21-05 - Carrying A Concealed Weapons Permit

CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT

The Department is experiencing an increased number of information requests and applications for Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) permits.  The purpose of this newsletter is to inform personnel of the CCW permit policy and procedures so as to better inform the public and correctly process applications when received.  Additionally, this newsletter will help deputies identify Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department CCW permits when they are encountered in the field.  The terms “permit” and “license” have the same meaning and are used interchangeably.

The following information regarding CCW licenses is available on the LASD.org public internet site:  The issuance of licenses enabling a private citizen to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) is of great concern to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  In accordance with California Penal Code 26150, and subject to Department policy and procedures, any Los Angeles County resident may be issued a CCW license by the Sheriff, if qualified.
Application Process

The applicant will thoroughly Complete Sections 1-8 and Sign Pages 3, 8, and 11, of the Department of Justice Standard Application.

**The submission of an application does not guarantee

the issuance of a CCW license. ** 

The completed application can be submitted to a local Sheriff’s Station or mailed to:

Hall of Justice
ATTN: CCW Coordinator
211 West Temple Street, 8th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012

A $30 non-refundable check or money order made payable to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) should be included with the application.  Once the application is received, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview.   Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall ensure all qualifications have been met to avoid any delay.

Required Documents

Any required document not provided, will result in a cancelled interview and will need to be re-scheduled.  The following documents are required to continue through the interview process:

• Valid California Driver’s License or California Identification Card
• Original Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate
• Proof of Los Angeles County Residency (utility bill)
• DD-214 (if applicable)
• Documents supporting good cause, if applicable (police reports, restraining orders, etc.)
   
  Training & Qualification
  After passing a thorough background investigation, the applicant will be contacted by the CCW Coordinator with the approval to proceed with firearms training from a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department approved training provider.  Applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course, per Penal Code 26165.  The course must meet the following requirements:

• New Applicants must complete a training course lasting at least eight hours but not exceeding 16 hours;
• Renewal applicants must complete a training course lasting at least four hours;
• The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm;
• All firearms shall be inspected by the training provider to ensure that they are safe, operable, and in compliance with CA state and federal regulations; and
• Applicants must complete and pass a live fire course with each firearm to be listed on the license.
   
  Handgun Requirements
  Any handgun that the applicant intends to carry and have listed on their CCW license shall meet the below criteria prior to being used during their required firearms training. Failure to follow the criteria or failure to adhere to CA state and federal regulations will result in the immediate suspension and/or revocation of the license.

• The handgun must be registered/DROS to the applicant;
• The handgun must be concealable upon the person or reasonably sized bag or purse;
• The handgun, magazines, and ammunition must be in compliance with applicable CA state and federal laws; and
• “AR Pistols” and similar handguns are not permitted.

Applicants must print and provide the Shooting Proficiency Standards Form to a Firearms Training Instructor to be signed.  A copy of the instructor’s certification card/certificate must also be attached.

License Issuance

When the applicant has completed their firearm training course, they must send a copy of the completed and signed Shooting Proficiency form to CCWUnit@lasd.org.  The CCW Coordinator will contact the applicant to schedule a pick-up date for their CCW license.

On the day of pickup the applicant is required to bring the following:

• Check or money order in the amount of $120 made payable to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD); and
• Original Signed Shooting Proficiency Form.
  
  Terms and Conditions
  The License Holder agrees to follow all Terms of Use and maintain good moral character at all times.  They must not engage in criminal activities, or conduct themselves in any way other than as responsible and law abiding citizens.  The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has the right to suspend or revoke a license if it is notified by the DOJ that the licensee is prohibited by state or federal law from owning or purchasing a firearm, or if the license holder engages in any criminal conduct or otherwise violates the Terms of Use.
   
  Station Procedures
  Personnel receiving an application at a station shall seal it an envelope along with the $30 check and forward the sealed envelope to:

HOJ

Attn:  CCW Coordinator
211 West Temple Street, 8th Floor

Los Angeles CA 90023

Department personnel should refrain from providing advice or suggestions regarding the CCW licensing process as to avoid any miscommunication, unreasonable expectations, or appearance of impropriety.

Identifying a CCW Permit

Note:  Not to scale, CCW license has been magnified

**Licensees are only allowed to carry the firearms and calibers that are specifically listed on the card**

Encountering a CCW Licensee in the Field

Possessing a firearm in certain public locations may be prohibited in spite of a person having a CCW license.  These locations include but are not limited to:

• Bars or while consuming alcohol/intoxicants;
• Any City, County, State or Federal Building;
• Airports or Airplanes;
• Schools; and
• Private Businesses open to the public (when expressly forbidden by
  business owner, or their agent).

Deputy personnel are permitted to inspect a CCW licensee’s firearm and permit to insure compliance with ALL of the terms, conditions, and legal statutes.

Questions regarding the CCW process can be directed to the LASD CCW unit at (213) 229-3164 or CCW Unit@lasd.org.