California Non-Resident CCW - RECEIVED

[Mark92120]

I received my California non-resident CCW in the mail on Wed 8/13!

TLDR Timeline:

Apr 28 – Application submitted in CCW Pro
May 19 – Initial SDSO Licensing Interview
Jun 16 – LiveScan at SDSO Licensing
Jul 10 – Notified prints had cleared
Jul 18-20 – Completed 16hr CA online classroom training
Jul 22 – Completed live-fire qualification in NV
Jul 22 – Background interview with deputy
Aug 1 – Notified CCW application approved
Aug 4 – Notified in the issuance queue
Aug 9 – Permit generated in the system
Aug 13 – Permit arrived in my mailbox

I submitted my application to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office a week or two after they opened up the process, and my initial interview was scheduled for early Feb 2026. Nothing begins until you go through the initial interview, during which the licensing representative assigned to your case walks through everything you submitted.

My brother, who still lives in San Diego (where I’m from), suggested I log back into the application site (CCW Pro) on a frequent basis and check appointment availability as people drop out of the process and their slots open up. Checking a dozen times a day, it took a week to advance to early Jan, then to late July 2025, and within two weeks I had jumped all the way back to mid-May.

The initial interview was done online via Zoom and, after verifying my submissions were correctly entered, I was told to get hard copies of my prints done at a local agency and then mail them to SDSO. As I was going to be in SD a few weeks later, I asked if I could come in and do LiveScan. The representative obtained approval for me to do so, and it was a huge time saver in the process. We were up against the Independence Day holiday, so clearance – and subsequent notification – took a few weeks.

Next in the process was my classroom/range requirement, which was split between CA and NV (where I now live). SDSO provided a list of about 60 approved instructors, less than half of which offered online instruction. I emailed all of the 28, explained my situation, and about half responded. Several told me they were at least a few weeks out from having their coursework approved and in place. A few others offered to host a Zoom session (or sessions) and provide about 8 hours of instruction. Only one company was fully ready to go, and I completed their 16hr online-only program over the course of that weekend.

Right after I submitted my initial application, I had begun looking for a rangemaster/instructor local to me in Clark County who was willing to administer the live-fire portion of the qualification. It didn’t take long to find one, and we remained in touch until I was ready to hit the range. SDSO provided the qualification details, and within a few days after completing the CA classroom portion I had my NV range documentation – with 6 guns listed – ready to upload.

Coincidentally, as I was leaving the range, the SDSO deputy doing my background called me to walk through my application and confirm my submissions. It was a learning experience for him that my guns weren’t registered because such is not required in NV. My background received signoff within two weeks after that call.

I then reached out to the licensing representative and let her know everything was in place on my end. Upon confirmation, I was able to submit my application fee and was then put into the issuance queue. That was Fri 8/1, and on Sat 8/9 my status on the site changed to Delivered with a permit start and end dates.

Being the first non-resident to go through the process with SDSO, it was a slight learning process for all involved, but overall things went very smoothly.

The SDSO licensing staff has a stellar reputation with the local CCW community for their professionalism, support, timeliness, and just being great people to work with. They are swamped with resident applications, legitimately trying to get through them as quickly as they can, and it was great that they were so supportive of me suddenly showing up months before they expected their first non-resident.

It was a great experience overall, and if you have a connection to SD County (as required by CA law) I suggest submitting your non-resident application there.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Mark

 

[Sparky11]

Brother here! Can't believe it took less than 4 months total, from App to Issue!
Took me 10 months to get mine Apr 2023 (and I actually live here!) Congratulations Bro! You worked Hard to get this!
San Diego Sheriff's Office is on FIRE

 

[weimer20]

Outstanding! Took me 2 years, entering into the lawsuit that “allowed” you to apply, and jumping through plenty of bs to finally get mine as a resident. Heck, mine will expire in less time than it took me to get it! Congratulations! Glad to see CRPA v LASD benefits realized

 

[FTSheartlesssYo]

Happy for ya. Did the CCW Pro have any wording about rescheduling your appointment?

LAPD at the end of their email notification when you reschedule the interview on permitium states the below. I rescheduled mine for an earlier appointment only twice.

“Important Note: Rescheduling your appointment more than 3 times may result in the WITHDRAWAL of your application.”

 

[Mark92120]

Happy for ya. Did the CCW Pro have any wording about rescheduling your appointment?

LAPD at the end of their email notification when you reschedule the interview on permitium states the below. I only rescheduled mine for an earlier appointment only twice.

“Important Note: Rescheduling your appointment more than 3 times may result in the WITHDRAWAL of your application.”

There was no such wording in CCW Pro with SDSO. When you click into the calendar section it defaults to showing the most recent available appointment date, which anyone can grab.

