Santa Cruz County CCW Permit

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

• New license: $504: $252 when you apply (non-refundable) and $252 when approved, since July 1, 2026; you pay the DOJ fee at Live Scan
• Good to know: Two phases: the application, fingerprints, and an interview first; then photos, the psych exam, and the 16-hour course.

Apply to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office · Every California county and city

Common questions

How much does a CCW cost in Santa Cruz County?

A new CCW in Santa Cruz County costs about $597: $504 in local fees plus $93 for the state DOJ background check. That's the 2nd most expensive of the 36 counties that post a full price; the typical one charges about $237. Training is paid separately, to the instructor.

Where do I apply for a CCW in Santa Cruz County?

Apply to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

Does Santa Cruz County require a psych exam for a CCW?

Every new applicant needs a psychological exam, and the agency doesn't post what it costs.

How long does a CCW take in Santa Cruz 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.