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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 interview appointment for a new Concealed Carry Weapon license. Please note that for a new Concealed Carry Weapon license a non-refundable $113 application fee will be required to reserve an appointment for an interview.
If the applicant is RENEWING a Concealed Carry Weapon license in Stanislaus County, they may not apply until 90 days before the expiration date listed on their current Concealed Carry Weapon license.
Pricing
- The administrative cost for a New Concealed Carry Weapon license is $193.00. An applicant will pay a non-refundable $113 application fee, and if approved, be asked to pay an additional $80 prior to receiving their Concealed Carry Weapon license.
- A Standard Renewal of a Concealed Carry Weapon license costs $77.
- Any Modification (e.g. residence or firearm change) to a Concealed Carry Weapon license costs $10.
- To order a Duplicate of your Concealed Carry Weapon license will cost $10.
- For credit card transactions a nominal credit card transaction fee will be charged for each transaction. Charges will be viewable prior to transaction completion.
- Appointments for Concealed Carry Weapon licenses are processed Monday to Wednesday. CCW permits can be picked up on Thursdays and Fridays.
- Click the appropriate button on the left of the screen to proceed with an application for a Concealed Carry Weapon license.
Please visit the below website for further information regarding a Concealed Carry Weapon License in Stanislaus County:
Gaining competency with firearms is like learning to drive a car or fly an airplane. You need expert instruction and practice. There is no shortcut. If you are not willing to invest the time and effort to become competent, then having a firearm and trying to use it can, in many instances, be more hazardous than any impending threat.
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Our CCW Department will be closed on
June 19, 2026
and
July 3, 2026
Concealed Carry Weapon License Requirements: must meet ALL 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.
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.
Training Required
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 traning vendor approved by the County Sheriff’s Office.
Place of Employment Automatic Restriction:
CCW permits are not valid during the course and scope of employment or for employment purposes unless the Sheriff specifically approves the removal of the Automatic Restriction. If you would like the Sheriff to consider issuing a gun permit for employment purposes, you must provide proof of self-employment or a letter specifically authorizing you to be armed in the course and scope of employment. That letter must come from your employer and be signed by the authorizing agent. Failure to provide appropriate supporting documents will result in the automatic Employment restriction being imposed.
Prior to Filling Out This Application
- Be prepared to scan a copy of your valid California driver’s license, or state issued ID, which has your current address in Stanislaus County.
- Be prepared to scan copies of two (2) of the following “proof of residency” documents showing your current address in Stanislaus County (i.e. Utility bill, Lease/Rental Agreement, Telephone Bill, or Tax Bill).
- Be prepared to scan copies of any additional documentation required per Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department CCW policy (i.e. business license, employer verification letter, etc.). Keep in mind these documents will need to be submitted each time you renew your CCW permit and do not carry over with each application. Also, you will be required to submit the original copy to our office prior to your CCW permit being issued even if a scanned copy is submitted with your application.
- Be Prepared to show ownership of your firearm or register your firearm with the DOJ
For More Information, Contact:
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office
Address: 250 E. Hackett Road
Modesto, CA 95358
Telephone: 209-525-7135
Fax: 209-525- 7111
Website: https://www.scsdonline.com/
For Technical Support, Contact:
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: (855) 642-2453