Introduction

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated in providing the residents of Mendocino County with relevant and timely information regarding the services the department offers.

This site is designed to give general information and specifics on requirements regarding the application process for a carry concealed weapon (CCW) license issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office for those citizens who reside within Mendocino County.

Before applying for a concealed carry license, please read through the information offered on this site. It will assist you in the accurate, timely, and successful completion of your CCW application.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office does not recommend individual CCW instructors. It is the responsibility of each applicant to research and evaluate the prospective instructors offered to determine their suitability.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office approved instructor list only consists of individuals and entities who have met the minimum statutory requirements for firearms training and who agree to instruct the minimum concealed weapons course training content pursuant to Penal Code Section 26165. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office does not endorse the training styles, methodologies, facilities, or techniques used by instructors to meet the minimum course requirements.

Vendor opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information expressed are not those of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, but are those of the respective vendors.

Any compliments or complaints about the CCW vendor course curriculum, conduct, methodologies or other content should be directed to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 951 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, California or by calling 707-964-6308 or by emailing ccw@mendocinosheriff.org.

If you are ready to apply for a new CCW, renew an existing CCW, modify an existing CCW, or request a duplicate license please click here.

CCW REQUIREMENTS

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California law requires carry concealed weapon license applicants to satisfy specific criteria prior to being considered for issuance of a license. The requirements are as follows:
• Residency: All applicants must provide proof that they are a resident of the County of Mendocino.Non-residents will be referred to the appropriate licensing agency.
• Training: The applicant must complete and show proof of successful completion from a MendocinoCounty Sheriff’s Office approved Concealed Carry Course containing modules on safety, the law, andthe applicant’s ability to handle a firearm safely. The course shall be a minimum of 16 hours for theinitial application, and 4 hours for renewals.
• Good Character: Applicants must attest to good character with respect to their ability to responsiblyand safely carry and use a concealed weapon.
• Be free of criminal convictions that would disqualify you from carrying a concealed weapon. Abackground check will be conducted.

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 license, nor is the Sheriff required to issue a license. By law, the Sheriff has the discretion to approve or deny CCW license applications as well as revoke licenses that have already been issued.

CCW INITIAL APPLICATION PROCESS

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In order to apply for a CCW license, you must:

• Be a full-time resident of Mendocino County.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Completely and accurately fill out a NEW concealed carry weapon license application that will include substantial personal information. Much of the information in the application may be subject to public access under the Public Records Act.
• Be free of criminal convictions that would disqualify you from carrying a concealed weapon. Fingerprints will be required and a complete criminal background check will be conducted.
• Be of good moral character and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Show good cause for issuance of the license.
• Pay all associated application fees. These fees are set by statute and will not be refunded if the application is denied.
• If requested, provide proof of ownership or registration of any weapon to be licensed for concealment.
• Be free of any medical and psychological conditions that might make you unsuitable for carrying a concealed weapon.
• Complete a 16-hour department approved Firearms Safety Course.

Applications for a NEW carry concealed weapons license must be completed online at Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Online Concealed Weapon Permit Application (permitium.com).

When completing your application be prepared to scan and attach a copy of the following documents to your application:

• Proof of completion of a 16-hour Firearms Safety Course and qualification with all weapons that you intend to place on the CCW license.
• A color copy of your current California Driver’s License or Identification Card.
•  A current photograph that is not the photograph on your driver’s license or ID.
• Two (2) proofs of residency. Accepted Proofs of residency are any one of the following combinations;

• (2) Utility Bills (PG&E, Water/Sewer, Trash Collection, or Internet/Cable), or
• (1) Utility Bill and (1) Auto and/or Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration, or
• (1) Current rental agreement and (1) Auto/Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration.

If your application is incomplete, you will be notified and provided direction on what steps must be taken to complete your application. If your application is not corrected within 30-days from the notification, your application will be automatically withdrawn.

Note: The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office requires all applicants applying for an initial CCW license to submit to an interview. You will be prompted during the application process to select an interview date. When selecting your interview date ensure the chosen interview location falls within the area you reside.

CCW RENEWAL APPLICATION PROCESS

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In order to renew your CCW license, you must:

• Be a full-time resident of Mendocino County.
• Possess a current CCW license issued by the
  Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
• Complete a department approved 4-hour Updated Firearms Safety Course.
• Completely and accurately fill-out a RENEW concealed carry weapon license application.
• Be free of criminal convictions that would disqualify you from carrying a concealed weapon. Fingerprints will be required and a background check will be conducted.

