Applying for a CCW License in Madera County

[Mad Geek]

Overview:

Madera County is known as one of the more CCW friendly counties in California. It has been described as a "almost shall issue" or "shall issue" county. The current Sheriff (Sheriff John P. Anderson) will not issue a CCW License just because he can. He does not expect you to go through a lot of the extra processes or pay additional fees that many other counties force on their applicants. In my opinion this willingness to issue a license is partly due to the fact that Madera County is so large and mostly rural.

The Sheriff's Department will provide you with a list of approved CCW Instructors/Business's whom you can pay for the range training you will need, however, the Sheriff’s Department conducts a range course once a month, free of charge. To find out their schedule, call the phone number listed below.

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If you can:

Confirm that you maintain a primary residence in Madera County

Complete a reasonable training program (4 hour of formal instruction and range qualification)

Shoot and qualify with 15 rounds from the weapon(s) you take to the class (3 sets of 5 shots each at 5, 10 and 15 yards)

Pass a federal and state criminal background check

Obtain a passing score on a 30 question test on CCW law (70% is passing)

Articulate your reasonable good cause in your application and demonstrate that you are responsible, good citizen

You will likely be approved for issuance of a CCW License by Madera County.


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Madera County does not require character references for issuance of a CCW License.

Madera County does not require a physical or mental evaluation for issuance of a CCW License.

Madera County does not require an oral interview for issuance of a CCW License.

Madera County does not require a weapons inspection prior to putting a pistol on your license.

Madera County requires that you complete the required training and provide acceptable proof of that training at the time your application is processed.

Standard CCW Licenses are valid for a period of 2 years.

CCW License holders are not required to re-qualify annually. They are, however, required to re-qualify and attend a training class prior to renewing an existing CCW License.

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Adding additional pistols to you existing license:

If you qualified only with a semi-auto pistol for your initial license, you will be allowed to add additional semi-auto pistols to your license without re-qualifying. If you wish to add a revolver to your existing license, you will be required to qualify with a revolver before having it added to your license.

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The Madera County Sheriff's Department has their contact information, application, renewal requirements, scheduling and all other required forms available on the Internet at Madera County Sheriff's Office, Concealed Weapons Permit Forms.

Disclaimer:

To the best of my knowledge, the information presented above is accurate and valid as of January 14th, 2008. If you have specific questions regarding applying to Madera County for a CCW License, please PM me and I will try to point you in the best direction for your answer, but please do not ask me what your good cause statement should state.

The information presented above is subject to change at any time.
It is highly recommended that any person desiring a CCW License issued by Madera County contact the Madera County Sheriffs Office at (559) 675-7787 or refer to the Madera County Sheriffs Department Website at Madera County Sheriff Website to verify the information presented.