Protecting the Paperwork: Keeping the CCW in one piece

[inboost]

I've heard that the paper CCW permit is a bit flimsy. What do you guys do to keep it together for the two years it has to last?

• Can they be laminated?
• Can one carry a copy?
• Can it be duplicated in a different scale?
• Can it be reproduced on a different medium ( like an ID card )?

[ChrisG]

The license is flimsy indeed. However, it's not something you will be handling very often. Most people fold it to the dimensions of their DL and stick it in their wallet right behind the DL. I would imagine that copies are probably not acceptable (just as a copy of your DL or passport would not be), the size of it makes laminating it useless as it will not fit into your wallet at that point.

[rycerz]

Originally Posted by inboost

I've heard that the paper CCW permit is a bit flimsy. What do you guys do to keep it together for the two years it has to last?

• Can they be laminated?
• Can one carry a copy?
• Can it be duplicated in a different scale?
• Can it be reproduced on a different medium ( like an ID card )?

1. In OC do not laminate it as it's printed on special paper. If you laminate it it will be impossible for the LEO to determine whether it's real or fake (I know some departments laminate them when issuing but in OC it's a no no).
2. You need to carry the original. But to be on the safe side I also have a copy in case the original dissapears.
3. If you're carrying a copy for just in case purposes, keep it same size as original.
4. I'd say no.

What people do to protect those is go to places that deal with stamps/coin/bill collections and buy an appropriate sized sleeve. I folded mine in 2 and slipped it in one of those plastic see through sleeves.

[hbliam]

The are printed on the same format and paper in all Counties. You can laminate it if you want to per the penal code:

12051. (a) (1) The standard application form for licenses described
in paragraph (3) shall require information from the applicant
including, but not limited to, the name, occupation, residence and
business address of the applicant, his or her age, height, weight,
color of eyes and hair, and reason for desiring a license to carry
the weapon. Applications for licenses shall be filed in writing, and
signed by the applicant. Any license issued upon the application
shall set forth the licensee's name, occupation, residence and
business address, his or her age, height, weight, color of eyes and
hair, the reason for desiring a license to carry the weapon, and
shall, in addition, contain a description of the weapon or weapons
authorized to be carried, giving the name of the manufacturer, the
serial number, and the caliber. The license issued to the licensee
may be laminated.

I shrunk mine and laminated it so it fits in my wallet. I doubt I'll ever get asked for it so it really doesn't matter. Your results may vary.

[DParker]

Fresno County encourages lamination. They put nothing on the back, so they suggest folding in half with the entire front of the permit showing and laminate.

Madera County asks that we not laminate because they use the back for listing additional weapons and they apply a sticker on the back with some general restrictions. They told me to come back anytime if it gets too tattered and they will replace it at no cost.

As always with CA CCW, it's best to check with your issuing authority.

[1buba]

I asked in El Dorado - they said go ahead. I did, but i've changed it 4 times since then... So i don't anymore.


I just found out last week that Placer County will laminate their CCW for (i think) $5.

[K-dog.v3]

I still have my old CCW issued back in 2000 in the back of my wallet. It still is in good condition. Just fold it up and keep it in your wallet.

I have my current one sandwiched between two business cards behind my CDL. It's safe from normal wear and tear but easy to get out.

[BonoVox]

I think the problem with having it laminated is if you travel to other counties a lot, say OC. They might not trust your laminated CCW like your home county sheriffs do.

[CCWInstructor]

If it doesn't look real, you will spend a lot of quality time with the officer while he checks it.

[BexSoCal]

Originally Posted by inboost

What do you guys do to keep it together for the two years it has to last?

Neatly folded and placed in the same wallet as my DL, etc. It's been there for a year now and it hasn't moved because there's been no reason to do so. Under those conditions it holds up just fine & dandy

[inboost]

Seems the consensus is to "Do Nothing" so I'll take the advice and follow it. I'm going to have to work on a new carry method for my ID, the strong-side back pocket is obviously going to be a problem at some point.

Thanks for the input!

[AuburnHunter]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I asked in El Dorado - they said go ahead. I did, but i've changed it 4 times since then... So i don't anymore.


I just found out last week that Placer County will laminate their CCW for (i think) $5.

Yup, looking at the Placer County CCW page it looks like they will laminate or make changes to a laminated permit for $5. At least that is how I read it.

Placer County, California - Concealed Weapon Permit

"Laminated Permit needing changes
It is possible to make changes to a laminated card for a fee of $5.00 in addition to the Change fees mentioned above."

[More Cowbell]

I was initially very concerned about its durability. But it almost never gets handled. I wish it looked more 'official' with a photo on it, but folded up behind the CDL works just fine IMO.

[inboost]

When I was issued my CCW a mistake was made on a serial number for one of my carry guns. Trisha apologized and informed me she could not list the gun until I had the mistake corrected. She said, "You need to wait to laminate your license because I will be typing directly on the CCW when the serial number issue is cleared up".

I had not intimated in any way I was going to laminate it (because per this thread I had decided I wasn't going to) and so I asked her, "I was told that it was better not to laminate as it helps convey authenticity". She looked at me like I was 10 years old and trying to convince her that it was ok to eat candy right before I went to bed (I have 3 kids, I give 'The Look' on a regular basis). Her reply, "It will last much longer, but it's up to you if you want to keep paying $10 every time it falls apart"...


No, mine is still not laminated.

[Hoser]

You heard it straight from the horses mouth (her). It's ok to laminate...even the penal code says so and some counties will even laminate for you. With that said, I don't laminate mine because it makes it an odd size that won't fit into my wallet. I just stick it in a place in my wallet I don't access that often...it will be fine. I've had mine a couple of months and have no reason to pull it out.