Concealed Carry Weapon License Requirements: ^{must meet ALL requirements}

Click here for the Palo Alto Police Department CCW Policy - CCW Policy

Authority

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a Sheriff of a county or the Chief or other head of municipal police department of any city, or city and county, shall issue or renew a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (Concealed Carry Weapon license).

Who Shall be Issued a License

The licensing authority specified in Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 shall issue a license to persons who are not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202, meet residential requirements, and have completed a course of training. All applicants for a Concealed Carry Weapon license will be fingerprinted and state and federal records will be checked to determine if they are eligible to possess firearms. Click here to view all categories that would prohibit a person from possessing firearms and being granted a Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Completing the Application

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county shall issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (CCW license). Penal Code section 26175 requires the Attorney General to prescribe a statewide standard application form for a CCW license.  Answering all the questions on the Application does not guarantee the issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. The determination whether to issue the license is at the discretion of the licensing authority. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 26160, each licensing authority will have a written policy summarizing their requirements for issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. In addition, prior to issuing a Concealed Weapon Permit, the California State Statutes require proof that:

• The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202;
• The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Penal Code 16400;
• The applicant is a resident of that city or city and county. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicant’s filing of a homeowner’s property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s primary residence is in another county or city within the county;
• The course of training prescribed by the licensing authority has been completed.
• The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

Non-California Resident Applicants

Prior to issuing a Concealed Weapon Permit, the California State Statutes require proof that:

• A member of either:
  • the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Incorporated,
  • Gun Owners of America, Inc.,
  • Gun Owners of California, Inc.,
  • The Second Amendment Foundation, or
  • Firearms Policy Coalition.
• The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202;
• Attest, under oath, the intention that they intend to spend time within the subsequent 12 months in the California jurisdiction to which they are applying;
• The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Penal Code 16400;
• In connection with Penal Code section 26150, subdivision (a)(2) or section 26155, subdivision (a)(2), a Nonresident Applicant may present a valid driver’s license or valid identification card issued by the Nonresident Applicant’s state of residence, in lieu of a valid California driver’s license or identification card. If the Nonresident Applicant’s driver’s license or identification card does not set forth the applicant’s current address, the applicant can—consistent with the policy for state resident applicants—submit other reliable documentation, including current utility bills, current out‐of‐state CCW license with a correct address, or other reasonable indicia of ongoing residency matching the address provided on the application;
• The course of training prescribed by the licensing authority has been completed.
• The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

Character References

You will need to provide the names and contact information of three persons willing to serve as references.  One of the three must be a person described in Penal Code section 273.5, subdivision (b) (your spouse, or former spouse, your cohabitant or former cohabitant, your fiancée, or someone with whom you have, or previously had, an engagement or dating relationship, or the mother or father of your child), if applicable.  At least one of the three must be your cohabitant if applicable.

INITIAL CCW License Application

Prior to Filling Out This Application

• Be prepared to scan a copy of your valid California Driver’s license or California Identification card, which reflects your current City of Palo Alto address.
• Be sure your residence is within the boundaries of the Palo Alto Police Department
  • Applicants MUST reside within the boundaries of the Palo Alto Police Department.  To determine law enforcement boundaries, input your address in the search bar contained within the County of Santa Clara SCC Map (Santa Clara County - SCCMap).  A residence will either be within the "Palo Alto" boundary or “Unincorporated” which is overseen by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. 
• Be prepared to scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
  • If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.
• Be prepared to scan a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214) for applicants who have been formally discharged from U.S. Military Service (not applicable for those who are in ‘inactive reserve status” or in the National Guard).
• Be sure that each firearm you plan on listing on your Concealed Carry Weapon license is associated to you on your Automated Firearms System (AFS) record in the state of California. Note, firearms are not “registered” to an individual but rather identified as being associated to a particular person through their AFS record.

Fingerprint/Live Scan

All initial (new) applicants are to be fingerprinted (Live Scan) using the Request for LiveScan Service form that you print off once you submit your application, regardless of the venue who provides the Live Scan service.  

A background check will be conducted through the Department of Justice to assure the applicant does not have history which prohibits them by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm (see “Firearms Prohibiting Categories” (DOJ BOF 4012, pgs. 1-3).

Order Number & Password

After submitting a NEW, RENEWAL, MODIFICATION or DUPLICATE application and payment of  fees, you will receive an email providing you with an Order Number.  Please print and save this email, as you will be required to access your Order throughout various stages of the CCW process.  To access your Order go to the top of the page on this website, click on “ORDER TRACKER,” and type your Order Number and password.

