How to get a CCW in Los Angeles — LASD vs LAPD

Your issuing agency matters. City of Los Angeles applicants generally work with LAPD; LASD serves its contract cities and unincorporated areas. Check the agency for your address before choosing a course.

LASD: Effective October 1, 2026, Live Scan or firearm training completed before application submission will not be accepted. No exceptions. Submit your application and wait for CCW Unit authorization before proceeding. LAPD has its own instructions; do not apply LASD’s process to an LAPD application.

LASD application and training

Confirm LASD is the issuing agency for your address and review its current CCW page.

Submit the LASD application before completing Live Scan or firearm training.

Wait for CCW Unit authorization and follow the unit’s instructions for Live Scan and the background process.

Once authorized to train, choose the LASD 16-hour initial course and complete it within the deadline in your authorization notice.

Pass live-fire qualification with each listed firearm, then submit the certificate as LASD instructs.

LAPD application and training

Confirm LAPD is your issuing agency and begin with LAPD’s official application instructions.

Complete the application, appointments and documents requested by LAPD.

Follow LAPD’s training timing and use a provider LAPD accepts. California residents must train in person; virtual or Zoom training is not accepted.

Complete the 16-hour initial course and live-fire qualification, then follow LAPD’s certificate submission instructions.

Check your permit’s issuing agency before booking an 8-hour renewal. LASD and LAPD have separate renewal instructions and filing windows. Plan ahead, but follow your agency’s current window and certificate timing rather than assuming another county’s rules apply.

Your issuing agency’s authorization or training instructions

Current identification and requested residency documents

Your current LASD or LAPD permit if renewing

The handgun (or handguns) you want listed on the license — up to the county limit

A strong belt and a holster that fits the gun you are qualifying with — highly recommended, since we address the draw in class

Extra magazines or a speed loader, plus a magazine pouch

FMJ ammunition — generally 25 rounds per firearm if you pass the qualification the first time (Los Angeles County: 75 rounds for your first firearm, then 20 each for your second and third)

Eye and ear protection

Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a brimmed hat and sunscreen

Lunch and plenty of water — range days run long

Pen and notebook for the classroom hours

Can I take LASD training before submitting my application?

No. LASD’s October 1, 2026 notice says it will not accept Live Scan or firearm training completed before application submission. Wait for CCW Unit authorization before proceeding and confirm the current instructions on LASD’s official page.

Are LASD and LAPD interchangeable?

No. Apply through the agency for your address and choose the course and certificate that agency accepts. Ask the CCW unit if you are unsure which agency handles your application.

LASD official CCW instructions: https://lasd.org/ccw/

LAPD CCW instructions: https://www.lapdonline.org/ccw/