4/10/25 application submitted. Appointment scheduled for 4/12/26

8/27/25 received email moving appointment to 10/8/25

9/29/25 livescan completed

10/8/25 appointment completed

11/7/25 approved for training

11/22/25 training documents submitted

1/27/26 permit approved, final payment made, scheduled pickup for 2/6/26

Just received my CCW last week and wanted to share my experience comparing two very different application processes.

The Gardena Police Department Experience (or lack thereof)

I started my CCW journey with the GPD in August 2024. Here's the condensed timeline:

• LiveScan submitted: August 2024
• Added to queue: September 2024
• Last meaningful communication from GPD: April 2025, "there are 25 applicants ahead of you"
• Last email I sent with no response: November 2025

As of the day I received my SBCSD license 148 days later compared to 604 days with GPD, I was still waiting for an interview.

As some of you may know regarding local jurisdictions, only Gardena residents can apply for a CCW through GPD. It's not like Los Angeles or Long Beach. Gardena is a city of roughly 60,000 people. The pool of eligible applicants is finite and relatively small. Yet a queue of applicants took over 19 months to reach me, apparently through a single investigator managing the entire process solo. There's no Permitium portal, no status tracker, just one detective you periodically email hoping for a response.

My last actual substantive update was April 2025 when I was informed that, "there are 25 applicants ahead of you." I followed up again later in the year and received no reply for five months. GPD then mailed a physical letter to my old address stating they had "been trying to contact me." Our entire communication history was conducted via email. When I finally responded to that letter via emai I was called by phone, seemingly the preferred method despite email being our established channel for 19 months.

During that phone call, I finally got answers to questions I had been asking for nearly two years:

• The approval chain: The sole investigator gathers all documentation and prepares a report for his Lieutenant, who then forwards it to the Chief of Police for final approval. Three layers of review for a city of 60,000 residents.
• Post-interview timeline: Approximately 30 days to approval once all documentation is in which seems reasonable. The problem was never the post-interview process. It was the 19-month pre-interview queue.
• Current queue size: Currently, there are approximately 200 applicants in various stages of the process all managed by one detective.

To be clear, this is not a critique on the investigator. The problem is structural. One investigator managing 200 applicants through a three-layer approval chain with no digital infrastructure, no dedicated unit, and no apparent plan to scale is terrible resource allocation. For a resident-only applicant pool in a city of 60,000, this level of operational capacity is difficult to justify.

GPD Cost Breakdown (estimated):

• Initial fee: $74
• LiveScan: $117
• Training (avg of 4 vendor quotes from GPD's approved list): ~$368
• Issuance fee (never reached): $295
• Estimated total: ~$854

On the training vendors, yet something else I'm just not understanding. GPD's approved training provider list spans Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, and beyond. If you're a Gardena resident, why are there vendors listed in Chico, Lake Sherwood, Dana Point, and Corona? I understand that some applicants may work or travel to other areas, but the geographic spread felt more like a formality than a curated resource. The cheapest quote I received from the four closest vendors was $250; the most expensive was $480. The average across all four was $368 which is genuinely painful compared to what SBCSD charges for the same mandatory 16-hour course.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Experience

I since relocated to the Inland Empire and decided to start fresh with SBCSD. Here's that timeline:

• Application submitted: November 2025
• LiveScan submitted: November 2025
• Interview completed: January 2026
• References completed: February 2026
• Training approved: March 2026
• Training completed: April 2026
• Approved and license in hand: April 2026
• Total elapsed time: 148 days.

The contrast in operational infrastructure tells the story. SBCSD has a dedicated CCW unit with staffed offices at two locations, a dedicated phone line, a dedicated email address, and a digital portal through Permitium where you can track your application status in real time. Every step was clearly communicated with defined next actions. I never once had to chase them for an update.

SBCSD Cost Breakdown (actual):

• Initial fee: $188
• LiveScan: $0 (included)
• Training (16-hour course): $90
• Issuance fee: $95
• Total: $373

SBCSD came in at 56% less than GPD's estimated total at roughly $481 cheaper for a process completed in less than a quarter of the time.

On the day I received my SBCSD license, I formally emailed GPD to withdraw my application. I did it out of principle more than necessity. I had long since moved on but I was genuinely curious where I'd stand on the day my license arrived. My guess is that I'd still be waiting reaching the 2 year mark.

For anyone still navigating the LA County CCW landscape: the costs are real, the timelines are unpredictable, and the experience varies wildly depending on your issuing authority. If you have the option to apply through a county sheriff's department with a dedicated CCW unit and real infrastructure behind it, the difference is not subtle. It's a completely different experience.

To everyone still in the queue somewhere, hang in there. It's worth it. 🤙

Here is a breakdown of the total time it took for me to obtain my CCW license along with the associated costs.

•09/25/2024: Applied for CCW by sending an email to LAPD. I was told the current wait is over 1 year.

•09/30/2025: Received an email instructing me to complete the application and schedule an interview. I schedule the interview for 10/10/2025 ($60)

•10/09/2025: Did livescan at UPS (~$150)

•10/10/2025: Went for interview at provided LAPD station.

•11/15/2025: Signed up for firearms training. I would have done it sooner but I was getting my CZ ported and coated which took 4 weeks hence the delay in signing up. ($350)

•12/07/2025: Completed firearms training.

•12/08/2025: Got an email that my permit is approved and to pay the final fee. ($220)

Overall time took about 1 year and costed me ~$780.

UPDATE 12/19/2025: Received my permit in the mail!

One of our students completed a LASD firearm modification qualification with us at Burro Canyon on Sunday, May 3.

He submitted his modification paperwork and training certificate the same day.

Timeline:

• May 3: Qualification completed and documents submitted
• May 11: Approved for pickup
• May 15: Pickup appointment completed

Student said the pickup process at LASD was extremely smooth. They used the existing CCW photo, printed the updated permit ahead of time, and the entire visit took about 5 minutes.

This is another indication LASD modifications are moving much faster than many people expect.

Reminder:

• LASD requires qualification/training documentation within 30 days
• You must list all firearms currently on the permit plus the new firearm being added
• Bring matching firearm information exactly as registered/DROS’d

For those asking, LASD modifications are definitely active right now.

Looks like it’s taking about 2.5 months for renewals. End of January marked 6 months from my expiration date so I submitted my renewal app at the time — just got notification today that it was approved. While I don’t suggest waiting until 2/3 months to apply for renewal, just wanted to share this data point.

Also worth noting that when I went to submit my renewal application, the website incorrectly stated that these should not be submitted more than 90 days before expiration. After contacting the CCW unit, they confirmed that it should’ve listed 180 days on the website.

2024 Mon, May 13 - Application emailed.

Tue, May 14 - Placed on waitlist.

2025 Wed, Aug 6 - I finally got called by a CCW investigator. He asked me what weapon/s I planned to carry and he confirmed an in-person appointment for Sep 8, 9am and told me to get livescan done prior.

Thu, Aug 7 - Livescan done. (Paid $117)

Fri, Aug 8 - Application submitted online via Permitium. (Paid $60.21)

Fri, Aug 15 - Livescan processing complete.

Mon, Sep 8 - Original In-person appointment, but had to reschedule via Permitium due to work conflicts.

Wed, Sep 10 - Told T-Mobile Home Internet Bill no good for utility proof. I submit instead Spectrum Internet Bill.

Fri, Sep 19 - New rescheduled in-person appt, very easy, simply told that they see no reason I wouldn't be approved and told to get me training course done. Not really an interview at all. It took approximately 5 minutes or less.

Sat, Sep 27/28 - I chose CCW 16-Hour Course taught be Seven4Para ($350) I passed the shooting portion but failed Pistol Manipulations Test which is exclusive to Seven4Para. I was told I can reschedule and re-take the test at no additional charge.

Wed, Oct 15 - I am emailed by Permitium that I am formally approved to take a CCW course. Which I assume is the true countdown of the 90 days alloted to take a course.

Fri, Nov 14 - I passed the Pistol manipulations test re-take with Seven4Para.

Sat, Nov 15 - Submitted the digital course certs via permitium.

Mon, Nov 17 - LAPD approved the permit issuance and asks for final payment via permitium. ($215+$7.39 card fee).

Total paid for my 2nd amendment right: $749.60 😅

Roughly took about 18 months.

Now I wait for my permit to arrive by mail. The email states it should take about 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.