Applications for a RENEW carry concealed weapons license must be completed online at Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Online Concealed Weapon Permit Application (permitium.com).

When completing your application be prepared to scan and attach a copy of the following documents to your application:

• Proof of completion of a 4-hour Updated Firearms Safety Course and qualification with all weapons that you intend to place on the CCW license.
• A copy of your current California Driver’s License or Identification Card.
• A current photograph that is not the photograph on your driver’s license or ID.
• Two (2) proofs of residency. Accepted Proofs of residency are any one of the following combinations;

• (2) Utility Bills (PG&E, Water/Sewer, Trash Collection, or Internet/Cable), or
• (1) Utility Bill and (1) Auto and/or Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration, or
• (1) Current rental agreement and (1) Auto/Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration.

If your application is incomplete, you will be notified and provided direction on what steps must be taken to complete your application. If your application is not corrected within 30-days from the notification, your application will be automatically withdrawn.

NOTE:You are required to renew your license every two years. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will not qualify for the Renewal Process, you will need to complete the Initial Application Process. Do not apply for a renewal license until 90-days or less of the expiration date on your previous/current CCW license.

CCW MODIFICATIONS

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In order to make a change to your CCW license you must;

• Completely and accurately fill-out a MODIFY an existing concealed carry weapon license application.

Applications for a MODIFY an existing carry concealed weapons license must be completed online at Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Online Concealed Weapon Permit Application (permitium.com).

When completing your application be prepared to scan and attach a copy of the following documents to your application (when applicable):

• When adding a weapon, proof of completion of training and qualification with the weapon(s) through a department-approved CCW Vendor must be submitted. Verify ALL weapons are listed on the new modification.
•  For a change of address, two (2) proofs of residency must be submitted. Accepted Proofs of residency are any one of the following combinations;

• (2) Utility Bills (PG&E, Water/Sewer, Trash Collection, or Internet/Cable), or
• (1) Utility Bill and (1) Auto and/or Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration, or
•  (1) Current rental agreement and (1) Auto/Home Insurance policy declaration, or Voter Registration.

NOTE: Your CCW license is only valid for the weapons listed thereon. You have 10 days to notify the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office of any change in your place of residence.

REQUESTING A DUPLICATE LICENSE

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In order to request a duplicate of your CCW license you must;

• Completely and accurately fill-out a REQUEST A DUPLICATE of an existing concealed carry weapon license application.

Applications for a REQUEST A DUPLICATE carry concealed weapons license must be completed online at Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Online Concealed Weapon Permit Application (permitium.com).

NOTE: An amendment to a concealed carry license does not extend the original expiration date of the license and an application to amend a concealed carry license does not constitute an application for renewal of the license.

TERMS OF LICENSE

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Terms of the License: The licensee agrees to abide by the following terms when carrying a concealed weapon. Failure to do so shall result in the immediate suspension of the CCW license. Any violation of any of the restrictions and conditions may result in the immediate revocation of the license.

• The license will not be valid outside the state of California. However, some states may recognize a California CCW or do not require a CCW. You are responsible for checking with any law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area(s) you intend to travel to determine those CCW requirements.
• The licensee is personally responsible for knowing and complying with the law and any liability they may incur. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office will not accept any liability for your actions.
• The license will be subject to any and all reasonable restrictions or conditions the Sheriff has deemed warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner and circumstances under which the person may carry the concealed firearm.
• The license shall bear the expiration date, type of weapon, restrictions and other pertinent information clearly visible. Each license shall be numbered and clearly identify the licensee.
• The license or licensed weapon shall be subjected to inspection at any time by the Sheriff or any law enforcement officer.
• The license will be valid for a period not to exceed two years from the date of issuance.
• The licensee shall notify this department in writing within ten days of any change of place of residency. If the licensee moves out of the county of issuance, the license shall expire ninety (90) days after the licensee has moved. The licensee will email ccw@mendocinosheriff.org with any change of residency.
• Should the licensee display or utilize the concealed weapon for which the permit has been issued, or become named in restraining order, or have any other law enforcement contact of any type; the licensee will notify this agency by calling 707-463-4086 and by email at ccw@mendocinosheriff.org within five (5) calendar days from the initial date of the incident and outline the circumstances. The email title must be titled “CCW Incident Reporting”.

License Restrictions: The Sheriff may place special restrictions limiting time, place, and circumstances under which any license shall be valid. These general restrictions prohibit any licensee from doing any of the following:

• Consuming, and/or being under the influence of any alcohol, any medication or drug while armed.
• Falsely representing themselves as a peace officer, or taking any law enforcement action in crimes to which they are not directly involved.
• Unjustified or unreasonable displaying of a weapon or the license.
• Interfering with any law enforcement officer’s duties, or refusing to surrender their license or concealed weapon for inspection upon demand of any peace officer, or failing to notify any peace officer that they are armed during a law enforcement contact.

