Concealed Weapons Permits
The information below will assist you with your application process to ensure the completion of specific documents/processes. Please refer to the Fairfax Police Department Policy 218 and DOJ application packet for a complete and comprehensive explanation of procedures and requirements. We are not obligated and will not return incomplete applications.
The Fairfax Police Department will fairly and impartially consider all applications to carry firearms under applicable laws and this policy.
In light of the U.S Supreme Court’s ruling in New York Rifle Association v. Bruen, we are no longer requiring an applicant to establish “good cause” in an application for a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP).
You must reside in the Town of Fairfax (your primary residence) to apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) with the Fairfax Police Department.
Qualified Applicants
To qualify for a license to carry a concealed firearm, the applicant must meet specific requirements, including:
- Be a Fairfax, Ca resident (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155).
- Be at least 21 years of age (Penal Code § 29610).
- Complete the necessary application that will include extensive personal information. Much of the information in the application may be subject to public access under the California Public Records Act.
- Be free from criminal convictions that disqualify the applicant from carrying a firearm. Fingerprints will be required, and a complete background check is required.
- Be of good moral character (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155).
- Pay all associated application fees. These fees are set by statute and may not be refunded if the application is denied.
- Provide proof of ownership or registration of any firearm to be licensed.
- Be free from any psychological conditions that might make the applicant unsuitable for carrying a firearm (Penal Code § 26190).
- Complete all required training (Penal Code § 26165).
Application Process
Any individual applying for a license to carry a firearm shall first complete a California Department of Justice (DOJ) application requiring signature under penalty of perjury. Any applicant who provides false information or statements on the application will be removed from further consideration and may be prosecuted for a criminal offense (Penal Code § 26180)
When the completed application is submitted, the applicant shall submit a check made payable to the California Department of Justice for the required California DOJ application fee, along with a separate check made payable to the Town of Fairfax for a non-refundable 20 percent of the application fee to cover the cost of processing the application (Penal Code § 26190) and CCW License fee.
The applicant shall be required to submit to fingerprint and complete a background check by the California DOJ. The second set of fingerprints may be required for retention in department files. The Fairfax Police Department provides the livescan service if desired (there is a DOJ fee determined at the time of printing + the Town of Fairfax Fee of $20).
The applicant shall submit two recent passport-size photos (2 inches by 2 inches) for department use. No person determined to fall within a prohibited class described in Penal Code § 29800, Penal Code § 29900, Welfare and Institutions Code § 8100, or Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103 will be issued a license to carry a firearm. A permit shall not be issued if the California of DOJ determines that the applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm (Penal Code § 26195).
The applicant shall submit at least three signed letters of character references from individuals other than relatives.
The applicant shall submit proof of ownership or registration of each firearm to be licensed.
Once the Chief of Police or the authorized designee has reviewed the completed application package and relevant background information, the application will either be advanced or denied.
Upon completing the above portion of the application, the applicant shall be scheduled for a personal interview with the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. During this stage, there will be further discussion of any potential conditions or restrictions that may be placed on the permit