CCW Info

Imperial County Sheriff's Office General Information:

Learning the laws regulating the use of firearms is a must for responsible

ownership. Local regulations differ and laws vary from state to state. Citizens

must check with the jurisdiction where the firearm is to be used.

In California, the Sheriff and his staff are required to follow strict state and

local guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for

issuing Concealed Carry Weapon licenses. Due to the detailed nature

involved with conducting these background checks, appointment times and

processing times can take multiple weeks. During the application process,

the applicant will be asked to schedule an appointment for a new Concealed

Carry Weapon license.

If the applicant is RENEWING a Concealed Carry Weapon license in

Imperial County, they may not apply until 90 days before the expiration

date listed on their current Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Pricing:

Type of Permit: Standard 2 years

Initial Fee:

Paid on submission of your application:

$118.00 (Inc. DOJ Livescan Fee - $93.00+ Sheriff Fee - $25.00)

Issuance Fee:

Paid upon the approval of the application: $50.00

Renewal Fee:

$127.00 (Inc. DOJ Livescan Fee - $52.00+ Sheriff Fee - $75.00)

Duplicate/Modification Fee:

$10.00

Concealed Carry Weapon License Requirements:

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.

If applying for a NEW Concealed Carry Weapon license a course approved by the County Sheriff’s Office must be completed prior to permit issuance. This course will be a minimum of 16 hours.

If applying for a RENEWAL Concealed Carry Weapon license, a 8 hour course approved by the County Sheriff’s Office 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 County Sheriff’s Office.

Be prepared to provide the following before applying;

A copy of your valid identification card that contains your photograph.
Proof of Residency: Copies of two (2) statements reflecting your name and permanent
Imperial County residence address from one of the following service providers: Gas,
Electric, Water, Home Internet/Cable, Waste, Mortgage, Rental Agreements and/or Property
Tax Statements. Statements must be dated within the last 90 days. We DO NOT accept past due statements. We DO NOT accept any items other than those listed.
Firearm safety and qualification certificates are required as part of the final phase, once application is approved
(a) The certificate documenting your completion of the State of California required firearms safety course from an approved CCW Instructor.
(b) Firearm qualification form (you must qualify with each gun to be listed on your CCW). A PC 832 certificate is acceptable (No more than 2 years old).
Military Veterans upload your DD214 form (Discharge document).
Active Military upload military orders within the County of Imperial County, valid Military identification card and valid California identification card
Certificates are only valid for 90 days from the date issued.

Please Note:

Applicants who have failed to respond to requests, provide required documentation, inactivity, make required payment and/or finalize CCW application requirements within 45 days will forfeit any fees and application will be withdrawn.

New (Initial) CCW Applications:

For New (Initial) CCW Applications-Three (3) Character Reference Letters from individuals, other than relatives, that reside within the Imperial County. Each Character Reference Letter must include the current written date and the individual’s: name, home address, phone number and signature. Each Letter must also refer to the applicant by their full legal name, reference the individual’s relationship to the applicant and include a recommendation for the applicant in regards to obtaining a CCW Permit.

To view the full Imperial County Sheriff CCW Police, please click on the link below to view CCW Policies and Procedures.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us for further inquiries.

What is the CCW process in Imperial County, CA?

Please visit the Imperial County Sheriff's Office Website

(https://icso.imperialcounty.org/) or the City of Brawley website

(https://www.brawley-ca.gov/) if Brawley resident. The process

includes filling out the online application through the agency

website, submitting 3 good character letters, 1 of which is from your

spouse or significant other (if N/A, then disregard), oral interview, live

scan fingerprints, and CA DOJ background check. You will also be

required to complete the 16-hour initial class demonstrating safety

and competency as codified per 26165(a) in the CA PC.

What is the cost of the CCW 16-hour Initial Class?

$280

What do I need to do to prepare for the CCW 16-hour Initial Class?

You will need to bring the following:

A government ID
At least 1 handgun (up to 3) that is registered to you in the State of California
Sturdy belt, holster, and magazine carrier
You will need a minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition for each gun you plan to put on your CCW. In addition, we highly recommend factory ammunition by a reputable manufacturer.

How long is my CCW good for?

The CA CCW permit is valid for 2 years.

What is the CA CCW renewal process?

Please visit the Imperial County Sheriff's Office website (https://icso.imperialcounty.org) or the City of Brawley website (https://www.brawley-ca.gov/) for detailed information. The process is to complete the online renewal application, receive approval from the agency, then complete the 4-hour renewal class, with an approved instructor.

What does the 8-hour CCW course consist of?

The 8-hour CCW course covers a broad range of topics including:

Firearms safety, nomenclature, fundamental techniques, safe

storage, Federal, State, and local laws. There is a myriad of additional

topics covered in the class. The course also includes a written test

and live fire qualification.

Do I need to own a handgun to get my CCW?

Yes. You need to own a minimum of 1 handgun (up to 3) that must

be registered in your name and lawfully owned/possessed in the

State of California.

Do I need to be an experienced shooter to get my CCW?

The more experience and training, the better. However, it is highly

recommended that a CCW applicant has taken a Basic Pistol Course

and/or developed fundamental skills in safe handgun handling

including understanding the universal safety rules, loading, firing

operation, unloading, making safe, and proper

transportation/storage.

What is the Basic Pistol Course consisting of?

The Basic Pistol course covers a broad range of topics to educate the student on safe handling of a handgun including universal safety rules, firearms nomenclature, ammunition basics, and loading/unloading. There will be significant time focused on the practical techniques including, grip, stance, sighting, trigger mechanics, and recovery.