Expectations of Conduct: Licensee agrees to conduct themselves in an ethical manner at all times. Licensee must not engage in criminal, dishonest, disgraceful conduct, or any other conduct deemed by the Sheriff to violate the Sheriff’s reasonable expectations of sound judgment and good moral conduct.

APPLICABLE WEAPON LAWS

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All applicants applying for a CCW license and all CCW license holders should be familiar with information found in the following California Penal Code sections.
§171b
§171d
§171.5
§171.7
§626.9
§25100
§25610
§25850

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How will I know if my particular circumstances will allow me to obtain a CCW license?

Each CCW application is unique and is evaluated on its own merits. Individual circumstances play a large role in determining the necessity of issuing a CCW license. This decision is ultimately made by the Sheriff’s Office administration.

How long is my CCW license valid?

A license is in effect for a period of two, three or four years before it is either void or renewed. For exceptions, contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-964-6308.

Is renewing a CCW license automatically done?

No. A person wishing to renew a current CCW license must reapply with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

What documentation do I need to provide with my completed application?

An applicant needs to provide a state driver’s license or ID card, or government-issued ID card. In addition, applicants will need to provide proof of completion of a departmentally approved Firearms Safety Course (16-hour for initial applicants and 4-hour for renewal) as well as proof of qualification with all firearms that are intended to be added to the CCW. Proof of successful completion of a training course will only be required after a determination of good cause for issuance of the permit has been made.

An individual applicant’s particular situation might necessitate additional documentation depending upon his or her circumstances. The Sheriff’s Office will inform the applicant which additional documents (If any) will be needed after interviewing the applicant. At a minimum, additional documents may include a birth certificate or other proof of lawful alien residency in the U.S., utility bills, and military discharge form (DD 214) if applicable.

I already have a CCW from another state. Do I need to reapply for another one since moving to Mendocino County?

Yes. Your CCW is not valid in the State of California.

How old do I have to be before I can apply for a CCW license?

An applicant must be at least 21 years old before applying for a CCW license from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Can I carry a concealed firearm out of state?

No. Normally, a CCW License issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is not valid outside the state of California. However, some states will recognize a California CCW or do not require a CCW. You must check with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area(s) you intend to travel to determine if a CCW is necessary.

How soon can I take my Firearms Safety Course?

Applicants are only required to pay for a Firearms Safety Course after a determination of good cause has been made by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. However, applicants may choose to complete a Firearms Safety Course prior to the application process. The Firearms Safety Course Certificate is good for one year from the date of issuance.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF APPROVED CCW VENDORS

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The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office will only accept certificates of instruction from instructors that the Sheriff has personally approved.

PROCEDURE TO BECOME AN APPROVED CCW INSTRUCTOR

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Instructors wishing to be added to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office list of Approved CCW Instructors must submit the following for review by the Sheriff:

• Must provide a list of all relevant training and copies of certificates that qualify you to be an instructor for CCW classes.

• Examples of acceptable certification include POST (any state), BSIS, NRA, US Military

• Must include certification for any instructors employed by you.
• Must provide a color copy of a California Driver License for all instructors.
• Must provide a copy of your business license.
•  May provide any letters of reference.
• Must provide a detailed syllabus of the material you intend to cover for the 16-hour initial CCW and the 4-hour CCW renewal class. The outline must minimally include:

• Firearm safety and safe storage
• Firearm handling
• Shooting techniques
• Laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm
• Range safety plan

• Forward the above information by e-mail to ccw@mendocinosheriff.org for review. The email title must be titled “To CCW Licensing Unit”.
• Following review of your submitted information you will be contacted by a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office representative. If you have been accepted, you will be scheduled for a DOJ live scan appointment.
•  Following your DOJ live scan, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office will provide you with additional documentation and qualification forms and confirm the contact information you want listed on the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office website as an Approved CCW Instructor.
• Approved instructors will be placed on a two year list. At the end of the two year period the training provider will be required to resubmit the certification packet for review.
• Approved training providers are subject to review by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at any time.
• The Department may require approved training providers to submit additional information and materials to verify compliance with minimum standards.
• Any time the Department determines an approved training provider is out of compliance with minimum standards, the training provider will be removed from the approved list. Training providers who have been removed from the list may reapply.

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