Initial Application Process



In order to obtain a CCW license from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the applicant must complete the following steps:

1. Read, complete (do not complete Section 7), and sign the CCW application form. This form may be obtained as a download from this website here or picked up in person at the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner's Department Headquarters at the Professional Standards Division located at 550 N. Flower St. #101, Santa Ana, CA 92703.

  • a. Making any intentionally false statements on the application is a crime (Penal Code 12051) and can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony.
  • b. The CCW application, while processed as confidential, is not a privileged document. Information divulged in the application is subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.


2. After completing the application (do not complete Section 7), the applicant must bring it to the Professional Standards Division in order for a Sheriff's Department interviewer to review the application. The applicant will be interviewed at this time regarding his or her application, and the interviewer will complete Section 7 of the application. All information is subject to verification and the applicant may be required to provide additional supporting documentation. The CCW licensing division is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except County holidays.

 

3. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department will conduct a background investigation on the applicant. When the investigation is complete, the Sheriff's Department administration will review the information. A decision will be made at this time whether or not the CCW license will be preliminarily approved. If the request is denied, the applicant will be notified by mail.

  • Note: The applicant may be required to furnish proof of medical fitness and/or undergo psychological testing by a psychologist specified by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and at the applicant's expense in accordance with the provisions of Penal Code 12054(c).


4. Upon receiving preliminary approval for the CCW license, the applicant must return to the Sheriff's Department Professional Standards Division to be fingerprinted and pay the required Department of Justice fees ($73 to $124 depending upon the specific application) before continuing the process. Fingerprints and fees are sent to the Department of Justice for confirmation of identify, criminal history, and firearms possession eligibility. All fees are non-refundable.

5. The clearance from the Department of Justice can take from one to three months. Additionally, CCW applicants must undergo 16 hours of firearms training prior to receiving their CCW license (Penal Code 12050E). This training must be performed by a Sheriff's Department approved instructor at the applicant's expense. The firearm(s) the applicant intends to carry (limit of three) must also be inspected and approved by Sheriff's Department range staff before a CCW license is issued. Upon preliminary approval, the applicant will be mailed a list of approved firearms instructors and information on firearms inspection.

  • Note: Applicants are asked not to complete their firearms training or weapons inspection until after they are notified of their receiving clearance from the Department of Justice.


6. Once the Department of Justice responds and it is determined that the applicant has been cleared to receive a license, the applicant will be notified by phone. The applicant must return to the Professional Standards Division in person to provide certification of completion of the required training, show proof of the weapon inspection / safety check, and pay the county processing fee ($100). The applicant receives the CCW license after these requirements have been satisfied.

*** DISCLAIMER ***

No resident has the right to a license, nor is the Sheriff required to issue a license. By law, the Sheriff has the discretion to approve or deny CCW license applications as well as revoke licenses that have already been issued.

A license may contain any reasonable restrictions or conditions on its use. Restrictions or conditions (if any) are imposed at the sole discretion of the Sheriff. Receipt by the Sheriff's Department of a CCW license application does not guarantee the issuance of a license.