CCW Applications and General Information
Before applying for a concealed carry license, please read through the information offered on this site. It will assist you in the accurate and successful completion of your CCW application.
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.
Overview
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to 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 as well as specific requirements regarding the application process for a carry concealed weapon (CCW) license from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office for those citizens who reside within Mendocino County.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office does not recommend individual CCW instruction vendors. It is the responsibility
of each applicant to research and evaluate prospective vendors to determine their suitability.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office approved vendors list only consists of individuals and entities who have met the
minimum statutory requirements for firearms training and 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 to meet the minimum course requirements by each vendor.
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.
CCW REQUIREMENTS
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. Nonresidents will be referred to the appropriate licensing agency.
- Training: The applicant must complete and show proof of successful completion from a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office approved Concealed Carry Course containing modules on safety, the law, and the applicant’s ability to handle a firearm safely. The course shall be a minimum of 16 hours for the initial application, and 4 hours for renewals.
- Good Character: Applicants must attest to good character with respect to their ability to responsibly and safely carry and use a concealed weapon.
- Good Cause: Applicants must establish that good cause exists to support a request for a license to carry a concealed weapon. When applicants are establishing that good cause exists, they must provide specific, detailed, and articulable facts that support their request. Criteria that may establish good cause include the following
- Specific evidence that there has been or likely will be an attempt on the part of a second party to do great bodily harm to the applicant.
- The nature of the business or occupation of the applicant is such that it is subject to high personal risk and/or criminal attack, far greater risk than the general population.
- A task of the business or occupation of the applicant requires frequent transportation of large sums of money or other valuables and alternative protective measures or security cannot be employed.
- When a business or occupation is of a high-risk nature and requires the applicant’s presence in a dangerous environment.
- The occupation or business of the applicant is such that no means of protection, security or risk avoidance can mitigate the threat other than the carrying of a concealed firearm.
- Personal protection is warranted to mitigate a threat to the applicant and the applicant is able to substantiate the threat.
Note: These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive, they are provided merely for your reference. Failure to fully and completely articulate good cause may be grounds for a denial of your application or a request for further information.
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.
$223.00
$93.00 paid to the California Department of Justice
$130.00 paid to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
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.
After review of your application, you will be notified if your application has been tentatively approved or denied and how to proceed with the process.
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.
$77.00
$52.00 paid to the California Department of Justice
$25.00 paid to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
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.
After review of your application, you will be notified if your application has been tentatively approved or denied and how to proceed with the process.
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.
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.
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 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.
- 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 mcso-ccw@mendocinocounty.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.
A CCW license applicant should be aware of the following California penal codes, as they relate to the storage of firearms. Note that laws pertaining to CCWs and firearms in general are constantly changing so the below statutes should be checked to confirm they are current.
26180.
(a) Any person who files an application required by Section 26175 knowing that any statement contained therein is false is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on the application regarding any of the following is guilty of a felony:
(1) The denial or revocation of a license, or the denial of an amendment to a license, issued pursuant to this article.
(2) A criminal conviction.
(3) A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
(4) The use of a controlled substance.
(5) A dishonorable discharge from military service.
(6) A commitment to a mental institution.
(7) A renunciation of United States citizenship.
25100.
(a) Except as provided in Section 25105, a person commits the crime of “criminal storage of a firearm in the first degree” if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The person keeps any firearm within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.
(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.
(3) The child obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or great bodily injury to the child or any other person, or the person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or great bodily injury to themselves or any other person.
(b) Except as provided in Section 25105, a person commits the crime of “criminal storage of a firearm in the second degree” if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The person keeps any firearm within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.
(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.
(3) The child obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes injury, other than great bodily injury, to the child or any other person, or carries the firearm either to a public place or in violation of Section 417, or the person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes injury, other than great bodily injury, to themselves or any other person, or carries the firearm either to a public place or in violation of Section 417.
(c) Except as provided in Section 25105, a person commits the crime of “criminal storage of a firearm in the third degree” if the person keeps any firearm within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control and negligently stores or leaves a firearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, unless reasonable action is taken by the person to secure the firearm against access by the child.
25200.
(a) If all of the following conditions are satisfied, a person shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine:
(1) The person keeps a firearm, loaded or unloaded, within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.
(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to that firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.
(3) The child or the prohibited person obtains access to that firearm and thereafter carries that firearm off-premises.
(b) If all of the following conditions are satisfied, a person shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine:
(1) The person keeps any firearm within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.
(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.
(3) The child or the prohibited person obtains access to the firearm and thereafter carries that firearm off-premises to any public or private preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, or to any school-sponsored event, activity, or performance, whether occurring on school grounds or elsewhere.
(c) A firearm that a child or prohibited person gains access to and carries off-premises in violation of this section shall be deemed “used in the commission of any misdemeanor as provided in this code or any felony” for the purpose of Section 29300 regarding the authority to confiscate firearms and other deadly weapons as a nuisance.
(d) As used in this section, “off-premises” means premises other than the premises where the firearm was stored.
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.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office will only accept certificates of instruction from instructors that the Sheriff has personally approved.
Duncan Cline
Telephone: 707-272-0936
Email: duncanproshooter@gmail.com
Website:
Steven Collins
Telephone: 559-355-3818
Email: stevesea58@gmail.com
Website: www.foothilltraining.com
Edward Davies
Telephone: 707-357-1581
Email: edsguns@mcn.org
Website: www.redwoodpracticalshooters.com
Kenneth Dexter
Telephone: 707-357-1581
Email: edsguns@mcn.org
Website: www.redwoodpracticalshooters.com
John Holder
Telephone: 707-489-3380 or 707-272-4656
Email: mycalccw@gmail.com
Website:
Robert Nishiyama
Telephone: 707-272-6772
Email: nish99@prodigy.net
Website:
Ron Prickett
Telephone: 707-485-2481
Email: mendoccw@gmail.com
Website: www.mendoccw.com
Updated May 2, 2021
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 mcso-ccw@mendocinocounty.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.
