You may have heard the news that the policies regarding California Concealed Firearm Licenses, also known as "CCW Permits", have become less restrictive in a few counties and you'd like to know how to go about obtaining one. Without going into the history of the 9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals case which provided the impetus for this change, you should understand that a few counties have relaxed their restrictions and Ventura County is one of them. Currently, one no longer has to prove "good cause" for desiring to obtain a permit through demonstrating for example: he or she has been violently threatened or attacked or that they work in a job where they transport large amounts of cash or merchandise. In fact, if a Ventura County resident (18 years or older) simply states their need is for personal safety or self-defense, they will currently satisfy the Ventura County Sheriff's Office's CCW policy. When granted, the applicant will be permitted to legally carry a loaded and concealed handgun in public within California, with exception to a few restricted areas where firearms are not allowed. Some Ventura County residents have always desired to obtain a permit, but are still very hesitant to apply because they are worried the process is complex. It's not complex and the following steps will guide you through it.
1. Go online and download and complete the standard California CCW application form BOF
4012 from the Ventura County Sheriff's (VCSO) website Click HERE.
2. Schedule an appointment with the Sheriff's office to submit the application by calling
805-654-2371.
3. Gather the requested documents demonstrating you are a current resident of Ventura
County and a U.S. Citizen. Have your paperwork ready for your appointment. Submit your
application and paperwork. You will also have your Live Scan fingerprinting done and pay
the initial $125 fee for your background check and processing.
4. Someone will contact you from the VCSO to set your interview appointment.
5. Attend your appointment at the VCSO where an investigator will review your
application and paperwork to make sure everything is completed and to see if any
information needs clarifying.
6. Within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after return of your criminal
background check from the DOJ (whichever is later), you will receive the VCSO's
determination as to whether your license is approved or denied. You will be instructed to
complete the required CCW training by an approved VCSO approved trainer.
7. Sign up with an approved Training Provider and complete the CCW handgun course which
can vary in length, but cannot exceed 16 hours. This may be done up to 6 months BEFORE
the application is approved. You DON'T have to wait for your license approval to take the
class, but the VCSO does ask that you wait until you have at least filed the application.
8. Your Training Provider will mail your original course completion certificate to the VCSO
within 5 days of completing the course. Once the document is received by the VCSO, you
will be contacted to pay the final local fee of $80 and pick up your license at the VCSO.
Approved Training Providers are listed on the Sheriff's website and classes average between $200-$300. Research the firearms instructor teaching the course because not all classes provide the same quality of instruction. At Hansen's Firearms Training, we provide excellent handgun training with a focus on scenario-based exercises. We also include a free tactical pen for a low price of $160 per student. Please contact us with any questions. We'd love to show you why our classes are the best value and training experience in Southern California. Sign up today!
1. Go online and download and complete the standard California CCW application form BOF
4012 from the Ventura County Sheriff's (VCSO) website Click HERE.
2. Schedule an appointment with the Sheriff's office to submit the application by calling
805-654-2371.
3. Gather the requested documents demonstrating you are a current resident of Ventura
County and a U.S. Citizen. Have your paperwork ready for your appointment. Submit your
application and paperwork. You will also have your Live Scan fingerprinting done and pay
the initial $125 fee for your background check and processing.
4. Someone will contact you from the VCSO to set your interview appointment.
5. Attend your appointment at the VCSO where an investigator will review your
application and paperwork to make sure everything is completed and to see if any
information needs clarifying.
6. Within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after return of your criminal
background check from the DOJ (whichever is later), you will receive the VCSO's
determination as to whether your license is approved or denied. You will be instructed to
complete the required CCW training by an approved VCSO approved trainer.
7. Sign up with an approved Training Provider and complete the CCW handgun course which
can vary in length, but cannot exceed 16 hours. This may be done up to 6 months BEFORE
the application is approved. You DON'T have to wait for your license approval to take the
class, but the VCSO does ask that you wait until you have at least filed the application.
8. Your Training Provider will mail your original course completion certificate to the VCSO
within 5 days of completing the course. Once the document is received by the VCSO, you
will be contacted to pay the final local fee of $80 and pick up your license at the VCSO.
Approved Training Providers are listed on the Sheriff's website and classes average between $200-$300. Research the firearms instructor teaching the course because not all classes provide the same quality of instruction. At Hansen's Firearms Training, we provide excellent handgun training with a focus on scenario-based exercises. We also include a free tactical pen for a low price of $160 per student. Please contact us with any questions. We'd love to show you why our classes are the best value and training experience in Southern California. Sign up today!