Your California CCW education starts here.

Standard California CCW licenses issued before January 1, 2027, keep the expiration date printed on the license. Beginning January 1, 2027, standard licenses issued or renewed may be valid for up to three years, depending on the issuing agency’s issuance period. Existing two-year licenses are not automatically extended.

California law requires the issuing agency to give written notice of approval or denial within 120 days of receiving a completed initial application, or 30 days after receiving the required DOJ information, whichever is later. For renewal applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a similar later-date rule applies. This is a deadline for a decision notice, not a promise that a permit will be issued within 120 days. Applicants should follow requests in their Sheriff application.

Yes. People who live outside California can follow Riverside County’s Non-Resident application path. As of January 1, 2026, membership in a specific organization is not required to apply as a Non-Resident. Choose the out-of-state Non-Resident course, then select initial or renewal.

No. The education portion is online, followed by an in-person live-fire qualification. You manage the separate permit application through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Riverside’s application portal lists 16 hours of training for initial applicants and 8 hours for renewal applicants. Both paths include an in-person live-fire qualification.

Riverside County residents qualify with Riverside CCW Training. Non-Residents may qualify with a certified instructor near home or with Riverside CCW Training in California.

Promotional online course tuition is $195 for an initial course (normally $325) or $125 for a renewal course (normally $200). Live-fire qualification charges are separate. For initial applicants, Riverside Sheriff online application and issuance fees total $205.39, including online transaction fees. This is paid separately from course tuition. Renewal applicants should follow the Sheriff’s current renewal fee instructions.

The issuing Sheriff’s Office reviews the application, makes permit decisions, and issues the license. Riverside CCW Online provides online education and support, while Riverside CCW Training provides in-person instruction and qualification.

Optional, paid application assistance is available to help you organize documents and understand each step. You remain responsible for signing and submitting your own application; staff do not sign for applicants.

Call or text 1-623-850-4134 · Support available 7 days a week. You can also email support@RiversideCCWOnline.com, or submit the contact form on our contact page.

Choose the 8-hour renewal course for your applicant path ($125, normally $200), complete the required live-fire qualification, and follow the Sheriff’s current renewal instructions. For renewal applications submitted to DOJ on or after September 1, 2026, new fingerprints are required: Riverside County Residents complete Live Scan, and Non-Residents submit ink-rolled fingerprint cards as instructed by the Sheriff.

Riverside County allows up to six firearms on a permit, and you must qualify with each one. Each firearm must be lawful to possess and carry in California and accepted by the Sheriff.

It is not listed as a standard step in Riverside County’s published CCW process. Follow any instructions the Sheriff gives for your individual application.

No Riverside address, business, or family connection is listed as a general Non-Resident requirement. You must truthfully attest to your intended travel or time in Riverside County.

Yes. Riverside CCW Training offers in-person options, including firearms safety, home defense, and concealed carry courses. Call or text 1-623-850-4134 to discuss the right course.