San Diego County CCW Permit

Apply to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. Checked against the agency's own site on 2026-10-08.

• New license: New fees took effect July 9, 2026. Check the sheriff's CCW page for the current amount.
• Good to know: Applications go through the sheriff's online CCW Pro system. The application and Live Scan fees are due by your appointment; the issuance fee only after approval.

Apply to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office · Every California county and city

Common questions

How much does a CCW cost in San Diego County?

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office doesn't post its CCW fees online, so call or check its site before you apply. Training is paid separately, to the instructor.

Where do I apply for a CCW in San Diego County?

Apply to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Does San Diego County require a psych exam for a CCW?

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office doesn't list a psychological exam.

How long does a CCW take in San Diego County?

State law gives the agency 120 days from a complete application, or 30 days after the DOJ's background results come back if that's later, to approve or deny it.

Rules every California license follows

• Local fees: There's no dollar cap. Each sheriff or police chief sets a fee meant to cover its own reasonable costs, and it can collect only half up front. The rest is due when your license is issued, so a denial shouldn't cost you the whole thing. (Cal. Penal Code § 26190(b))
• Psychological exam: The state doesn't require one, but each agency can. If yours does, you see a psychologist it approves and you pay what the exam actually costs, usually $400 to $625 where it's posted. A renewal can only trigger another exam if there's compelling evidence of a safety concern. (Cal. Penal Code § 26190(e))
• Training: New applicants need a course of at least 16 hours, taught by a DOJ-certified instructor, with live fire using every gun you want on the license. Renewals take at least 8 hours. Training is paid to the instructor, not the agency, and usually costs a few hundred dollars. (Cal. Penal Code § 26165)
• How long they have to decide: 120 days from a complete application, or 30 days after the DOJ's background results come back if that's later. Some agencies take longer anyway; the U.S. Justice Department sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff in 2025 over waits of a year or more. (Cal. Penal Code § 26205)

Not legal advice. Confirm fees with the agency before you pay.