How to Apply for a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon

The Santa Monica Police Department will accept CCW applications from City of Santa Monica residents through a third-party provider.  A CCW license allows for qualified individuals to carry an approved concealed firearm on their person for the purpose of self-protection. CCW license applications are processed through a convenient, online process which takes approximately 90 days to complete. CCW licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance. 


The information contained on this page provides an overview of the CCW License Program; program requirements, the license process, and certain restrictions in obtaining a CCW license. 


The carrying of concealed weapons comes with a great deal of responsibility. The use of a firearm could result in death or serious injury, which can come with legal and/or criminal complaints.  

REQUIREMENTS 

In order to qualify for a CCW license, the applicant must meet the following requirements: 

  • Must be a resident of the City of Santa Monica (Penal Code § 26150 & Penal Code § 26155). 
  • Be at least 21 years of age (Penal Code § 29610). 
  • Fully complete an application that will include substantial personal information—much of which may be subject to public access under the Public Records Act. 
  • Be free from criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant from carrying a firearm. For more information, see the Firearms Prohibiting Categories document (PDF). 
  • Be of good moral character (Penal Code § 26150 & Penal Code § 26155).  See the of list of potential reasons why a CCW application/permit may be denied or revoked. 
  • Pay all associated application fees (fees will not be refunded if the application is denied).  
  • Provide proof of ownership and registration of any firearm associated with the license. 
  • Be free from any psychological conditions that might make the applicant unsuitable for carrying a firearm (Penal Code § 26190). 
  • Complete required training (Penal Code § 26165). 

LICENSE RESTRICTIONS 

The licensing authority may place special restrictions limiting time, place, manner and circumstances under which any license shall be valid. In general, these restrictions will prohibit the licensee from: 

  • Consuming any alcoholic beverage while armed. 
  • Falsely representing him/herself as a peace officer. 
  • Unjustified or unreasonable displaying of a firearm. 
  • Committing any crime. 
  • Being under the influence of any medication or drug while armed. 
  • Interfering with any law enforcement officer’s duties. 
  • Refusing to display his/her license or firearm for inspection upon demand of any peace officer.  
  • Loading the permitted firearm with illegal ammunition. 

The Chief of Police reserves the right to inspect any license or licensed firearm at any time.  

The alteration of any previously approved firearm including, but not limited to adjusting the trigger pull, adding laser sights or modifications shall void any license and serve as grounds for revocation. 

 

REVOCATION OF LICENSES 

Any Concealed Carry Weapon license may be immediately revoked by the Chief of Police for any of the following reasons: 

  • The licensee has violated any of the restrictions or conditions placed upon the license. 
  • The licensee becomes psychologically unsuitable to carry a firearm. 
  • The licensee is determined to be within a prohibited class described in Penal Code § 29800, Penal Code § 29900, Welfare and Institutions Code § 8100, Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103 or any state or federal law. 
  • The licensee engages in any conduct which involves a lack of good moral character or that might otherwise remove the good cause for the original issuance of the license. 

AMENDMENTS 

Any licensee may apply to amend a license at any time during the period of validity by completing and submitting a written Application for License Amendment along with the current processing fee to the Santa Monica Police Department in order to (Penal Code § 26215): 

  • Add or delete authority to carry a firearm listed on the license.  
  • Change restrictions or conditions previously placed on the license.  
  • Change the address or other personal information of the licensee (Penal Code § 26210). 

LIMITED BUSINESS LICENSES 

The authority to issue a limited business license to carry a concealed firearm to a non-resident applicant is granted only to the Sheriff of the county in which the applicant works. A chief of a municipal police Department may not issue limited licenses (Penal Code § 26150). Therefore, such applicants will be referred to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for processing. 

TYPE OF HANDGUN ALLOWED

The Santa Monica Police Department allows up to three handguns per license. The handguns listed on the CCW application must be registered to you in the State of California. The handguns must be capable of being holstered and concealed on a person or within a reasonably sized bag/purse.  The handguns, magazines, and ammunition must comply with applicable State and Federal Laws. The handguns must be a revolver or semi-automatic, single-action or double-action. No fully automatic handguns are allowed.  The recommended calibers include .38, .357, 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

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Continue the Process:

  1. Apply Online

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    Apply online through https://myccw.us/department?Santa-Monica-Police-Department

    By clicking the link below, I am acknowledging that I have read the information regarding the Santa Monica Police Department's Concealed Carry Weapons Program and that I further acknowledge that MyCCW is a private third-party vendor who will be processing my application for a CCW under the Santa Monica Police Department's CCW Program. 


  2. Department of Justice Requirements

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    Complete the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Application, also available through www.MyCCW.us. 

    Upon completion of the application, the applicant receives a Welcome Email with a CCW License Request Packet, containing information about conditions and agreements, Live Scan service, and CCW firearms safety course certification. 

  3. Background Investigation & LiveScan

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    • Initial review of the application by a background investigator (completed within 7- 10 business days). 
    • Interview with a background investigator and a review of required documents.  
    • Criminal history check through Live Scan fingerprinting.  
    • Thorough background check including but not limited to Firearms registration check (DROS), driver’s license check, local and county law enforcement contacts, want/warrant check, name verification, address verification, and follow up with three (3) character references.  

  4. Psychological Review

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    The Santa Monica Police Department is requiring all applicants be referred to a License Psychologist for a psychological assessment at a cost to the applicant not to exceed $150 (Penal Code § 26190 (f)). Applicants will be required to take the Personality Inventory for DSM-5/PID-5. This process includes a telephone screening, Telemedicine (on-line test taking), test result evaluation by the Psychologist through a video visit with the applicant. 

  5. CCW Firearms Safety Course

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    • Completion of an approved (minimum 8 hours) CCW Firearm Safety Course & Weapon(s) Qualification that includes live-fire shooting exercises where the applicant demonstrates an ability to handle and shoot the gun safely.  

  6. Accept Terms of License Acknowledgement

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    Applicant signs the Terms of License Acknowledgement and issuance of CCW License by SMPD, which is valid for two years. 

  7. Final Review

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    Upon completion of a Final Review, a CCW is issued by the Santa Monica Police Department and is valid for two years.