hAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT CONCEALED-CARRY WEAPONS (CCW) PERMIT INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
California law authorizes local law enforcement officials—sheriffs and chiefs of police—to issue licenses allowing license holders to “carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.” California Penal Code Section 26150, 26155. Local officials are only authorized to issue such licenses, however, upon proof that (1) “the applicant is of good moral character,” (2) the applicant is a resident of the relevant county or city and (3) the applicant has completed a course of training. California Penal Code Section 26150(a), 26155(a).
Please note that although Penal Code Section 26155 also contains a requirement that an applicant demonstrate that “good cause” exists for the issuance of a CCW license, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen held that New York’s similar “proper cause” requirement was unconstitutional. Therefore, pursuant to Bruen, the Hawthorne Police Department will not enforce the “good cause” requirement and will not require an applicant to demonstrate “good cause” to qualify for a CCW license.
The Chief of Police is given the statutory discretion to issue a license to carry a firearm to residents within the community (California Penal Code Section 26150, 26155). This policy will provide a written process for the application and issuance of such licenses. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 26160, this policy shall be made accessible to the public.
Application Process
Hawthorne residents who wish to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) through the Hawthorne Police Department must complete the following process. The Hawthorne Police Department will accept CCW Permits through a third-party provider. The CCW Permit process takes approximately 2-4 months to complete. CCW Permits are valid for two years from the date of issue. Applicants who have questions regarding the CCW application process can contact the Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit.
The Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit can be contacted via email at
1. APPLICATION
2. DOCUMENTATION
3. LIVE SCAN
4. INTERVIEW
5. FIREARMS TRAINING/INSPECTION
6. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
7. LICENSE ISSUANCE
Qualifications
In order to qualify for a license to carry a firearm, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to:
(a) Be a resident of the City of Hawthorne (Penal Code Section 26150, 26155).
(b) Be at least 21 years of age (Penal Code Section 29610).
(c) Fully complete an 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.
(d) Be free from criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant from carrying a firearm. Fingerprints will be required, and a complete criminal background check will be conducted.
(e) Be of good moral character (Penal Code Section 26150, 26155).
(f) Pay all associated application fees. These fees are set by statute and may not be refunded if the application is denied. (Please note: Live Scan, Firearm Safety Training Course and Psychological Assessment [if necessary] fees are separate and the sole responsibility of the applicant)
(g) Provide proof of ownership or registration of any firearm to be licensed.
(h) Be free from any psychological conditions that might make the applicant unsuitable for carrying a firearm (Penal Code Section 26190).
(i) Complete required training (Penal Code Section 26165).
Application
By clicking the link below, applicants are acknowledging that they have read the information regarding the Hawthorne Police Department’s CCW policy and process. Applicants further acknowledge that MyCCW is a private third-party vendor who will be processing CCW applications under the Hawthorne Police Department’s CCW program.
Applicants will be required to submit a nonrefundable processing fee of $398.00 to MyCCW at the time of application submission (Penal Code Section 26190). An administration fee of $218.00 will be required prior to issuance of a license.
Required Documentation
The following documents are required and copies will need to be submitted as part of your application process. Any required document not provided, will delay the application process.
Valid California Driver’s License, or California Identification Card with the applicant’s name and current Hawthorne address.
Original Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or Valid US Passport.
A copy of two of the following items showing proof of residency: a recent utility bill, cell phone bill, cable bill, monthly insurance bill, residential lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, credit card or bank statement, automobile registration, most recent pay stub, or voter registration confirmation letter/postcard, which shows the applicant’s name and current address. Financial or sensitive information may be redacted or blacked out.
DD-214 (if applicable).
Live Scan
As part of your background check, you will need to complete a live scan. A pre-filled copy of the Hawthorne Police Department live scan form will be found on the MyCCW portal or a copy can be obtained at the Hawthorne Police Department. To find your nearest live scan location refer to the Department of Justice website (https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations). Fees may vary depending on location.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the live scan operator inputs all information correctly. Failure to verify that the live scan information is correct may result in having to complete a secondary live scan and will delay the application process.
Interview
If the application is in order and the requirements have been met, the Applicant can schedule their interview with CCW Investigator. On the date of the interview appointment, the applicant should bring the required documentation. DO NOT BRING YOUR FIREARMS.
If you appear without the required documents, your interview will need to be rescheduled.
Firearms Training
Applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course, per Penal Code Section 26165. However, this requirement need not be satisfied until after the Department has determined and provided notice to the applicant that they satisfy the residency and good moral character requirements.
Applicants will contact a Hawthorne Police Department-approved Training Provider list (see link below) and successfully complete the training course.
New Applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 8 hours but not exceeding 16 hours. Renewal applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 4 hours. The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.
All firearms shall be inspected by the training provider to ensure that it is safe, operable, and in compliance with CA state and federal regulations. Applicants must complete and pass a live fire course with each firearm to be listed on the license.
