San Francisco County

How to get a CCW (one-page)

Top facts (quick): San Francisco issues CCW through the SFPD online portal. The department will not consider the old “good-cause” test after Bruen; under state law the authority must issue a CCW if you meet objective eligibility (not a disqualified person) and training/other requirements. (San Francisco Police Department)

Step-by-step (do these in order)

1. Confirm basic eligibility (before you apply).
   • Be 21+.
   • Be the owner of the firearm you want the permit for (or meet the statutory exceptions).
   • Not be a disqualified person under state/federal law (felony, certain restraining orders, adjudicated mental health disqualifiers, etc.).
   These rules are in the statewide CCW statute and standard application. (California DOJ)
2. Complete the required approved firearms training.
   • Enroll in an SFPD-approved CCW initial training package (SFPD directs applicants to approved courses; SFPD may require both a classroom/lecture block and a live-fire/qualification). Expect ~8–16 hours (varies by provider). Keep original certificates. (Paladin Tactical US)
3. Start the online SFPD CCW application (Permitium).
   • Create an account and submit the initial CCW application via the SFPD Permitium portal. Upload required documents: CA DL/ID (front & back), two proofs of San Francisco residency (if required), training certificates, proof of firearm ownership, and any supporting affidavits. Pay the application fees when prompted. (San Francisco Permit Database)
4. Fingerprinting & background checks.
   • You will be fingerprinted (live scan). SFPD/DOJ performs state and federal background checks and will verify that you are not prohibited and that your records are clean. Expect a criminal-history check and records search. (California DOJ)
5. Psych/fitness review & discretionary checks (where applicable).
   • Under recent law changes, “good cause” and broad subjective moral-character gates were removed; SFPD will still verify disqualifying factors and may follow statutory vetting procedures (medical records checks, interviews, references) as allowed by law. Provide accurate answers — falsification is a crime. (San Francisco Police Department)
6. Live qualification / range testing (if required).
   • Many applicants must pass a live-fire qualification course (draw/holster drills and accuracy/timing stages). SFPD-approved trainers publish the qualification details — keep your score/results. (Paladin Tactical US)
7. Decision & conditions.
   • If you pass eligibility, training, fingerprints, and qualification, SFPD will issue a CCW with any conditions/restrictions they deem lawful (time/place/manner, holster types, specified firearm only, etc.). Read conditions carefully — violations can lead to revocation. (California DOJ)
8. Receive permit & obey restrictions.
   • Carry only as allowed on the permit. Note state-prohibited places under Penal Code (schools, courthouses, certain public buildings, federal property, etc.). Carry restrictions vary by license. Carry responsibly. (California DOJ)
9. Renewal & recordkeeping.
   • Keep training certificates, qualification results, and stay current with any renewal training SFPD requires. File renewals on time and notify SFPD of any address/ownership changes. (San Francisco Permit Database)

What to bring when you apply / at training

• CA Driver’s License or CA ID (front & back). (San Francisco Permit Database)
• Proof of SF residency (if requested) — two documents (utility bill, vehicle registration, lease, etc.). (San Francisco Permit Database)
• Proof of firearm ownership (registration/DROS/receipt). (California DOJ)
• FSC / proof of prior safety course (if asked), training certificates from SFPD-approved provider, and any prior range qualification scores. (Paladin Tactical US)

Timing, fees & practical tips

• Timing: Processing varies (weeks → months) depending on background checks, training scheduling, and SFPD workload. Some applicants have reported multi-month timelines. (Reddit)
• Fees: Application, fingerprinting (live scan), training, and qualification fees apply. SFPD/Permitium will show official fee steps in the online form. (San Francisco Permit Database)
• Be accurate & transparent: Any false statements can get your application denied and may be criminal. Keep records of every certificate and proof you submit. (California DOJ)

Important legal reminders

• SFPD (as the licensing authority) must follow state law (SB2/related changes) — that means objective eligibility and training primarily govern issuance; local authorities cannot reimpose the old subjective “good-cause” test. Still, licensing authorities may lawfully apply statutory checks and conditions. Confirm current local policy on the SFPD CCW page before applying. (San Francisco Police Department)