Concealed Carry Weapon License Requirements: ^{must meet ALL requirements}

Authority

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a Sheriff of a county or the Chief or other head of municipal police department of any city, or city and county, shall issue or renew a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (Concealed Carry Weapon license).

Who Shall be Issued a License

The licensing authority specified in Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 shall issue a license to persons who are not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202, meet residential requirements, and have completed a course of training. All applicants for a Concealed Carry Weapon license will be fingerprinted and state and federal records will be checked to determine if they are eligible to possess firearms. Click here to view all categories that would prohibit a person from possessing firearms and being granted a Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Completing the Application

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county shall issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (CCW license). Penal Code section 26175 requires the Attorney General to prescribe a statewide standard application form for a CCW license.  Answering all the questions on the Application does not guarantee the issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. The determination whether to issue the license is at the discretion of the licensing authority. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 26160, each licensing authority will have a written policy summarizing their requirements for issuance of a Concealed Weapon Permit. In addition, prior to issuing a Concealed Weapon Permit, the California State Statutes require proof that:

• The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Penal Code 26202;
• The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Penal Code 16400;
• The applicant is a resident of that city or city and county. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicant’s filing of a homeowner’s property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s primary residence is in another county or city within the county;
• The course of training prescribed by the licensing authority has been completed.
• The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

Character References

You will need to provide the names and contact information of four persons willing to serve as references.  One of the four must be a person described in Penal Code section 273.5, subdivision (b) (your spouse, or former spouse, your cohabitant or former cohabitant, your fiancée, or someone with whom you have, or previously had, an engagement or dating relationship, or the mother or father of your child), if applicable.  At least one of the four must be your cohabitant if applicable.

INITIAL CCW License Application

Prior to Filling Out This Application

• Be prepared to scan a copy of your valid California Driver’s license or California Identification card, which reflects your current City of Mountain View address.
• Be sure your residence is within the boundaries of the Mountain View Police Department
  • Applicants MUST reside within the boundaries of the Mountain View Police Department.  To determine law enforcement boundaries, input your address in the search bar contained within the County of Santa Clara SCC Map (Santa Clara County - SCCMap).  A residence will either be within the "Mountain View" boundary or “Unincorporated” which is overseen by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. 
• Be prepared to scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
  • If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.
• Be prepared to scan four (4) character/reference letters noting the following:
  • At least one (1) letter shall be from a cohabitant, if applicable.
  • At least three (3) letters shall be from individuals other than your family members.
  • The letters are to address your character including your integrity, nature, disposition, and temperament. Additionally, the letters are to address:
    • Nature of your relationship with the individual submitting the letter.
    • Length of time the individual submitting the letter has known you.
    • The individual submitting the letter is in favor of the you being approved for a CCW license and their recommendation was made without coersion or reservation.
  • Letters are to be signed, dated, and include contact information, as those submitting letters on your behalf may be contacted and/or interviewed which may be recorded.
• Be prepared to scan a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214) for applicants who have been formally discharged from U.S. Military Service (not applicable for those who are in ‘inactive reserve status” or in the National Guard).
• Be sure that each firearm you plan on listing on your Concealed Carry Weapon license is associated to you on your Automated Firearms System (AFS) record in the state of California. Note, firearms are not “registered” to an individual but rather identified as being associated to a particular person through their AFS record.

Fingerprint/Live Scan

All initial (new) applicants are to be fingerprinted (Live Scan) at the Mountain View Police Department.  Once you have submitted your application, you will be instructed to call the Police Department to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted.

A background check will be conducted through the Department of Justice to assure the applicant does not have history which prohibits them by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm (see “Firearms Prohibiting Categories” (DOJ BOF 4012, pgs. 1-3).

Order Number & Password

After submitting a NEW, RENEWAL, MODIFICATION or DUPLICATE application and payment of  fees, you will receive an email providing you with an Order Number.  Please print and save this email, as you will be required to access your Order throughout various stages of the CCW process.  To access your Order go to the top of the page on this website, click on “ORDER TRACKER,” and type your Order Number and password.

DENIAL of a CCW license 

If your CCW Application is denied, you will receive an email to advise you of this action.  Note, denied CCW License applicants are not to reapply for a CCW License until one (1) year has passed from the date of this “denial notification.”  

Included in the denial letter will be information should you want to appeal the denial, noting the following:

• All appeals are to be received by mail at the Mountain View PD.
• The appeal request must be received within 30 days of the date of the denial notification letter.
• The rationale or justification regarding the appeal shall identify specific, quantitative, and/or objective explanations supporting your conclusion that the reason(s) for the denial was made in error.  In this manner, you may want to include additional information you want the department to consider. 
• Appeals will be responded to by department administrative personnel within 90-days of receiving your “appeal”.  Should your CCW License application be denied subsequent to your appeal, the notification will emphasize this decision is final as there is no additional appeal process.
   

