A California Carry Concealed Weapons License (CCWL) is required to lawfully carry a concealed handgun in California, subject to California’s location restrictions and other carry laws.
For residents, a CCWL provides the legal authority to carry concealed in California and is issued by the appropriate sheriff or police department. Applicants must complete the required California CCWL training and live-fire qualification. Each handgun the license holder intends to carry must be listed on the CCWL.
For nonresidents, California does not recognize any other state’s permit but has a statewide process allowing qualified applicants to apply for a CCWL through the California jurisdiction where they intend to travel or spend the most time. A nonresident must meet California’s eligibility requirements, complete approved training, complete the required live-fire qualification, and have each handgun they intend to carry listed on the CCWL.
Online Training
California allows a nonresident applicant to complete an approved online CCWL training course remotely, with only the live-fire qualification completed separately in person. If the licensing authority handling the application has not approved an online course, the applicant may complete an online course approved by another California licensing authority.
Required Live Fire Qualification
The applicant must complete the required live-fire qualification separately in person for each handgun they want listed on the CCWL.
For a nonresident applicant, the issuing authority must either approve the proposed live-fire course or provide an acceptable alternative within 75 miles of the applicant’s residence.
Individuals in Utah can contact us to complete the firearm qualification after completing the online training.
California CCWL Renewal
California CCWL holders must complete the required renewal training, live-fire qualification, and submit new fingerprints before renewing their license. Renewal training may be completed online when the applicable licensing authority approves the course, with the required live-fire qualification completed separately.
California residents complete the fingerprint requirement through Live Scan. Nonresidents may submit fingerprints on an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card completed by a law enforcement agency or appropriate vendor in their state of residence.
Complete Your California CCWL Training Online
Complete the online training portion of your California Carry Concealed Weapons License requirements from home, then complete the required live-fire qualification separately with an approved instructor.
$174.99
California CCWL Online Training Course
Start California CCWL Training
Complete Your California CCWL Renewal Training Online
Complete the online training portion of your California Carry Concealed Weapons License renewal requirements from home, then complete the required live-fire qualification separately with an approved instructor.
$149.99
California CCWL Online Renewal Training Course
Start California CCWL Renewal TrainingInitial applicants and renewal applicants must submit fingerprints. California residents complete the fingerprint requirement through Live Scan. Nonresidents may submit fingerprints on an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card completed by a law enforcement agency or appropriate vendor in their state of residence.
The fingerprinting service cost is included when the California CCWL training course is purchased through Utah FAST and the required fingerprints are completed through Utah FAST Fingerprinting.
Utah FAST can complete the required California CCWL live-fire training and firearm qualification for nonresident applicants whether or not the California CCWL training course was purchased through Utah FAST. The $100 fee includes qualification for one pistol. Additional pistols may be added during the same training session for $30 each. Qualifications are scheduled individually based on applicant needs. Contact Utah FAST to schedule.
California CCWL application, processing, issuance, and renewal fees vary by the sheriff or police department issuing the license. Training and live-fire qualification costs are separate. Additional agency, processing, fingerprint rolling, psychological evaluation, or third-party fees may apply.
Example California CCWL Costs
| County | Initial Cost | Renewal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mono County | $193 | Not clearly published | Eastern Sierra / Mammoth area |
| Placer County | $213 | $118+ | North Lake Tahoe area |
| Plumas County | $213 | $118+ | Northern Sierra / Nevada-border region |
| Marin County | $257 | $201 | North Bay / San Francisco area |
| Los Angeles County | $309 | Varies | Nonresident fee example; training and service fees may be extra |
| San Diego County | Verify with Sheriff | Verify with Sheriff | Includes San Diego, Oceanside and the Camp Pendleton area. County regulatory fees changed July 9, 2026. |
| Orange County | $393+ | $163 | Includes published county and DOJ/Live Scan amounts; rolling fee may be extra |
| Ventura County | About $533 | About $152 | One of the higher clearly published examples |
| Alameda County | Up to about $1,168 | Varies | High-cost example when mandatory published psychological and issuance fees are included |