RENEWAL of a current CCW license

Applying for a renewal is to occur no earlier than six months prior to the expiration date of the current CCW license; however, in no instance shall a renewal application be submitted after the expiration date of the current CCW license. CCW licensees who neglect to submit a CCW license renewal application prior to their license expiration date MUST apply for a NEW CCW license if intending to carry a concealed weapon.  As follows, applicants will be subjected to all requirements associated with a NEW CCW license application including submitting three (3) reference letters, psychological testing, and 16-hours of firearms training, safety, and shooting proficiency.

Please consider the following regarding the renewal of a CCW license:

• A CCW license renewal application is to be submitted to the department which issued the original license (i.e., The Palo Alto Police Department will only renew CCW Licenses’ which were initially issued by this department). 
• All info. submitted in the original CCW License application is verified through an in-person, virtual, or phone interview with the applicant.
• Applicants are to complete a firearms training/instruction course which is at least four (4) hours.  The class will include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.
• Psychological testing will be required only if there is compelling evidence which indicates psychological testing is necessary.
• Renewal CCW License fees are collected at the time of submitting the Renewal application:

Prior to completing a RENEWAL Application, please be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID
• Proof of Palo Alto Residency: Scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
• If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.
• 8-Hour Firearms Training Certificate which lists the date of your training, qualification, and each weapon you qualified with which will appear on your CCW license.

Note: Renewal applicants must answer all questions on the application truthfully and honestly, even if the information has previously been disclosed.  

MODIFYING an existing CCW license

Current CCW licensees may request to modify/amend their CCW license for the following:

• Add or delete authority to carry a firearm listed on the CCW License (Proof of qualification must be submitted for any new weapon added).
• Change address, name, or other personal information.  Notification must be implemented to the Palo Alto Police Dept. within 10 days of any change of the licensee’s place of residence with proof of the new residence being submitted. 
• Change of restrictions and/or limitations.

If approved, a new CCW licensee is printed reflecting the modification(s), noting amending or modifying a CCW license has no relevance regarding the expiration date of the license.

Prior to Completing a MODIFICATION Application, be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID
• Proof of Palo Alto Residency: Scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
• If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.

• IF ADDING A NEW FIREARM: Be prepared to upload your training certificate proving you qualified with your firearm with one of the Palo Alto Police Department. approved instructors. 

DUPLICATE CCW license

A duplicate CCW License may be issued if an active CCW license is lost or stolen; however, the licensee must file a police report in the jurisdiction where the loss or theft occurred.

The licensee is to apply for a DUPLICATE license through the PermitDirector system, using the DUPLICATE CCW LICENSE APPLICATION.  

• The following items MUST be uploaded into the PermitDirector system
  • California Driver’s License or CA ID
  • Face page of the police report which identifies the licensee’s name,
    address, complaint, and report date.

Training Required

If applying for a NEW Concealed Carry Weapon license a course approved by the Palo Alto Police Department must be completed prior to permit issuance. This course will be 16 hours for new applicants.

If applying for a RENEWAL Concealed Carry Weapon license, a 8-hour course approved by the Palo Alto Police Department must be completed prior to permit issuance.

If applying for a MODIFICATION to your current Concealed Carry Weapon license that includes a firearm change, you will need to submit training certifications from a training vendor approved by the Palo Alto Police Department.

The Palo Alto Police Department recognizes only select training facilities to satisfy your qualification certification. Training from any other facility will not be accepted.

Note: Firearms training certificates identifying passing/completion must be dated subsequent to receiving notification that you are “approved” to proceed to the training requirement, as we want to assure you are receiving the most current training relating to best practices and are in compliance with the law. In this manner, it may take several months for your CCW application to proceed through the approval process which may ultimately carry over to a law change through a senate or assembly bill, some of which may be declared as an urgency measure or clause which takes effect upon the Governor’s signature.

Approved training facilities are listed here:  Training Instructor List

CCW Qualification Form:  C.C.W. Firearms Proficiency

Non-California Resident Applicants:

Nonresident Applicants must complete a training course that meets the criteria set forth in Penal Code section 26165, subdivision (a)(1)‐(3) and (5)‐(6), and subdivision (b).

You may use any of the approved Online Training Courses by the Police Department.  Please contact the Police Department for information on the list of approved courses.

For the live‐fire shooting exercises required by Penal Code section 26165, subdivision (a)(6), Nonresident Applicants must complete a live‐fire shooting exercise for each handgun they intend to carry in California.  A Nonresident Applicant shall inform the Police Department where the applicant applies of the live‐fire course the applicant intends to complete, and the licensing authority shall either approve such course or suggest an alternative acceptable course within 75 miles of the applicant’s residence.

For More Information, Contact:

Palo Alto Police Department
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301 

Telephone:  (650)838-2735
Email: pd@cityofpaloalto.org

For Technical Support, Contact:

Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com