 

[ovy67]

I received my California non-resident CCW in the mail on Wed 8/13!

TLDR Timeline:

Apr 28 – Application submitted in CCW Pro
May 19 – Initial SDSO Licensing Interview
Jun 16 – LiveScan at SDSO Licensing
Jul 10 – Notified prints had cleared
Jul 18-20 – Completed 16hr CA online classroom training
Jul 22 – Completed live-fire qualification in NV
Jul 22 – Background interview with deputy
Aug 1 – Notified CCW application approved
Aug 4 – Notified in the issuance queue
Aug 9 – Permit generated in the system
Aug 13 – Permit arrived in my mailbox

I submitted my application to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office a week or two after they opened up the process, and my initial interview was scheduled for early Feb 2026. Nothing begins until you go through the initial interview, during which the licensing representative assigned to your case walks through everything you submitted.

My brother, who still lives in San Diego (where I’m from), suggested I log back into the application site (CCW Pro) on a frequent basis and check appointment availability as people drop out of the process and their slots open up. Checking a dozen times a day, it took a week to advance to early Jan, then to late July 2025, and within two weeks I had jumped all the way back to mid-May.

The initial interview was done online via Zoom and, after verifying my submissions were correctly entered, I was told to get hard copies of my prints done at a local agency and then mail them to SDSO. As I was going to be in SD a few weeks later, I asked if I could come in and do LiveScan. The representative obtained approval for me to do so, and it was a huge time saver in the process. We were up against the Independence Day holiday, so clearance – and subsequent notification – took a few weeks.

Next in the process was my classroom/range requirement, which was split between CA and NV (where I now live). SDSO provided a list of about 60 approved instructors, less than half of which offered online instruction. I emailed all of the 28, explained my situation, and about half responded. Several told me they were at least a few weeks out from having their coursework approved and in place. A few others offered to host a Zoom session (or sessions) and provide about 8 hours of instruction. Only one company was fully ready to go, and I completed their 16hr online-only program over the course of that weekend.

Right after I submitted my initial application, I had begun looking for a rangemaster/instructor local to me in Clark County who was willing to administer the live-fire portion of the qualification. It didn’t take long to find one, and we remained in touch until I was ready to hit the range. SDSO provided the qualification details, and within a few days after completing the CA classroom portion I had my NV range documentation – with 6 guns listed – ready to upload.

Coincidentally, as I was leaving the range, the SDSO deputy doing my background called me to walk through my application and confirm my submissions. It was a learning experience for him that my guns weren’t registered because such is not required in NV. My background received signoff within two weeks after that call.

I then reached out to the licensing representative and let her know everything was in place on my end. Upon confirmation, I was able to submit my application fee and was then put into the issuance queue. That was Fri 8/1, and on Sat 8/9 my status on the site changed to Delivered with a permit start and end dates.

Being the first non-resident to go through the process with SDSO, it was a slight learning process for all involved, but overall things went very smoothly.

The SDSO licensing staff has a stellar reputation with the local CCW community for their professionalism, support, timeliness, and just being great people to work with. They are swamped with resident applications, legitimately trying to get through them as quickly as they can, and it was great that they were so supportive of me suddenly showing up months before they expected their first non-resident.

It was a great experience overall, and if you have a connection to SD County (as required by CA law) I suggest submitting your non-resident application there.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Mark

Hello, thank u for this it was very helpful. I’m just trying to get some clarity on a few things. Do I need an address in CA that I’m connected to in order to apply (there’s a couple I have, just wondering if it’s necessary and also if u would recommend LA, Bevery Hills or San Bernardino) and who did u end up using for the online course? Also is there anything in particular that is required when doing the range portion which I will be doing MD as my permit there needs to be renewed soon and also requires going to the range but doesn’t have any firearm listed which u mentioned is the case in NV and can this be done with firearms that aren’t registered in CA? Thank you

 

[Mark92120]

Hello, thank u for this it was very helpful. I’m just trying to get some clarity on a few things. Do I need an address in CA that I’m connected to in order to apply (there’s a couple I have, just wondering if it’s necessary and also if u would recommend LA, Bevery Hills or San Bernardino) and who did u end up using for the online course? Also is there anything in particular that is required when doing the range portion which I will be doing MD as my permit there needs to be renewed soon and also requires going to the range but doesn’t have any firearm listed which u mentioned is the case in NV and can this be done with firearms that aren’t registered in CA? Thank you

The CCW Pro site for SDSO had a space for me to fill in a location in San Diego County where I would be staying while there (no requirement to list a reason). I initially left it blank because I don't stay with family while in town, and shared that during my initial interview with the licensing representative. The field remained blank until I received the call from the deputy doing my background, who told me I would need to address it with licensing. I then followed up and simply provided my brother's address. He was never contacted for verification.