RENEWAL of a current CCW license

Applying for a renewal is to occur no earlier than six months prior to the expiration date of the current CCW license; however, in no instance shall a renewal application be submitted after the expiration date of the current CCW license. CCW licensees who neglect to submit a CCW license renewal application prior to their license expiration date MUST apply for a NEW CCW license if intending to carry a concealed weapon.  As follows, applicants will be subjected to all requirements associated with a NEW CCW license application including submitting four (4) reference letters, psychological testing, and 16-hours of firearms training, safety, and shooting proficiency.

Please consider the following regarding the renewal of a CCW license:

• A CCW license renewal application is to be submitted to the department which issued the original license (i.e., The Mountain View Police Department (MVPD) will only renew CCW Licenses’ which were initially issued by MVPD). 
• All info. submitted in the original CCW License application is verified through an in-person, virtual, or phone interview with the applicant.
• Applicants are to complete a firearms training/instruction course which is at least four (4) hours.  The class will include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.
• Psychological testing will be required only if there is compelling evidence which indicates psychological testing is necessary.
• Renewal CCW License fees are collected at the time of submitting the Renewal application:
• Standard CCW Renewal License: $77 ($52 DOJ, + $25 City cost/recovery processing fee)
• Judge, Magistrate, Full-time Commissioner Renewal License: $99 ($74 DOJ, + $25 City cost/recovery processing fee)
• Reserve Peace or Custodial Officer Renewal License: $121 ($96 DOJ, + $25 City cost/recovery processing fee)

Prior to completing a RENEWAL Application, please be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID
• Proof of Mountain View Residency: Scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
• If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.
• 8-Hour Firearms Training Certificate which lists the date of your training, qualification, and each weapon you qualified with which will appear on your CCW license.

Note: Renewal applicants must answer all questions on the application truthfully and honestly, even if the information has previously been disclosed.  

MODIFYING an existing CCW license

Current CCW licensees may request to modify/amend their CCW license for the following:

• Add or delete authority to carry a firearm listed on the CCW License (Proof of qualification must be submitted for any new weapon added).
• Change address, name, or other personal information.  Notification must be implemented to the Mountain View Police Dept. within 10 days of any change of the licensee’s place of residence with proof of the new residence being submitted. 
• Change of restrictions and/or limitations.

Modification to a CCW License fee ($30) is collected at the time of submitting the modification application.

If approved, a new CCW licensee is printed reflecting the modification(s), noting amending or modifying a CCW license has no relevance regarding the expiration date of the license.

Prior to Completing a MODIFICATION Application, be prepared to upload the following:

• A copy of your valid California driver’s license, or California ID
• Proof of Mountain View Residency: Scan a copy of last year’s property tax, grant deed or leases/rental agreement AND a major utility or phone bill in your name reflecting your address. This bill is to be dated no later than 30 days from the date of submitting the CCW application.
• If unable to provide a tax bill or rental/lease agreement (i.e. you are renting from a family member), the home owner shall write a letter noting you reside with them full time. The letter is to be notarized AND you are to scan the property tax bill or grant deed of the residence, with the name on letter whom you reside with which matches the name on property tax bill or grant deed.

• IF ADDING A NEW FIREARM: Be prepared to upload your training certificate proving you qualified with your firearm with one of the Mountain View Police Dept. approved instructors. 

DUPLICATE CCW license

A duplicate CCW License may be issued if an active CCW license is lost or stolen; however, the licensee must file a police report in the jurisdiction where the loss or theft occurred.

The licensee is to apply for a DUPLICATE license through the PermitDirector system, using the DUPLICATE CCW LICENSE APPLICATION.  

• Duplicate CCW Licenses fees ($30) are collected at the time of submitting the
  application.
• The following items MUST be uploaded into the PermitDirector system
  • California Driver’s License or CA ID
  • Face page of the police report which identifies the licensee’s name,
    address, complaint, and report date.

Training Required

If applying for a NEW Concealed Carry Weapon license a course approved by the Mountain View Police Department must be completed prior to permit issuance. This course will be a minimum of 16 hours.

If applying for a RENEWAL Concealed Carry Weapon license, a 8 hour course approved by the Mountain View Police Department must be completed prior to permit issuance.

If applying for a MODIFICATION to your current Concealed Carry Weapon license that includes a firearm change, you will need to submit training certifications from a traning vendor approved by the Mountain View Police Department.

• The Mountain View Police Department recognizes only select training facilities to satisfy your qualification certification. Training from any other facility will not be accepted.

Note: Firearms training certificates identifying passing/completion must be dated subsequent to receiving notification that you are “approved” to proceed to the training requirement, as we want to assure you are receiving the most current training relating to best practices and are in compliance with the law. In this manner, it may take several months for your CCW application to proceed through the approval process which may ultimately carry over to a law change through a senate or assembly bill, some of which may be declared as an urgency measure or clause which takes effect upon the Governor’s signature.

Approved training facilities are:

Bay Area Tactical
Livermore
415-568-6803
415-795-0075
info@bayareatacticalgroup.com

Saber Tactics
San Mateo, Ca
650-276-0009
sabertactics.com

For More Information, Contact:

Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa St
Mountain View, CA 94041 

Telephone: 650-903-6344
Fax: 650-964-2202
Email: MVPDCCW@mountainview.gov

For Technical Support, Contact:

Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com