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, and sign the CCW application form. This form may be obtained by clicking on the link above or picked up in person at the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Department, which is located at 320 N. Flower Street 4th Floor, Santa Ana, CA  92703.

   1. 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.

   2. 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, the applicant must mail or hand deliver the appropriate supporting documentation to the CCW licensing desk for processing. The applicant will be notified of the next step via telephone or email by a Sheriff’s Department authorized designee regarding his or her application status.  All information is subject to verification and the applicant may be required to provide additional supporting documentation. The CCW licensing desk is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 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 CCW desk to be fingerprinted and pay the required Department of Justice fees ($95 to $136 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 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. The applicant must return to the CCW licensing desk 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. The applicant receives the CCW license after these requirements have been satisfied.