I believe the reason for the law requiring location information is due to some jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, not wanting people to obtain permits from jurisdictions that are pro 2A and have short turnaround times for issuance. CA residents must apply within their own county for that very reason, and must reapply if they move to a different county.

The requirement for non-residents is to have a reason for visiting the county in which one is applying, within the upcoming 12 months, and provide a location. One is not required to justify the reason or choose from a list of approved destinations.

If my family was no longer in San Diego, I would have simply listed the hotel where I stay when in town...which is what I initially told the licensing representative.

As long as the listed address is real, and you're not being deceptive, they have no cause (or ability) to deny you. Tourism is a legtimate reason to be visiting CA, and there can be no expectation to have a fixed address as a non-resident.

I received an email yesterday from someone who applied in Fresno County because they're 2A friendly and have a quick turnaround. He had indicated he planned to attend some of their festivals throughout the year, and did not need to provide proof of attendance. He also shared that the application fees were among the lowest.

You DO NOT want to apply in an unfriendly jurisdiction such as Los Angeles, unless you want to wait at least a few years to receive your permit.

For the range portion, see below for the required target and course of fire. This may differ by county.

You will need to qualify with every individual gun you want to carry, and have the instructor list each score by gun (make, model, caliber, and serial number).

My instructor created his own certificate, listing his certs and license numbers, my CCW application number, and all of my weapon/qual details.

As a non-resident, none of your guns need to be registered in CA or any other state.

For the online coursework, I went with FTA. Expect a lot of repetition in the material as they need to fill the 16-hour requirement.

Non-Resident California Online CCW Course

ftatv.com

IMPORTANT - You DO NOT want to qual too early. In San Diego County, your instruction/qual needs to be completed within a certain period proximate to permit issusance. This may be statewide. If you qual now, but your application processing doesn't begin for a year, then you may need to qual again. I suggest waiting until after your fingerprints have cleared before doing the classroom and live-fire segments.

 

[ovy67]

The CCW Pro site for SDSO had a space for me to fill in a location in San Diego County where I would be staying while there (no requirement to list a reason). I initially left it blank because I don't stay with family while in town, and shared that during my initial interview with the licensing representative. The field remained blank until I received the call from the deputy doing my background, who told me I would need to address it with licensing. I then followed up and simply provided my brother's address. He was never contacted for verification.

I believe the reason for the law requiring location information is due to some jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, not wanting people to obtain permits from jurisdictions that are pro 2A and have short turnaround times for issuance. CA residents must apply within their own county for that very reason, and must reapply if they move to a different county.

The requirement for non-residents is to have a reason for visiting the county in which one is applying, within the upcoming 12 months, and provide a location. One is not required to justify the reason or choose from a list of approved destinations.

If my family was no longer in San Diego, I would have simply listed the hotel where I stay when in town...which is what I initially told the licensing representative.

As long as the listed address is real, and you're not being deceptive, they have no cause (or ability) to deny you. Tourism is a legtimate reason to be visiting CA, and there can be no expectation to have a fixed address as a non-resident.

I received an email yesterday from someone who applied in Fresno County because they're 2A friendly and have a quick turnaround. He had indicated he planned to attend some of their festivals throughout the year, and did not need to provide proof of attendance. He also shared that the application fees were among the lowest.

You DO NOT want to apply in an unfriendly jurisdiction such as Los Angeles, unless you want to wait at least a few years to receive your permit.

For the range portion, see below for the required target and course of fire. This may differ by county.

You will need to qualify with every individual gun you want to carry, and have the instructor list each score by gun (make, model, caliber, and serial number).

My instructor created his own certificate, listing his certs and license numbers, my CCW application number, and all of my weapon/qual details.

As a non-resident, none of your guns need to be registered in CA or any other state.

For the online coursework, I went with FTA. Expect a lot of repetition in the material as they need to fill the 16-hour requirement.

Non-Resident California Online CCW Course

ftatv.com

IMPORTANT - You DO NOT want to qual too early. In San Diego County, your instruction/qual needs to be completed within a certain period proximate to permit issusance. This may be statewide. If you qual now, but your application processing doesn't begin for a year, then you may need to qual again. I suggest waiting until after your fingerprints have cleared before doing the classroom and live-fire segments.


View attachment 86773

Thank you very much this is very helpful

 

[Mark92120]

Thank you very much this is very helpful

Anytime.

 

[cobian1984]

Great info all around, thanks for sharing! With regard to your listed firearms, since you’re no longer residing in CA, and NV has no registry, did the issue of the handgun roster come up at all? I assume that does not apply and you just need to make sure they’re in a CA compliant configuration when within state lines, but just figured I’d ask.

