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You can contact MCSO's CCW team via CCW@co.monterey.ca.us.

CCW Procedure

Prior to completing the application, please be informed that pursuant to California Penal Code Section 26180, “Any person who files an application…knowing the statements contained therein are false is guilty of a misdemeanor.” It further states: “Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on the application regarding any of the following shall be guilty of a felony:

  1. The denial or revocation of a license, or the denial of an amendment to a license, issued pursuant to this article.
  2. A criminal conviction
  3. A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity
  4. The use of a controlled substance
  5. A dishonorable discharge from military service
  6. A commitment to a mental institution
  7. A renunciation of United States citizenship

BACKGROUND PROCESS: After completing the Standard Initial and Renewal Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon online, the applicant must select a day and time to meet with a background investigator at the Sheriff’s Office. The APPLICANT will print the entire application including the Live Scan form and bring the application and live scan form with them to the interview with the Background Investigator. Applicants should also be prepared to pay the initial fees ONLINE prior to the Interview. The complete Background Process will consist of the following:

  • Fingerprinting/Background Review: The applicant will submit their Application for review when the applicant appears for fingerprinting at the Sheriff’s Office. The applicant is required to pay the initial fees, as identified on the Fee Schedule, at the time of fingerprinting. online before the initial interview.
  • Personal Interview: The Personal Interview will be conducted by a member of the Sheriff’s Professional Standards Division.
  • Medical Evaluation: The Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to determine medical fitness if necessary.

NOTE: The application process may be terminated at any time if disqualifying information is discovered.

CCW PERMIT RENEWAL: The standard Carry Concealed Weapon Permit is valid for two years. Prior to the expiration date, the applicant must Renew their application online. The request for renewal will be evaluated and once all required training certificates and documents are submitted online the renewal will be processed. If the CCW Permit holder allows their permit to expire, the Permit Holder may be required to re-apply for an initial CCW Permit.

FIREARMS QUALIFICATION: The applicant may choose from any of the approved Training Providers listed on our webpage. The training is valid for 1 year and should be taken as soon as possible during the initial application, and any time up to one year before their permit expires for renewals.

APPROVAL/DENIAL OF REQUEST: The completed Background Investigation will be referred to the Sheriff for review. The Sheriff will make the final determination regarding issuance of a CCW permit.
All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application by mail. The DOJ application fee, Live Scan fee, and County fee and required training fees, are not refundable.

It may take (90) days, from the date the California Department of Justice sends us the return information from your live scan, to complete the processing of the CCW application. Your patience is appreciated during this period of time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS:

Completion of the application does not mean you will be issued a CCW Permit.

Applicants should also be cognizant of the fact that a CCW Permit issued in the state of California is not valid in all other states. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the laws related to carrying a concealed weapon, including but not limited to Sections 26150-26225, 27235, 25400 and 25850 of the California Penal Code and Section 2006 of the California Fish and Game Code.

State law mandates that some of the information on file pertaining to CCW Permits is public information, and as such is subject to release upon request from the public. The applicant’s name, city of residence, and the stated purpose for the CCW Permit is public information and may be released on demand.

The possession of a CCW Permit does not exempt any individual from criminal prosecution or civil liability, other than the act of carrying the specific firearm within the state of California.

Carrying a concealed firearm by authority of a CCW Permit is not authorized when:

  1. Attending social or public functions except when a specific need can be articulated.
  2. Being under the influence of alcohol and/or medication.
  3. Present in any area where weapons are prohibited, including but not limited to, the boarding area of or on board a commercial airline.
  4. Acting as, or conducting business as, a private security officer.

The issuance of a Carry Concealed Weapon Permit does not excuse or justify any behavior which might otherwise be a violation of any other law pertaining to weapons.

If you require additional information pertaining to the application process, please contact our Office. You can contact MCSO's CCW team via CCW@co.monterey.ca.us.