San Diego County CCW

Download an application by clicking here. Please review the application carefully. If you choose to submit the application, complete all sections with the exception of the three signature areas. This is a two-part interview process.

Each applicant will be interviewed by License Division Staff to determine initial eligibility. Applications accepted will be individually investigated to determine residency, moral character, and good cause, anyone on any form of probation is automatically disqualified. There are four issuing categories in which the County of San Diego issues concealed weapons. Applicants will be required to submit documentation to support and demonstrate their need for any of the categories. The categories are:

Applications must be submitted to Sheriff’s License Division in person. Please call Sheriff’s License Division at 858-974-2020 to schedule an appointment for your initial interview. The first part of your interview will determine your need and the required documentation. Appointments may be set between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

You will need to allow one hour for the interview. You will be given additional information and instructions to bring with you for your second interview.

The Department of Justice and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department are both involved in the processing of this application, each agency requires certain fees. Fees will be collected at the end of your second interview.

Q: What are my chances of obtaining a CCW in San Diego and its surrounding counties?
A: Pretty good. If you own a business and can prove (with bank deposit slips) that you regularly carry and deposit cash you most likely will be issued a CCW. In the last two years, the San Diego Sheriff's Dept. has issued hundreds of CCWs and now appears willing to assist citizens in obtaining a concealed carry permit. If you are wondering what reasons are being accepted please visit the San Diego County Gun Owner's Association website. They list the reasons successful applicants have used to obtain a CCW in San Diego.

Prices may change without notice. Cash or check made payable to San Diego Sheriff’s Department for $12.63 (the remainder $50.51 to be submitted at the time of issuance) plus a money order made payable to the Department of Justice as shown:

A single payment in the form of cash or check made payable to San Diego Sheriff’s Department shall be submitted for renewal of a CCW permit as shown below:

All new applicants must demonstrate they are residents of San Diego County, have good cause and good moral character, pursuant to Penal Code §26150. For purposes of this application, applicants must submit proof of residency in the form of two current utility bills that list their name, service address and mailing address (or other similar type proof).

Good cause is an individual issue; however, if applying for business purposes, proof that you are a legitimate and fully credentialed business will be required as well as having to demonstrate that good cause for carrying a firearm exists. The same applies for those wanting to apply strictly for personal protection; the required documentation will be discussed at the time of the initial first interview, additional documentation may be requested. A valid California identification is also required.

Other verification will be requested on an individual basis. Residence verification and proof of good cause are required with subsequent (renewal) applications.

If there are other questions, please call Sheriff’s License Division at 858-974-2020.