CCW Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the process to get a CCW permit (permit to carry a concealed firearm)?

A: Generally, you can apply online at your (county of residence) sheriff’s website.  Some cities have their Police Department issue CCW permits so check with them first (usually online) to see if they are issuing CCW permits for city residents if you live inside city boundaries.  In Sacramento County, the sheriff usually handles all CCW permits for those that reside in Sacramento County.  Though the process is a little different for each county, most county sheriffs and city police chiefs have an online process.  The process includes:

• filling out an application (see links below for online applications)

• having to state a reason you want/need a CCW permit is no longer permitted due to the United States Supreme Court decision in June 2022

• having an initial face to face interview to review your application

• receiving an initial letter/email approving you to get your fingerprints done for a background check

• receiving a background check approval letter/email or a letter/email telling you to go take the required CCW Training course

• taking an approved CCW Training course - as of 01/01/2024 a minimum of 16 hours for all counties and cities in California.  This includes qualifying with the guns you’ll have on your permit.  Note: Ripon Police Department requires taking the course before you apply with the department.

• filing the final paperwork including CCW course completion certificate

• having final interview/pickup of your new CCW permit

Q: How long does the CCW permit process take to complete?

A: Generally about 3-5 months (varies by county) from start to finish. (Currently, 03/01/2025, it is typically taking about 5-6 months in Sacramento County)

Q: What are the CCW website addresses for Sacramento, San Joaquin, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo and the Cities of West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland to apply for a CCW permit?

A:  Below is the list of CCW links for Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, El Dorado County, Placer County, Yolo County and the Cities of Ripon, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland to start your online CCW application:

Sacramento County Sheriff:

• CCW Information - https://www.sacsheriff.com/pages/ccw_gun_permit.php 

• To start a new application - https://sacramentoca.permitium.com/ccw/start 

San Joaquin County Sheriff:

• CCW Information - https://www.sjsheriff.org/concealed-weapon-permit/

• To start a new application - https://sanjoaquinca.permitium.com/ccw/start

• CCW Information - https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/police/ca-ccw-requirements
• To start a new application - https://westsacramentopdca.permitium.com/ccw/start

Yolo County Sheriff:

• CCW Information - https://www.yolocountysheriff.com/services/concealed-weapons-permit-info/

• To start a new application - https://yoloca.permitium.com/ccw/start

El Dorado County Sheriff:

• CCW Information and application start - https://eldoradoca.permitium.com/ccw/start

City of Ripon: 

• CCW Information - https://cityofripon.org/277/Concealed-Weapon-Permit-Application-Proc

• To start a new application - https://riponpdca.permitium.com/ccw/start

City of Winters:

• CCW Information - https://www.winterspolice.org/347/Concealed-Carry-Weapon-CCW-License

• To start a new application - https://winterspdca.permitium.com/ccw/start

City of Woodland:

• CCW Information - https://www.cityofwoodland.gov/462/Permits

• To start a new application - https://woodlandpdca.permitium.com/ccw/start

Placer County Sheriff:

• CCW Information - https://www.placer.ca.gov/2345/Concealed-Weapon-Permits

• To start a new application - https://placerca.permitium.com/ccw/start 

Contra Costa County Sheriff:

• CCW Information - https://www.cocosheriff.org/how-do-i/apply-for-a-ccw-permit

• To start a new application - https://contracostaca.permitium.com/ccw/start 

Q: How many states recognize the California CCW Permit?

A: As of 03/01/2025, the California CCW Permit is recognized in 29 states and there are an additional 7 states that are permitless carry making a total of 36 states in which you can carry a concealed handgun with the California CCW Permit.