This page is designed to give general information as well as specific requirements regarding the application process for a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department.

Updated Legal Guidance for CCW Licensees

New Fingerprint Requirement for CCW Renewals

Beginning September 1, 2026, all CCW renewal applications submitted on or after that date must include a new set of fingerprints for a fingerprint-based firearms eligibility check. This requirement is established under California Penal Code section 26185.

Live Scan Instructions for Renewals

The BCIA 8016 Request for Live Scan Service form will be available through your CCW Pro application.

Procedures:

1. Print the BCIA 8016 form from your CCW Pro application.
2. Take the form to an authorized California Live Scan provider and complete your fingerprinting.
3. Obtain a copy of your completed BCIA 8016 form.
4. Upload the completed form to your CCW Pro renewal application as part of your submission.

Important: The Live Scan fingerprint requirement applies to renewal applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026.

Assembly Bill 1948 — Effective January 1, 2027

What is Assembly Bill 1948?

Assembly Bill (AB) 1948 was signed by Governor Newsom on June 30, 2026. AB 1948 amends Penal Code section 26220 to extend the maximum validity period for a standard California CCW license from two years to three years.

AB 1948 also removes the separate three-year validity provision for certain judicial officers and clarifies that the four-year license provisions for qualifying custodial officers and reserve or auxiliary peace officers apply to both initial and renewal licenses.

What does this mean for CCW applicants?

The new three-year maximum applies to CCW licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027, subject to the applicable statutory requirements and the licensing authority's issuance period.

AB 1948 is not retroactive. A CCW license issued before January 1, 2027, will remain valid for the period specified when it was issued and will not automatically be extended to three years.

New Non-Resident CCW Fingerprint Procedure

Effective under updated California Department of Justice guidance, non-California residents applying for a California CCW may complete the required fingerprinting in their state of residence using an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card. The fingerprints must be taken through an appropriate law-enforcement agency as directed by the licensing authority.

This provides non-resident applicants with an alternative to traveling to California solely to complete Live Scan fingerprinting. Non-resident applicants may also complete Live Scan fingerprinting in California if they choose to do so.

The FD-258 fingerprint card will be provided or arranged through the Sheriff's designee. Applicants will receive instructions through their application regarding when, where, and how to submit the completed fingerprint card.