So You Wanna Be a Licensed to Chill Gun Owner in San Diego? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Thinking about strapping on a holster and joining the ranks of San Diego's lawfully concealed carry crew? Awesome! Just be prepared for a bit of a spendy adventure. Gearing up for concealed carry isn't quite like picking up a pack of gum at the corner store.
The Big Kahuna: Fees and Firearms Training
First things first, there are those pesky permit fees. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department charges a non-refundable application fee of around $160. Think of it as your initiation fee to the exclusive club of licensed gun-toters.
But that's not all, my friend. California law mandates that you take a certified training course. Here's where things get interesting. As of January 6th, 2024, the required training course has doubled to 16 hours! Budget for somewhere around $200 to $400 for this class, depending on the instructor you choose.
Pro Tip: Don't skimp on the training! This is your chance to learn the laws, safe handling practices, and the finer points of shooting under pressure. You want to be James Bond, not Barney Fife, right?
Beyond the Basics: Firearms and Fancy Fees
Now, let's talk about the piece de resistance: your firearm(s). The application fee covers listing up to 4 guns on your permit. That sounds like a good deal, until you realize there's a $25 fee to add firearms number 5 through 8, and then it jumps to another $25 for every additional four firearms after that.
So, if you're a collector with an arsenal that would make Rambo jealous, this could get pricey. But hey, at least you'll have options!
Don't Forget the Fingerprinting Fun!
Finally, there's the delightful task of getting fingerprinted. The Sheriff's Department doesn't offer this service in-house, so you'll need to find a Live Scan operator. Fees typically run around $75 to $100.
Think of it as a small price to pay to avoid any confusion with that other San Diego resident with a fondness for firearms, like, you know, Bonnie and Clyde.
The Bottom Line: How Much Does it REALLY Cost?
So, how much are we looking at grand total? Well, that depends on your firearm ambitions and your training course selection. A safe ballpark estimate is somewhere between $500 and $900.
But hey, look at the bright side! Once you have your CCW permit, you'll be the envy of all your non-licensed friends (or at least the ones who aren't scared of guns).
How-To FAQs for the Aspiring San Diego CCW Holder:
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