CCW Information

It is your sole responsibility to investigate the CCW laws of each and every state with the issuing or governing authority.

There are more than 36 "shall issue" states throughout the United States.  Whether you travel often, or just wish to exercise your 2nd Ammendment Rights, you may wish to become a licensed (permitted) Concealed Weapons Holder in some or all of these states.

Many states have reciprocity agreements  with each other. 

The steps to become licensed in these 36 + states have become rather streamlined, provided that you are a law abiding citizen and do not have a history of certain criminal convictions. You only need apply for one  "shall issue" license which has the reciprocity, and upon issuance, your Concealed Weapons Permit (Commonly referred to as CCW, LTC, CFP) is honored in these other states while their reciprocity agreements are in effect. Be sure to check the laws of other states which you will be travelling through, before you travel. Otherwise you may be committing a crime. It is important to understand that there may be a few states with a reciprocity agreement, but in order to carry in that state, you must be a resident of that particular state.

In CA, the Sheriff of each County (58 counties) is usually the issuing Authority for a CA CCW Permit. However, the population of each county dictates this law. Refer to the CA Penal Code for specific information.

CA is NOT a "shall issue" state. There must be good cause for the CCW applicant to be issued a CCW. Good cause may vary, county by county, and the Sheriff has the sole authority to determine if the good cause is justified (see below).  Prior to a CCW training class, you should make sure that you have no dis-qualifying factors.

Good cause has many varying factors when it comes to issuance of a CCW.  Some county Sheriff's have a strict "no issue policy" and it can prove rather difficult or almost impossible to receive a CCW in these particular counties. Other counties are virtually "shall issue" (personal protection or self defense), while others are "just under shall issue" (good cause shall be articulated or substantiated).

For information regarding applying for a CCW, click on the appropriate links for the state, to the menu at the left.

Before and while you have your CCW permit, it is important to have the proper instruction and training while carrying a concealed weapon, and continue to train on a regular basis.

Utah CCW Permits, Nevada and Florida CCW Permits DO NOT allow you to carry a concealed firearm within the State of California. CA DOES NOT honor any non-resident CCW permit. Utah CCW Permits, Nevada and Florida CCW Permits are issued for "Personal Protection" or "Self Defense". Reciprocity and Recognition of Permits from State to State is a complex issue, we cannot and will not give legal advice. If you need accurate answers to specific legal questions, contact the State Issuing Authority or consult an Attorney who is licensed within the State in question. This is not an NRA approved course.