Q&A for How to Apply for a CCW in California

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What's the best gun for concealed carry?

Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon
Firearms Instructor
Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon is a Firearms Instructor based in Southern New Jersey. He is the Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Ironsights Academy, a firearms education & training organization that he launched to continue his love of teaching and learning. Dr. Harmon is a higher education educator with over 20 years of experience who blended his passion for teaching with shooting sports as he launched Ironsights Academy: Firearms Education & Training. Dr. Harmon is an NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside & Outside the Home, Concealed Carry Weapons, Defensive Pistol, and a certified Chief Range Safety Officer. Dr. Harmon is also certified by the American College of Surgeons to teach Stop the Bleed courses.

Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon

Firearms Instructor

Expert Answer

Selecting the best gun for concealed carry involves opting for handguns, as carrying rifles or shotguns everywhere is impractical due to their size and difficulty to conceal. Modern handguns, when paired with quality ammunition, prove to be highly effective for self-defense at the shorter distances typical of most encounters. Their compact nature and ease of concealment make them the preferred choice for individuals seeking practical and reliable self-defense options.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

I lost my handgun safety course card. How can I get a replacement?

Community Answer

Contact the issuing authority for a replacement. There may be a nominal fee for the replacement card.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 14
Question

Can I apply for a C.C.W. permit if I was arrested in past for C.C.W. without a permit?

Community Answer

Yes, assuming you were not charged with a weapons-related felony for carrying without a permit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question

Is there a list of handguns that are allowed or not allowed in California for concealed carry with a CCW permit?

Community Answer

Check with your nearest gun shop. They'll know what's allowed and what's not.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
Question

Do I need to have a passport to get the CCW?

Community Answer

You don't have to have a passport, but you have to be a citizen and have a state issued license.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

Am I required to possess a firearm before I apply for a CCW permit?

Community Answer

You must list the make, model, caliber, and serial number on the application for all weapons you want to carry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10
Question

Do I submit the application for a CCW permit in the county I live in, or the county in which my business is located? Can it be carried in both counties, or just the county in which it is issued?

Community Answer

Whatever city the weapon is to be carried or brandished is where the permit should be issued.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 4
Question

Do I have to go through the course if I have a permit in another state and want to apply for one in California?

Community Answer

Yes. Your other state's CCW license does not transfer to California.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Question

I have lost my order number for my CCW application process. How do I find out what it is?

Community Answer

Request the information from the issuing law enforcement agency or the California DOJ.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question

Can I add another firearm after I get my CCW license?

Community Answer

You will need to complete a Modification application with your county sheriff.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
Question

Is the CCW process easier or about the same for active military members?

Community Answer

It is definitely easier for an active military member due to some pre-requisites already being fulfilled.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
Question

How can I carry a visible weapon as a security guard?

Community Answer

Take your courses for a guard card, and you will have an option to take the course for pepper spray and on-the-job carrying permit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
Question

Can I get a CCW in California if I'm a music artist with no record?

Community Answer

As long as you are approved by your county sheriff, your occupation doesn't matter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Do I have to complete a safety course to apply for my CCW in California if I was formerly in the military?

Community Answer

Yes, even if you are active duty you will need to take the course. And check your local county, because they may accept only a few listed classes in the area.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Do I have to have a permit for every city I will be in? I travel to different cities daily.

Community Answer

No, it doesn't matter what county it is issued in. It will be good for all of California.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I apply for a CCW in California if I got a felony hit and run charge in 2008?

Paul Broshear

Community Answer

Under federal law, if you have a felony conviction in any state for any reason, or if you have a misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery, or any conviction to a crime that carries a penalty of at least one year in jail, you may not own, or have access to, any firearm in any state for any purpose. One exception to this rule is if you get the conviction overturned, expunged, or pardoned.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Do I have to have a weapon registered in my name prior to applying for a CCW? Can I use one that is registered in someone else's name?

Community Answer

It depends on the policy of the issuing agency. Some do and some don't. Some mandate the handgun must be on the "roster" and others don't care. Some allow sharing of firearms, some don't. Some limit you to 3 guns, other's don't. The only thing that is standard statewide is Penal Code 26150, and that leaves much to the discretion of the issuing agency resulting in various answers to most questions. Many of the questions answered are not applicable statewide due to this discretion.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How often must I requalify to keep my CCW?

Community Answer

Per AB 2301 that became law Jan 1, 2019 all licensees must "qualify" with each gun listed initially and every 2 years upon renewal. Qualification standards are set by each issuing agency and vary in difficulty from easy to really hard. I've had a number of students give up with this new requirement. Yes, you should be able to do most of these standards, but not all can do it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I live in Nevada. I'm planning on spending the next summer camping and RVing in California with vehicles registered in Nevada. How and where do I apply to carry concealed statewide?

Community Answer

Unless you are law enforcement, you must be a resident in California to get a C.C.W. license.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0