hAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT CONCEALED-CARRY WEAPONS (CCW) PERMIT INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) License Overview
California law authorizes local law enforcement officials—sheriffs and chiefs of police—to issue licenses allowing qualified individuals to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (California Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155).
Local officials may issue such licenses only upon proof that:
The applicant is of good moral character;
The applicant is a resident of the relevant county or city; and
The applicant has successfully completed a course of training.
(California Penal Code Sections 26150(a) and 26155(a))
Good Cause Requirement
Please note that although Penal Code Section 26155 previously required applicants to demonstrate “good cause” for the issuance of a CCW license, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen determined that New York’s similar “proper cause” requirement was unconstitutional.
Therefore, in accordance with the Bruen decision, the Hawthorne Police Department will not enforce the “good cause” requirement and will not require applicants to demonstrate ‘good cause’ to qualify for a CCW license.
Department Policy
The Chief of Police has statutory discretion to issue a license to carry a firearm to residents within the community (California Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155).
This policy establishes a written process for the application and issuance of CCW licenses. In compliance with Penal Code Section 26160, this policy is made accessible to the public.
Application Process
Hawthorne residents who wish to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Permit through the Hawthorne Police Department must complete the following process.
The Hawthorne Police Department accepts CCW permit applications through a third-party provider.
The CCW permit process typically takes approximately 2 to 4 months to complete.
CCW permits are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Applicants with questions regarding the CCW application process may contact the Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit at: ccwpermit@cityofhawthorne.org
Steps in the Application Process
Application – Complete the CCW permit application through the designated third-party provider.
Documentation – Submit all required identification, proof of residency, and supporting documents.
Live Scan – Complete the fingerprinting process for a background check.
Interview – Attend an interview with a member of the Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit.
Firearms Training / Inspection – Successfully complete an approved firearms safety and proficiency course; your firearm will be inspected.
Psychological Assessment – Undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed professional as part of the approval process.
License Issuance – Upon successful completion of all steps and approval, your CCW license will be issued.
Qualifications
To qualify for a license to carry a concealed firearm, applicants must meet the following requirements, including but not limited to:
(a) Be a resident of the City of Hawthorne
(California Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155)(b) Be at least 21 years of age
(California Penal Code Section 29610)(c) Fully complete the CCW application, which includes substantial personal information. Applicants should be aware that portions of the application may be subject to public disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
(d) Be free from any criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant from possessing or carrying a firearm. Fingerprinting is required, and a comprehensive background check will be conducted.
(e) Be of good moral character
(California Penal Code Sections 26150 and 26155)(f) Pay all associated application fees. These fees are established by statute and are non-refundable if the application is denied.
Note: Fees for Live Scan, Firearm Safety Training Courses, and Psychological Assessments (if required) are separate and are the sole responsibility of the applicant.(g) Provide proof of ownership or registration for any firearm to be listed on the license.
(h) Be free from any psychological conditions that may render the applicant unsuitable to carry a firearm
(California Penal Code Section 26190)(i) Complete the required training
(California Penal Code Section 26165)
Application
By clicking the link below, applicants acknowledge that they have read and understood the information regarding the Hawthorne Police Department’s Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Policy and Application Process.
Applicants further acknowledge that MyCCW is a private third-party vendor authorized to process CCW applications on behalf of the Hawthorne Police Department under its CCW program.
In accordance with California Penal Code Section 26190, applicants are required to pay the following fees:
A nonrefundable processing fee of $398.00, payable to MyCCW at the time of application submission.
An administrative fee of $218.00, due prior to the issuance of the CCW license.
Required Documentation
The following documents must be submitted as part of your CCW application process.
Failure to provide any required documentation will delay the processing of your application.
Valid California Driver’s License or California Identification Card showing the applicant’s name and current Hawthorne address.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship, such as one of the following:
Original Birth Certificate
Naturalization Certificate
Valid U.S. Passport
Proof of Residency — provide copies of any two (2) of the following documents showing your name and current address:
Recent utility bill, cell phone bill, or cable bill
Monthly insurance bill
Residential lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statement
Credit card or bank statement
Automobile registration
Most recent pay stub
Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard
Note: Financial or sensitive information may be redacted or blacked out prior to submission.
