California CCW

LEGAL AUTHORITY The authority to carry a concealed weapon is set forth in California Penal Code Sections 12050-12054. These sections state in part:

(a)	The sheriff, ... upon proof that the person applying is of good moral character, that good cause exists for the issuance, and that the person applying is a resident of the county, may issue ... a license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm ...
(b)	A license may include any reasonable restrictions or conditions which the issuing authority deems warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, and circumstances under which the person may carry a concealed firearm.

To comply with the requirements of the applicable Penal Code sections, San Diego Sheriffs Department has established the following guidelines.

Good moral character is verified by a background check based upon fingerprints and information submitted by the applicant. Personal reference letters, written by friends or acquaintances of the applicant, are requested for this purpose. Letters cannot be accepted if they are written by the applicant, are form letters, are written by out-of-County residents or family members. References will be contacted by Department staff so letters must be legibly signed, dated within 30 days of the application, include a daytime phone number and state that the writer is aware the applicant is requesting a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Law enforcement-related applicants are not required to submit reference letters, but must submit a letter from their agency and present their law enforcement identification.

Good Cause is the set of circumstances which distinguishes the applicant from the mainstream and causes him or her to be placed in harm's way. Good cause is NOT a simple fear for one's safety. Applicants applying because of business reasons will be required to demonstrate they are in active, legitimate business. Employees applying because of job duties must provide validation of those duties. Persons applying because of threats or personal protection needs must submit copies of police reports, restraining orders or other documentation substantiating their concerns.

Applicants are required to submit two "proofs" of residency to establish they live in San Diego County. These may be unpaid utility bills which are no more than 30 days old and include residence/service address, magazine subscription labels or other such items. Note: Post Office Boxes are not residence addresses and will not be accepted as permanent home addresses. Applicants who are not full-time residents may be required to show other proof that San Diego County is their primary residence. Applicants who are not

U.S.

citizens are required to show legal residence status.

Applicable statutes require all persons applying or reapplying for this privilege to successfully complete training in the safe use of weapons within 30 days of subject application. Proof of this training will be submitted with each application or reapplication in the form of a current certificate signed by a Firearms Safety Instructor licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Law enforcement-related applicants who qualify quarterly pursuant to State statute are exempt from this requirement.

San Diego County applicants must complete the questionnaire and submit it, in person, with their documentation to Sheriffs License Division. See separate sheet of documentation types. At the interview, applicants will be provided with the form for range testing and told to report to the Sheriff's range for the weapons qualification test.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT. - LICENSE DIVISION
9621 RIDGEHAVEN COURT
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123

A "RELEASE AND WAIVER" form is contained in this packet. This form allows the Sheriff's Department to obtain information necessary to approve or deny your application. By signing the form, you are giving permission for this background investigation of yourself, which may involve contacting any person, agency, or organization that may aid this investigation and releasing and holding harmless such person, agency or organization from liability or damage which may result from furnishing any information requested as part of this investigation. Failure to provide this waiver restricts the Department's ability to obtain information required to complete your background investigation and may result in denial of a CCW permit.

It generally takes up to 10 or 12 weeks to process an application. Any questions or new information developed during this period must be presented in writing or in person.

Applicants will be notified by mail of the final decision. If an applications denied, the applicant will be notified of appeal rights.

Permit holders are subject to the following conditions, and any violation thereof or of any restriction placed on the license itself shall constitute cause for an immediate revocation of said license. The license must be surrendered upon demand, and it may be seized by any peace officer and returned to the Sheriff.

1.	Consume any alcohol and/or drug while carrying or transporting a concealed weapon.
2.	Represent to any person that he/she is a peace officer.
3.	Abuse this privilege by any unjustified display of a deadly weapon.
4.	Impede peace officers in the conduct of their activities.
5.	Refuse to display the license or to surrender the firearm to any peace officer for inspection upon demand.
6.	Violate any law of this state or country.
7.	Carry, concealed any weapon not listed on the license.
8.	Carry any weapon on or about your person, openly or concealed, onto an airport without the permission of the Port Director.
9.	Carry any weapon on or about your person, anywhere that is prohibited by law.