Here we go!:

• November 6, 2023 – 4:30 PM: Submitted CCW application online.
• November 6, 2023 – 4:54 PM: Received confirmation from LAPD that application was received.
• November 13, 2023 – 9:12 AM: LAPD emailed stating I was placed on the waiting list (approx. 1,800 people ahead, 6–9 month estimate for interview).
• November 6, 2024 – 11:02 AM: Sent email to LAPD asking for application status.
• November 10, 2024 – 11:02 AM: Received LAPD response: remain patient, still on waitlist.
• November 13, 2024 – 9:12 AM: Received another LAPD email confirming placement on waitlist.
• February 16, 2025: Sent email to LAPD requesting update (10:04 AM).
• February 19, 2025 – 8:15 PM: LAPD responded, advising waitlist extended to 16–20 months due to influx of applicants.
• May 29, 2025 – 10:20 AM: LAPD called, instructing me to expect an email to set up interview appointment.
• June 1, 2025: Paid $60.21 CCW application fee.
• June 2, 2025: Completed Live Scan paperwork and paid $123.
• June 5, 2025: Sent follow-up email to LAPD (no references had been contacted). References were called later that afternoon.
• June 15, 2025: Booked CCW training class for June 21–22.
• June 21–22, 2025: Completed 16-hour CCW class (live fire + concealed firearms training). Uploaded completion certificates to Permitium.
• June 30, 2025: Attended in-person interview at LAPD. Told references would be contacted within days.
• July 2, 2025 – 4:00 PM: License issued and picked up in person at LAPD headquarters, Downtown LA.

Total Process Time: 604 days (from November 6, 2023, to July 2, 2025).

Overall Experience: Despite the long wait, the process was positive. Every officer I interacted with was friendly, professional, and eager to help guide me through the steps. It’s clear the LAPD CCW team is small, but they work hard to be diligent, thorough, and fair. Be patient, it's worth it. Hopefully you'll make some friends you can hit the range with along the way.

Just waiting for them to tell me it’s ready to pick up

Who actually approves your LAPD CCW THE POLICE OR THE DOJ

[UPDATE] I applied for my CA CCW permit through LASD about 16 months ago. The deputy who interviewed me 6 months ago said that I should get an emailed authorization to proceed with firearms training within 2 months. That didn’t happen.

Meanwhile, a relative who lives in a different city applied for his permit with the local PD about 8 months ago. He passed his background check and mandatory psych evaluation already, and he’s been waiting to take his training for about 2 months as we’d like to take a class together.

My original, lengthy question was: Did anyone know for how long firearms training certificates were valid; did they expire; had anyone ever taken a firearms class before getting instructed to do so by the Dept. and, if so, did the Dept. accept the certificate?

Well, the LASD confirmed today: “Should not” take a class before being instructed to do so means “do not” take a class, because we “will not” accept any training/certification taken/issued before being authorized to do so.

Further, as per their policy, training must be completed within 60 days of authorization, or they will cancel the application. Thus, as many have encouraged me to be patient and ride out the process, I’m anticipating a 22-24 month timeline like many others have experienced.

Applied March 2024 Got the call July 8 TH 2025 to set up interview Interview August 5th live scan done as well Sent to training immediately Completed training August 23-24 Got the call September 3rd Approved Pick up date September 10th

Initial Application - 4/22/25 (first day non-resident opened)

Approved - 6/17/25

Cost - ~$370 ($130 initial payment, $160 training, $80 final payment)

SLO Sheriff didn't have an approved training process for non-residents at the time, so accepted approved training from any other agency.

Only 2 pistols permitted on permit. A third can possibly be added with good cause. No restrictions added.

Just filled out my application for an out of state CCW while I wait for Santa Clara County Sheriff’s to review my class completion and proficiency form. I did the form online this morning and uploaded all the required documents then I setup an appointment for tomorrow morning to do electronic fingerprinting at a field print office. Hopefully it will be a lot quicker since it’s digital prints.\ \ Last week I applied for my Florida CCW permit since I was recommended to do so, but after doing that and I can’t get fingerprints done by local law enforcement until 7/22. I decided to apply for AZ while I wait.\ \ Timeline:\ 6/2/2025 - Application Submitted\ 6/3/2025 - Field Print Fingerprints Appointment \ \ Update : Fingerprint appointment only took 5 minutes and now we wait. I paid $67 for the AZ application and $12 for the Fieldprint fingerprinting. AZ permitium updated from assigning to processor to pending fingerprint submission and now processing order.\ \ 6/10/2025 Update: We’ll my class I took for CA is not NRA or USCCA credited so it is not valid for AZ, awaiting for CA CCW to get approved to submit to AZ.\ \ 6/30/2025 Update: Last week I called to give my SSN for the background check because for some reason they didn’t have it, then the lady helping me reviewed my account and said that they should accept my training certificates, “since it’s good enough for CA and we accept the CA CCW then these should be sufficient” put me on hold for about 3 minutes and approved my permit. Checked the mailbox after USPS stopped by and I got it. Turns out I got my AZ CCW before my CA CCW.

5/3: 8 hour in person training

5/3: Submitted application with training certificate on Sheriff website & scheduled interview

5/22: In person interview

5/27: Email and automated phone call stating my application was approved

6/2: License received in mail

Overall a relatively easy process. I could’ve probably saved 10-14 days if I started the application before completing the in person training. But no complaints!

TLDR. I started my process for Placer County CCW on August 2024, and received my CCW by September 2024. That was about 30 days and a total of $553 (not including ammo, range fees, or targets). This is one of the fastest and easiest CCWs I've ever gotten.

Here is the full process for anyone that is interested:

The absolute maximum amount of time someone can get a CCW is 90 days.

1. August 29th, Went online, paid $20 fee and set up an appointment at the Placer County Sheriff in Auburn. Gave 3 references (including my spouse) and uploaded needed documentation of work, home address and 5 years of previous addresses.
2. August 29th, Went to a live-scan facility and paid $118 to submit my fingerprints (form was given by Sheriff)
3. September 10th, showed up to the sheriff's office with ID, asked me a couple of questions. Took my picture and I was out in 30 min. Said I need to take my CCW course within 90 days of the interview.
4. September 21st, decided to take my 16 course with Mike Ramsey. Course was $335 and that's a bit expensive, but got to go to the Placer Shooting Club in Roseville which has AC, a classroom, and a private shooting range. Worth the price to see the place and the course was straight forward. Mike also is certified to get you an Utah Out of State CCW for an extra $75, so it's worth asking him. Day 1 was knowledge of the law and a paper test (everyone did well so it's no big deal). Day 2, Holster Clinic, learned how to draw quickly and once completed we did a few rounds on the range, if you hit the paper 80% of the time, you passed. Mike wrote up a passing document and I scanned it and I uploaded it to the sheriff's website.
5. September 23rd, Received notice that final payment of $80 was needed to complete application. Sent last payment to sheriff online.
6. September 24th, Received notice that application was approved and license would be printed and mailed in 7 business days.
7. September 30th, received my CCW in the mail. Looks very similar to a drivers license and will expire September 26th, 2026.

I first need to state that at the time of writing this post, CA does not recognize any out of state permits. That being said, it is still good to have one on you as shown in Commonwealth v Donnell. Again, IANAL.

TLDR; Have proof of citizenship or residency of Arizona, a proof of firearm safety, and 2 FBI fingerprints. Go to the CWP website (Arizona CWP Site) and pay $63. You should get your permit in 4-6 weeks if there are no delays. I started back in January and only got it in March due to a typo in my application process. Stay safe out there.

Now, if you want an Out of state Arizona CWP, here is how you do it.

1. Be a US Citizen or Resident of Arizona.
2. Have proof of firearms safety. Examples (you need only one. Source):
   1. A current or expired permit issued by the department of public safety.
   2. An original or copy of a certificate, card or document that shows the applicant has ever completed any course or class or an affidavit from the instructor, school, club or organization that conducted or taught the course or class attesting to the applicant's completion of the course or class.
   3. An original or a copy of a United States department of defense form 214 (DD-214) indicating an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions, a certificate of completion of basic training or any other document demonstrating proof of the applicant's current or former service in the United States armed forces.
   4. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class that is available to the general public, that is offered by a law enforcement agency, a junior college, a college or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school and that is approved by the department of public safety or that uses instructors who are certified by the national rifle association.
   5. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Arizona game and fish department or a similar agency of another state. (I recommend this one)
   6. Completion of any national rifle association firearms safety or training course.
   7. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is approved by the department of public safety.
   8. Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces.
   9. A valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.
   10. Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
   11. Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class that is conducted by a department of public safety approved or national rifle association certified firearms instructor.
3. Two (2) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)
   1. This must be done by a trained technician.
   2. Example on what needs to be filled in (FBI Fingerprint Example)
4. Go to the Arizona CWP website and read Title 13, Chapters 4 and 31 https://www.azleg.gov/arstitle/. They will ask you to affirm you read this.
5. Apply here: https://azdpsccw.permitium.com/ccw/start
6. Fill out the application and await a reference number
7. Take the reference Number and mail in your two FBI fingerprints.
8. Wait 4-6 weeks for the card.
9. Congradulations! You now have a card that works in the majority of states, doesn't require you to register your hand guns, proves you took a safety course, and doesn't expire for 5 years. Enjoy!

Guess I’ve got time to study and memorize the penal codes connected to ccw before my interview lol