When the applicant has completed their firearm training course, a copy of the completed and signed Shooting Proficiency form must be emailed to ccwpermit@cityofhawthorne.org, and a copy provided at the time of the issuance of the license.
Handgun Requirements
Any handgun that the applicant intends to carry and have listed on their CCW license shall meet the bellow criteria prior to being used during their required firearms training. Failure to follow the criteria or failure to adhere to CA state and federal regulations will result in the immediate suspension and/or revocation of the license.
The handgun must be registered/DROS to the applicant.
The handgun must be concealable upon the person or purse.
The handgun, magazines, and ammunition must comply with applicable state laws.
Registered assault weapons as defined in California Penal Code Sections 30510 and 30515 are not permitted for a CCW license.
Any handgun or pistol that has the capacity to accept a magazine outside of the pistol grip is not permitted for a CCW license.
Psychological Assessment
In addition to licensing requirements as specified by the licensing authority, the Hawthorne Police Department may require CCW applicants to undergo psychological testing as part of the application process. Applicants may be referred to a licensed psychologist used by the Hawthorne Police Department for the psychological testing of its own employees. Any fees charged will be the responsibility of the applicant and such fees shall not exceed $150.00 for an initial test. Additional psychological testing of an applicant seeking license renewal may be required.
License Issuance
Applicants who successfully complete all the training and qualification requirements (all the required documents have been obtained, applications completed, testing and live scan results returned) will be contacted by the CCW Division Investigator to schedule a pick-up date for their license to carry a concealed weapon. The licensee will come to the station to complete the final Identification Card process and pay any remaining fees. Once the identification card is completed, the CCW permit will be issued.
The License Holder agrees to follow all Terms of Use and maintain good moral character at all times. They must not engage in criminal activities or conduct themselves in any way other than as responsible and law-abiding citizens. The Hawthorne Department has the right to suspend or revoke a license if it is notified by the Department of Justice that the licensee is prohibited by state or federal law from owning or purchasing a firearm, or if the license holder engages in any criminal conduct or otherwise violates the Terms of Use.
FEES
All fees associated with the CCW permit and application are the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants are subject to an application fee determined by the California Department of Justice. In addition, as permitted under Penal Code Section 26190(b), additional application processing fees shall be collected according to the Hawthorne Police Department’s following fee schedule:
New Application Fees
At the time of application filing, applicants shall pay an initial $398 (Non-Refundable) processing fee to MyCCW.
Prior to the time of the new license issuance, applicants shall pay an administration fee of $217 to the city of Hawthorne. The Department of Justice (DOJ) fees are included in this Administration Fee. The link is at the bottom of this page.
Renewal Fee
For renewals of an existing Hawthorne Police Department CCW license, applicants shall pay an initial $348 (Non-Refundable) processing fee to MyCCW.
Prior to the time of the renewal license issuance, applicants shall pay an administration fee of $77 to the City of Hawthorne. The Department of Justice (DOJ) fees are included in this Administration Fee. The link is at the bottom of this page. Renewal applicants will be required to complete an updated background check including a Live Scan.
Replacement / Amendment Fee
At the time of application filing for a license replacement or amendment, the applicant shall pay a $50 processing and administration fee to the City of Hawthorne.
Please Note: Applicants that possess a CCW license from an outside jurisdiction and move into the jurisdiction of the Hawthorne Police Department, will need to go through the new application process.
Investigation
The Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit Investigator will conduct a thorough investigation to confirm the validity of all training and qualification requirements. CCW permits will not be issued until clearance is obtained from the Department of Justice.
All applicants shall be given written notice indicating the approval or denial of the requested CCW license within 90 days of the completed application process or 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s background check from DOJ, whichever is later. If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied.
The Chief of Police may attach reasonable conditions or restrictions upon such licenses including, but not limited to:
The type of weapon and ammunition that is permitted and carried.
The times and places where the concealed weapon can be carried.
Limitations in carrying concealed weapons to those circumstances when a specific dangerous activity is to be encountered and for which the applicant has sought the license.
Consuming any alcoholic beverage while armed.
Being under the influence of any medication or drug while armed when the medication or drug cautions the user not to take while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Additionally, CCW permit holders taking any prescription medication or drug must have a valid prescription in their name for that medication/drug.
If granted, the duration of the license shall be not more than two years, as allowed by law. The license shall lapse by operation of law if the licensee is convicted by final judgment of any felony, or serious misdemeanor, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or other portion of this policy is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this policy.
In the event that an application is denied at the conclusion of, or during the process, the applicant shall be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the California DOJ, whichever is later. If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied (Penal Code Section 26205).
Applicant Responsibilities
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to notify the Hawthorne Police Department within 10 days of a change in primary residency if that residency is outside of the jurisdiction of the Hawthorne Police Department
QUESTIONS
Applicants who have questions regarding the CCW application process can contact the Hawthorne Police Department CCW Division. The Hawthorne Police Department CCW Division can be contacted by filling out the form below: