1. What is a CCW permit?

A CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit allows you to carry concealed on your person or car, a loaded handgun in public (certain areas restricted).

2. Do I need a CCW permit to buy a gun?

No. A CCW is only required to carry a firearm concealed on your person in public.

3. How do I apply for a CCW permit in San Diego County?

1. Complete an application and schedule an appointment online through the San Diego County Sheriff's Department website.

2. You will receive an approval letter via email after your background check is complete (usually within 90 days). The Sheriff's Department may contact you during this time if they have any questions regarding your application.

3. Once you have an approval letter, you can schedule the required 16 hour CCW course with our approved CCW instructor. CCW courses are held at our San Diego location and you may register for it online. Please note that you MUST have your approval letter before registering for this course.

4. After the 16 hour CCW courses are complete, you will need to upload your course completion certificate through the San Diego County Sheriff's Department website. Once they have your certificate, they will mail you your physical permit.

4. The new 2024 laws are confusing, which class do I need? How many hours of instruction do I need?
 

CA SB2 signed into law by Newsome changes the requirements for CCW training increasing training for initial applicants from 8 hours to 16 hours and renewal applicants from 4 hours to 8 hours.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office have determined that all initial applications received on or before 12/31/23 may take the lower hour courses. To determine the date your application is submitted, page 3 of the your application has your signature and certification date. That is the date of the application. Even if your approval letter date or interview appointment is after 1/1/24, if you have your application submitted by 12/31/23 you are covered under the lower class hour requirements.
  
NOTE: Some requirements are changing as the state decides how to administer the law changes. We will address any changes as they come.

5. How much does it cost to get a CCW permit in San Diego County?

An application fee for CCW is approximately $160 (paid to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and is subject to change). The required 8 hour course is $200 or if required, the 16 hour CCW course is $400 and both are offered at our San Diego location.

6. What documents do I need to apply for a CCW permit in San Diego County?

The following documents are required:

• California driver license or ID.

• Proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency should be the most current bills that you receive MONTHLY.  At least one document should be a utility bill:

  • Utility bill

  • Bank statement

  • Cell phone bill

  • Credit card statement

  • Mortgage statement

• If applicable, DD214 or NG Form 22 (National Guard) with type of discharge included.

• Verification that you are in the US legally if you were not born in the US (i.e. permanent resident card or naturalization certificate).

7. I am an active duty military and not a resident of California. Can I still apply for a California CCW permit?

Yes. You will need a copy of your orders and a driver license from your home state.

8. For how long is the CCW permit valid?

A civilian CCW permit is valid for 2 years. After 2 years it must be renewed.

9. I have a CCW permit from another state. Can I legally conceal carry in California?

No. California does not honor CCW permits issued in other states.

10. Is California CCW permit valid in other states?

Yes, Although California has no reciprocity with any other state, some states will accept any valid CCW permit. With a CCW permit issued through SDSO licensing, you may carry in all 58 counties in California.

11. Can I conceal carry any handgun if I have a California CCW permit?

Each handgun that you wish to conceal carry has to be listed on your CCW and be registered to you in the state of California. Off-roster handguns are allowed as long as they are registered to you in the state of California. Some modifications to the firearm are allowed but they cannot compromise the safety of the firearm. Generally, it is recommended to keep your firearm in stock configuration.

12. At what distance is the CCW qual?

The CCW qual is at 3, 5, and 7 yards.

13. What do I need to bring for an initial CCW qual?

Bring the gun(s) you want on the permit and your sheriff's approval e-mail. If a pistol, two magazines per pistol. You may use your ammunition or buy fresh ammunition at DGM.

14. What do I need to bring for a CCW renewal qual?

For renewal you must bring the gun(s), ammo and your old permit. If a pistol, two magazines per pistol. You may use your ammunition or buy fresh ammunition at DGM. Please see FAQ #14 for ammo quantity. No holster is required.

15. How much ammo will I need for the qual?

The State requires 100 rounds for the initial qual and 50 rounds for renewal. These rounds can be spread out over the gun(s) listed on the permit. If you plan use your ammo, it must be safe to shoot. Or you can buy fresh ammo from DGM.

16. How do I change CCW class date?

Contact DGM Training department by phone or email if you need to reschedule your CCW class.
(619) 324-7520 Or email us, indicating which class date you wish to change to.
training@discountgunmart.com

17. How do I add or change guns on my CCW?

San Diego County CCW holders can "drop-in" to any scheduled CCW class to add firearms to their permit (even if "Sold Out"). No signup is required. See training calendar here for class dates: Training Calendar

The cost for existing DGM CCW students and DGM members is $25 per page of five guns to be added or changed.
Non-students of DGM CCW program are $50 for the first five guns on their permit to be added or changed and $25 per page after.