California law requires concealed weapon permit applicants to satisfy specific criteria before being issued a license.  The requirements are as follows:

• Residency: All applicants must provide proof that they are a resident of the County of Orange.  Non-residents will be referred to the appropriate licensing agency.

• Training: The applicant must complete and show current proof of attendance and a successful completion certificate from an Orange County Sheriff’s Department approved Concealed Carry Course containing modules on safety, the law, and the applicant’s ability to handle a firearm safely. The course will be 16 hours. The training should not be taken until preliminary approval for the CCW permit is granted and the applicant’s fingerprints are taken.

• Good Character: Applicants must attest to good character with respect to their ability to responsibly and safely carry and use a concealed weapon.

• Good Cause: Applicants must establish that good cause exists to support a request for a permit to carry a concealed weapon.  Criteria that may establish good cause include the following:

• Specific evidence that there has been or is likely to be an attempt on the part of a second party to do great bodily harm to the applicant.
• The nature of the business or occupation of the applicant is such that it is subject to high personal risk and / or criminal attack, far greater risk than the general population.
• A task of the business or occupation of the applicant requires frequent transportation of large sums of money or other valuables and alternative protective measures or security cannot be employed.
• When a business or occupation is of a high-risk nature and requires the applicant’s presence in a dangerous environment.
• The occupation or business of the applicant is such that no means of protection, security or risk avoidance can mitigate the risk other than the carrying of a concealed firearm.
• Personal protection is warranted to mitigate a threat to the applicant that the applicant is able to substantiate.

Note: These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive – they are provided merely for your reference. Also, state and local laws do not prohibit an adult from having a concealed weapon in their home or place of business. 

*** DISCLAIMER ***

No resident has the right to a permit, nor is the Sheriff required to issue a permit. By law, the Sheriff has the discretion to approve or deny CCW permit applications as well as revoke permits that have already been issued.

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