CCW Guides
How Much Does a CCW Cost in California?
A line-item breakdown of what you'll actually spend getting licensed, and what renewals cost after that.
A line-item breakdown of what you'll actually spend getting licensed, and what renewals cost after that.
The honest answer: a first-time California CCW typically runs several hundred dollars all-in, spread across county fees, state background-check costs, and your training course. Here's where every dollar goes.
Each issuing agency sets its own fee schedule within state limits, which is why totals differ between Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, and Ventura counties. Most counties collect part of the fee when you file and the balance at issuance — so a denial doesn't cost you the full amount.
Live Scan fingerprinting feeds your DOJ and FBI background check; providers charge a rolling fee plus government costs. A psychological assessment is at the county's discretion — if required, state law caps what you can be charged at $150.
Training is priced by the provider, not the state. Beware of courses priced dramatically below market — 16 state-mandated hours with real range time has a floor cost, and cut-rate courses often cut the hours, which counties do check. What a legitimate course includes is covered in our course breakdown; how to vet a provider is in how to choose a CCW class.
Renewals are cheaper on every line: lower county fees, no new Live Scan in most cases, and the shorter 8-hour renewal course. Budget roughly half of your initial outlay.
Pay for training first — it's the only component you can schedule instantly and it's valid when you file. Then file your county application and pay fees as billed. For the full sequence, see how to get a CCW in California.
This guide is general information for California CCW applicants, not legal advice. Laws and county procedures change — confirm current requirements with your issuing authority or an attorney.