DD-214 Form – if applicable (for applicants with prior military service).
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 in accordance with California Penal Code Section 26165. This requirement does not need to be completed until the Department has determined—and provided written notice—that the applicant satisfies both the residency and good moral character requirements.
Training Provider
Once notified of eligibility, applicants must contact a Hawthorne Police Department–approved Training Provider (see link below) and successfully complete the required training course.
Training Requirements
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 techniques
Laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm
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.
The Hawthorne Police Department will only accept training from Los Angeles Sheriff Department-authorized training vendors moving forward.
The approved vendor list is available at: www.lasd.org/ccw/
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 have successfully completed all training and qualification requirements—including submission of all required documents, completion of the application, and receipt of testing and Live Scan results—will be contacted by the CCW Division Investigator to schedule a license pick-up appointment.
During this appointment, the applicant will report to the Hawthorne Police Department to:
Complete the final identification card process, and
Pay any remaining fees.
Once the identification card is completed, the CCW license will be issued.
License Holder Responsibilities
License holders agree to abide by all Terms of Use and to maintain good moral character at all times. They must refrain from any criminal activity and conduct themselves as responsible, law-abiding citizens.
The Hawthorne Police Department reserves the right to suspend or revoke a CCW license if:
The Department of Justice notifies the Department that the licensee is prohibited by state or federal law from owning or purchasing a firearm; or
The license holder engages in criminal conduct or violates the Terms of Use.
FEES
All fees associated with the CCW permit and application process are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Applicants are subject to an application fee determined by the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
In addition, and as permitted under California Penal Code Section 26190(b), the Hawthorne Police Department collects additional processing fees according to the following schedule:
New Application Fees
$398.00 (Non-Refundable) — Processing fee, payable to MyCCW at the time of application submission.
$217.00 — Administrative fee, payable to the City of Hawthorne prior to license issuance.
The DOJ fees are included in this administrative fee.
(Payment link available at the bottom of this page.)
Renewal Fees
$348.00 (Non-Refundable) — Processing fee, payable to MyCCW. at the time of renewal application submission.
$77.00 — Administrative fee, payable to the City of Hawthorne prior to renewal license issuance.
The DOJ fees are included in this administrative fee.
(Payment link available at the bottom of this page.)
Renewal applicants are required to complete an updated background check, including a Live Scan.
Replacement / Amendment Fees
$50.00 — Processing and administrative fee, payable to the City of Hawthorne, for any license replacement or amendment.
Important Note
Applicants who possess a CCW license issued by another jurisdiction and later move into the jurisdiction of the Hawthorne Police Department must complete the new application process in full.
Investigation
The Hawthorne Police Department CCW Unit Investigator will conduct a thorough investigation to verify the validity of all training and qualification requirements.
CCW permits will not be issued until full clearance is obtained from the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
All applicants will receive written notice indicating approval or denial of their CCW license request within 90 days of the completed application process or 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s DOJ background check, whichever is later.
If a license is denied, the notice will specify which requirement(s) were not satisfied.
Conditions and Restrictions
The Chief of Police may attach reasonable conditions or restrictions to any license issued, including but not limited to:
The type of weapon and ammunition authorized for use and carry.
The times and locations where the concealed weapon may be carried.
Limitations restricting carry privileges to specific dangerous activities or circumstances for which the applicant sought the license.
Prohibition on consuming alcoholic beverages while armed.
Prohibition on being under the influence of any medication or drug that carries a warning against operating vehicles or heavy machinery.
Additionally, all CCW permit holders must have a valid prescription in their name for any medication or drug they are taking while armed.
License Duration and Revocation
If granted, a CCW license is valid for a maximum of two (2) years, as permitted by law.
The license shall automatically lapse if the licensee is convicted by final judgment of any felony or serious misdemeanor, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Hawthorne Police Department also reserves the right to suspend or revoke a license for violations of the Terms of Use or other applicable laws.
Policy Validity Clause
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this policy is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this policy.
Denial Notification
In accordance with Penal Code Section 26205, if an application is denied during or after processing, the applicant will be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or 30 days after receipt of the DOJ criminal background check, whichever is later.
The denial notice will clearly state which requirement(s) were not met.
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: