My license expires Jan 7 2027. The new 3 year licenses start Jan 2027. Should I wait until Jan for the renewal application to take advantage of the new 3 year license? Any downside to applying for renewal + finishing recertification after my license has expired?
California CCW holders and applicants may want to be aware of Assembly Bill AB 1948.
Effective January 1, 2027, standard California CCW licenses may be issued for up to three years instead of the current two-year term.
A few important points:
Existing permits remain valid until the expiration date printed on the permit.
Current permits will not automatically be extended to three years.
New and renewal applications issued on or after January 1, 2027, may be eligible for the new three-year term, assuming all statutory requirements are met.
Eligibility requirements, background checks, firearms training, and other California CCW requirements remain in effect.
This looks like a helpful change for permit holders, but it does not appear to remove any of the existing application, renewal, or training requirements.
Worth checking with your issuing agency as we get closer to the effective date, since agencies may publish their own implementation guidance.
Graphic attached for quick reference.
If you want to CCW in Washington state, yes. If not, then not so much. Both Utah and Arizona non-resident CCWs allows you to carry concealed in the exact same states except for Washington (doesn't recognize AZ) and New Mexico (doesn't recognize UT). They both allow you to carry concealed in Nevada.
Having a CA CCW meets the training requirement to apply for an AZ non-resident permit. Utah requires a specific 4 hour set of instruction to meet their training requirement. That instruction is based on the NRA's Basic Pistol class which is designed for absolute beginners.
If your CA CCW class also meets the training requirements for a Utah permit that means they're spending about four hours on basic pistol stuff and Utah-specific gun laws. That's four hours you could have spent on more advanced stuff.
Just curious if anyone has had a case like mine, I had just gotten my CCW from San Diego County in April 2026.
Had an unplanned move in May to Riverside County.
When I went in to update my address I was told I would have to get a CCW issued from Riverside County and turn in my San Diego County one within 90 days.
I applied with Riverside and am in the process now, my main concern is if I am going to have to pay for the 16 hour CCW course and qualification again since it was the most expensive part.
When I Applied for Riverside County in May 2026 I uploaded my current CCW and the paperwork showing I passed the course and qualification, that paper technically was good until June, my interview is July 21. Wondering where all this goes and if no one knows I guess I’ll have an answer for everyone later on.
Just wanted to give AAO a shoutout since Reddit helped me pick an instructor.
I actually found them through a recommendation from u/Lurkin_Yo_House, and I’m really glad I went with them.
I took my initial Sonoma County CCW course with AAO back on 6/6/26, and it was a great experience. The instructors were friendly, professional, and took the time to answer questions without making anyone feel dumb. The classroom portion was informative, and the range qualification was well organized with helpful coaching throughout.
If you’re looking for a Bay Area CCW instructor, I’d definitely recommend them.
Also, starting July 1, 2026, they’re including a FREE Utah CCW course with both new CCW and renewal classes, which is a pretty awesome bonus if you were already thinking about getting a Utah permit.
Just wanted to pass it along since someone on Reddit helped me out!
I was thrilled to hear that the DOJ has filed a lawsuit against the state of California and Newsom/Bonta. This lawsuit specifically targets the “Glock Ban” and also the joke that is the “California Handgun Roster”. While I know that lawsuits take time, I’m hopeful that since this one was filed by the DOJ, that it will hold a little more weight to it. We shall see. Either way, it’s nice to dream of a day without a roster. Or at least without a roster in its current form. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Got my ffl03 and COE but now all the companies who were reliable are total trash now (velocity and target sports usa)
Anyone else you guys have been using recently for ammo deliveries?
I have my permit with lasd currently and i am selling one gun tomorrow
Do you guys have any experience with what is the process to update?
Thank you
Hello, I appricated everyone's input when I was looking into getting my CCW. I wanted to share my time frame and my costs. Hopefully it can answer someone's questions. Where I live I am required to apply with the LASD.
3/30/2026. Applied Online
4/6/2026. Received OK to submit fingerprints.
4/14/2026 Completed Livescan
4/21/2026 Completed in person Interview.
4/22/2026 My 3 references were contacted.
5/7/2026 Given OK to take 16-Hour class
6/14/2026 Completed 16 hour class.
6/14/2026. Submitted Class completion certificate.
6/18/2026 Approved for CCW
6/23/2026. Picked Up CCW.
Cost's:
$50.92 Initial Application fee
$128.00 Livescan Fee
$360.00 Training Course
$179.01 CCW Issue Fee
= = = = =
$717.93 for 2 years ($29.91 Per month).
As you can see I delayed the process by waiting almost 5 weeks to take the class. My work schedule just wouldn't cooperate. 85 Days start to finish, other wise the whole process could have been done in about 50 days.
ALSO:
During the 16 hour class we were offered certification for the AZ CCW. Here is the information for that:
6/14/2026 Received safety certificate for AZ CCW
6/16/2026 Completed online AZ CCW application.
6/17/2026 Completed Fingerprints
6/18/2026 Received email that my AZ CCW was approved and would be mailed to me shortly.
AZ CCW Costs:
$100.00 Safety Certificate
$67.45 AZ CCW Application
$11.45 Fingerprints.
$128.00 Total for 5 years ($2.14 per month)
Total of 4 days for the AZ CCW application process.
Now I'm looking into CCW Insurance and some affordable additional training classes.
Solano County has updated its CCW instructor list today.
For anyone applying for or renewing a Solano County CCW, check the county’s official list directly before scheduling training, because approved instructor lists can change.
This is not legal advice and not a sales post. Always confirm requirements with the issuing agency.