Updated October 16, 2026
California law now requires new fingerprints to be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for every CCW renewal processed on or after September 1, 2026. If you are renewing your CCW license (often called a concealed carry permit), you will need to be Live Scanned (fingerprinted) again. Here is what the law says, what to bring and where to go.
What the law says
California Penal Code §26185 requires the sheriff or police department that issued your license to submit new fingerprints to DOJ with every renewal it sends on or after September 1, 2026. This date was set by SB 2 in 2023.
What this means for you
Until September 1, 2026, renewing did not require a Live Scan fingerprint background check. Now it does. You will need a Live Scan (electronic fingerprinting) before your agency can renew your license.
Apply early. Your agency has to wait for DOJ’s response before it can issue your license, and you cannot carry on an expired license while you wait. If you miss your renewal by more than 90 days, many agencies make you start over as a new applicant.
What to bring to your Live Scan
- Your Live Scan form (BCIA 8016). Use the form from the sheriff or police department that issued your license. It tells DOJ where to send your results. DOJ sends results only to the agency named on the form, so a Live Scan done for a job or a different agency won’t count.
- A valid, unexpired government photo ID, such as a driver license or DMV ID card.
- Payment. Capital Live Scan’s fingerprinting fee starts at $25. This does not include the applicable government fees. Each law enforcement agency can also charge its own renewal fee, which is paid to them separately.
Fingerprinting takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your results go straight from DOJ to your agency. We never see them.
Where to go
First, check with the sheriff or police department that issued your license (your licensing authority). Some allow any authorized Live Scan location, while others only take fingerprints at their own office. Orange County, for example, allows any authorized Live Scan location.
If your agency allows outside locations, walk in at any of our 35+ locations across California. Most need no appointment. Getting fingerprinted with a class or club? See group fingerprinting below.
Questions? Call (916) 456-5260.
Common questions
Do I need a new Live Scan to renew my CCW license? Yes, if your renewal is processed on or after September 1, 2026.
Will my current license be extended to three years? No. AB 1948 lets standard CCW licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027 last up to three years. Your current license keeps its printed expiration date, and other license types have their own terms under Penal Code §26220.
Where do I get the Live Scan form? From the sheriff or police department that issued your license, often through their online renewal application.
How long do results take? Live Scan results usually reach the requesting agency within 48 to 72 hours, but DOJ has not published a timeline for CCW renewals, and your agency still needs time to process your renewal after that. Apply well before your license expires.
What if my license already expired? You cannot carry on an expired license. If it has been more than 90 days, many agencies require you to apply as a new applicant.
I live outside California. How do I get fingerprinted? There are two ways. If you’re in California, bring the Live Scan form from the California agency you applied to any of our locations. From home, a law enforcement agency in your state can take your fingerprints on an FD-258 card, which you then mail to the California agency with DOJ’s fees. Check with that agency for details.
Group fingerprinting for CCW classes, ranges and clubs
Running a CCW class, a range event or a gun club meeting? We can fingerprint your whole group on site, so your students and members don’t have to make a separate trip.
- We come to you. We bring our equipment to your range, classroom or meeting space, anywhere in California, seven days a week.
- No travel or setup fees. Fingerprinting starts at $26 per person, plus applicable government fees. Bulk pricing is available for large groups.
- Group size. At least 15 people in the Sacramento region, or 25 for events more than 45 miles from Sacramento.
- Book ahead. Give us at least two weeks’ notice.
- Easy payment. Each person can pay on site, or we can send one invoice to your business.
Each person brings their own Live Scan form from the agency that issued their license, plus a photo ID. Everyone’s agency must allow outside Live Scan locations.
Call (916) 829-0350 or request a group quote.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check current requirements with the agency that issued your license.
Sources: Penal Code §26185 · Penal Code §26220 · AB 1948 · California DOJ Bulletin 2026-DLE-13