26-083 Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) License

The purpose of this Department Notice is to make members aware of the increased likelihood of encountering civilian concealed carry weapon (CCW) license holders in San Francisco due to compliance with NYSRP A v. Bruen. In San Francisco, the public is given a choice to apply for a CCW license with either SFPD (Penal Code § 26155) or the Sheriff's Office (Penal Code § 26150). At this time, California law only recognizes CCW licenses issued from agencies inside of California. Please note that this notice applies to civilian CCW licenses. There are different state and federal laws that govern active and retired law enforcement CCW exemptions.

The status of a CCW license can be confirmed via an Automated Firearms System (AFS) records check using either the licensee's name or firearm serial number. The record will include what firearm(s) they are permitted to carry loaded and concealed, the date the CCW license was approved, and the date the CCW license expires. The DOJ is responsible for updating the AFS records and, at times, DOJ has not completed timely updates to the AFS records. Members can also confirm SFPD CCW licenses by contacting the CCW unit during business hours at [Redacted] or by contacting the CCW unit via DOC after hours.

A CCW license, in brief, exempts the holder from penalty for carrying a loaded, concealed firearm in public. The commission of a restricted act (listed below) while carrying voids this exemption; the license is administratively invalidated, and the licensee becomes subject to the same penalties as an unlicensed individual.

Restricted Acts

While carrying a firearm, a CCW licensee shall not do any of the following (Penal Code § 26200 PC):

• Consume an alcoholic beverage or controlled substance as described in §11053 to §11058, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code.
• Be in a place having a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption.
• Be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, medication, or controlled substance as described in §11053 to §11058, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code.
• Carry a firearm not listed on the license or a firearm for which they are not the recorded owner.
• Falsely represent to a person that the licensee is a peace officer.
• Engage in an unjustified display of a deadly weapon.
• Fail to carry the license on their person.
• Impede a peace officer in the conduct of their activities.
• Refuse to display the license or to provide the firearm to a peace officer upon demand for purposes of inspecting the firearm.
• Violate any federal, state, or local criminal law.
• A licensee shall not carry more than two firearms under the licensee's control at one time.

Members should also be aware that Penal Code § 26230 lists sensitive places where CCW licensees are prohibited from carrying firearms. The most recent DOJ information bulletin regarding sensitive places and enforcement can be found here: 2025-DLE-06 Additional Restrictions on CCW License Holders Carrying Concealed Firearms in Certain Sensitive Places Are Now in Effect; California Penal Code Section 26230(a)

If any CCW licensee -SFPD- or non-SFPD-issued -comes to your attention under any of the above circumstances, seize the license and forward it, along with any police reports, case numbers, or CAD numbers, to the CCW Unit located at Police Headquarters, 1245 3rd Street, 5th Floor. For SFPD-issued licenses, the CCW Unit will complete the administrative revocation process; for non-SFPD-issued licenses, the CCW Unit will contact the relevant issuing agency for follow-up.

For any interactions (e.g., criminal investigations or mental health detentions) with CCW licensees, the CCW Unit can be contacted for questions or concerns during business hours at [Redacted] or through DOC after hours (all day Friday/weekdays after 1800/weekends). For nonurgent inquiries, the CCW unit can be reached via email at [Redacted].

A sample CCW license has been attached to this DN for reference.

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police

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