” requirement was unconstitutional. Therefore, pursuant to Bruen, LAPD will not enforce the “good cause” requirement and will not require an applicant to demonstrate “good cause” to qualify for a CCW license.

CCW Application Process:

Application Instructions: Print or download the most updated version of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms Standard Initial and Renewal Application for a CCW License (Form BOF 4012, Revised 08/2022).

Available here: Cal DOJ Standard CCW Application

The applicant should thoroughly review and complete all sections of the Standard Application (pages 3-7 and 9-10), except for the three signatures and dates on pages 3, 8, and 11. Additional pages may be used and inserted if more space is necessary to complete the application. (Note that the Standard Application can be downloaded on a computer and filled out electronically.)

Once the Standard Application is completed as specified above, please call (213) 486-5712 or email CCWProcessing@lapd.online to schedule an in-person interview. Applications can be submitted to LAPD in one of the following ways:

1) PREFFERED METHOD – Bring your completed application with you on the day of your in-person appointment. An investigator will provide details when setting up the in-person interview.
2) Email the completed application to CCWProcessing@lapd.online.

In-Person Interview: You must appear in person to have your application reviewed by an LAPD investigator. If you appear with an incomplete application, your interview will need to be rescheduled.

PROOF OF RESIDENCY: Residency in the jurisdiction of the issuing authority is a legal requirement for the issuance of a permit per Penal Code Section 26155. Therefore, you will be required to show proof of residency in the City of Los Angeles and verify your identity by submitting:

1) A copy of a valid California Driver’s License or California Identification Card. An applicant must have a current valid California driver’s license or identification with their current address, in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 14600(a), or any additional documents issued by the DMV that reflect their current address.

2) A copy of two of the following items showing proof of residency: a recent utility bill, cell phone bill, cable bill, monthly insurance bill, residential lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, credit card or bank statement, automobile registration, most recent pay stub, or voter registration confirmation letter/postcard, which shows the applicant’s name and current address. Financial or sensitive information may be redacted or blacked out.

CCW Application Processing Fees: Applicants must pay the following fees for processing of a CCW license. Please note that such fees are non-refundable.

LAPD CCW Processing Fees:

  • For new applicants, the total fee amount is $268.

* 20% of the application fee ($53) is due at the time of the in-person interview; please do not submit this payment prior to your in-person interview.
* The remaining 80% of the application fee ($215) is due upon issuance of a CCW license.

  • For renewal applicants, the total fee amount is $25.
  • CCW license processing fees shall be paid by cashier’s check, money order or personal check in the applicant’s name, made payable to the City of Los Angeles. NO CASH will be accepted.

DOJ Fee:

  • Live Scan Fee varies per vendor (fee payable to the vendor).
  • $52 fee for renewal applicants.

Firearms Training Course: Applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course acceptable to LAPD per Penal Code Sections 26155 and 26165. However, this requirement need not be satisfied until after the Department has determined and provided notice to the applicant that they satisfy the residency and good moral character requirements. An applicant who meets those requirements will be so notified by the LAPD Gun Unit and instructed to proceed with the firearms training course. The applicant must thereafter provide proof to LAPD that they have successfully completed a course of training, and a CCW license will be issued after the applicant furnishes such proof.  The LAPD will accept an applicant’s proof of training dated no later than six months from the time of their interview.

Pursuant to Penal Code Section 26165:

  • New applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 8 hours but not exceeding 16 hours.
  • Renewal applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 4 hours.
  • The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.
  • Each firearm shall be inspected by the training provider to ensure that it is safe, operable, and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Applicants must complete a live fire course with each firearm to be listed on the license and must satisfy shooting proficiency standards established by LAPD. The Department’s Shooting Proficiency Standards Form is posted below.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact an authorized course provider to schedule and complete a training course acceptable to the Department. A list of training providers who teach courses acceptable to the LAPD is posted below.

When the applicant has completed their firearm training course, a copy of the completed and signed shooting proficiency standards form must be sent to CCWProcessing@lapd.online.

Handgun Requirements: As stated above, training course providers inspect each handgun to ensure that it is safe, operable, and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Please be aware that any handgun used in the firearm training course and listed on a CCW license must comply with the following state and federal laws and regulations:

  • The handgun must be registered/DROS to the applicant.
  • The handgun must be concealable upon the person or purse.
  • The handgun, magazines, and ammunition must comply with applicable state laws.
  • Registered assault weapons as defined in California Penal Code Sections 30510 and 30515 are not permitted for a CCW license.
  • Any handgun or pistol that has the capacity to accept a magazine outside of the pistol grip is not permitted for a CCW license.

Once an applicant has been approved for a CCW license, they will be contacted to schedule an appointment to obtain and sign the CCW license. Appointments will take place at the LAPD Police Headquarters Facility.

If you have any questions regarding the CCW process, please call the LAPD Gun Unit at (213) 486-5712 or email CCWProcessing@lapd.online.

Please continue to monitor this website for new or additional information about the Department’s CCW process.

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