 

[Mark92120]

The CA handgun roster is not an issue for non-residents. My understanding is it only limits what can be imported into the state for sale. Several of the handguns listed on my CA CCW permit are not on the roster.

For purposes of the CCW, my guns do not need to be CA handgun roster compliant (loaded chamber indicator, magazine disconnect, etc.).

The ONLY thing I need to comply with is the 10rd magazine limit, and will bring ONLY those into the state.

 

[cobian1984]

Got it, pretty much what I figured, so you just need to leave the >10-rounders and threaded barrels at home. You’ve also already answered the biggest question I had about the non resident CCW process: choosing which county to apply through. Seems nonresidents pretty much have carte blanche to choose a 2A friendly county that will make it easiest and fastest, since some IAs aren’t demanding any real verification or substantiation of intent to spend time in that particular county beyond just providing some local address where you might stay. I can almost hear all those LA County resident applicants clenching their fists as I type this.

 

[RunAGun]

The CCW Pro site for SDSO had a space for me to fill in a location in San Diego County where I would be staying while there (no requirement to list a reason). I initially left it blank because I don't stay with family while in town, and shared that during my initial interview with the licensing representative. The field remained blank until I received the call from the deputy doing my background, who told me I would need to address it with licensing. I then followed up and simply provided my brother's address. He was never contacted for verification.

I believe the reason for the law requiring location information is due to some jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, not wanting people to obtain permits from jurisdictions that are pro 2A and have short turnaround times for issuance. CA residents must apply within their own county for that very reason, and must reapply if they move to a different county.

The requirement for non-residents is to have a reason for visiting the county in which one is applying, within the upcoming 12 months, and provide a location. One is not required to justify the reason or choose from a list of approved destinations.

If my family was no longer in San Diego, I would have simply listed the hotel where I stay when in town...which is what I initially told the licensing representative.

As long as the listed address is real, and you're not being deceptive, they have no cause (or ability) to deny you. Tourism is a legtimate reason to be visiting CA, and there can be no expectation to have a fixed address as a non-resident.

I received an email yesterday from someone who applied in Fresno County because they're 2A friendly and have a quick turnaround. He had indicated he planned to attend some of their festivals throughout the year, and did not need to provide proof of attendance. He also shared that the application fees were among the lowest.

You DO NOT want to apply in an unfriendly jurisdiction such as Los Angeles, unless you want to wait at least a few years to receive your permit.

For the range portion, see below for the required target and course of fire. This may differ by county.

You will need to qualify with every individual gun you want to carry, and have the instructor list each score by gun (make, model, caliber, and serial number).

My instructor created his own certificate, listing his certs and license numbers, my CCW application number, and all of my weapon/qual details.

As a non-resident, none of your guns need to be registered in CA or any other state.

For the online coursework, I went with FTA. Expect a lot of repetition in the material as they need to fill the 16-hour requirement.

Non-Resident California Online CCW Course

ftatv.com

IMPORTANT - You DO NOT want to qual too early. In San Diego County, your instruction/qual needs to be completed within a certain period proximate to permit issusance. This may be statewide. If you qual now, but your application processing doesn't begin for a year, then you may need to qual again. I suggest waiting until after your fingerprints have cleared before doing the classroom and live-fire segments.


View attachment 86773

I can shoot that perfect blindfolded. Taking all bets now.

 

[Woodman500]

But, how did they take your photo and thumb print along this the look of disgust that you want to carry a gun?

Can you show a picture of the permit (sensitive info blacked out)? I'm just curious what it looks like compared to ours here in the State.

 

[cobian1984]

But, how did they take your photo and thumb print along this the look of disgust that you want to carry a gun?

Can you show a picture of the permit (sensitive info blacked out)? I'm just curious what it looks like compared to ours here in the State.

Very basic compared to the CA CCW. Not even a photo on the card.

 

[Woodman500]

Very basic compared to the CA CCW. Not even a photo on the card.

I was curious about your out-of-state California CCW. Ours has a picture and a thumb print. At least here in L A County.

 

[cobian1984]

I was curious about your out-of-state California CCW. Ours has a picture and a thumb print. At least here in L A County.

Ah my bad, thought you were asking about the AZ permit, which mine is a non-resident. I actually saw someone post a pic of their non-resident CA permit, and it looked basically the same as the resident one. I’m guessing the photo submission process is the same as for many residents where you upload a passport style photo to the online application portal.

 

[bonesurf]

AZ non resident ccw approved 2 days after I got everything in. I had a delay because my training cert didn’t have my instructors nra or USCCA number on it. I had to get it and upload but delay cause it wasn’t there from get go.

 

[H. Bowman]

That is fantastic! I hope many more take up this opportunity.