Updated September 2026. Waiting until the final weeks of a California CCW license can create unnecessary problems. Renewal timing and procedures vary by issuing agency, and California added a new fingerprint requirement for renewal applications beginning September 1, 2026.
Start by checking your issuing agency
Your sheriff or police department controls the local renewal workflow. Confirm when its renewal window opens, which application portal it uses, its training-vendor requirements, and when it wants training and fingerprinting completed.
Riverside County renewal timing
Riverside County currently allows renewal applicants to apply within the 180-day period before the expiration date listed on the current license. Starting early provides time for the application, fingerprints, training, qualification and agency processing.
California CCW renewal checklist
- Confirm your permit expiration date.
- Open your issuing agency's current renewal instructions.
- Start the renewal application when the agency's filing window opens.
- Follow the agency's current Live Scan instructions. Renewal applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026 require new fingerprints.
- Complete the required 8-hour renewal training with an authorized provider.
- Complete required live-fire qualification according to your issuing agency's rules.
- Upload or submit all requested certificates and qualification records.
- Monitor your application portal and respond promptly to agency requests.
Do not use an old checklist
California CCW procedures changed in 2026. In particular, a checklist written before September 1 may omit the new renewal fingerprint requirement. Always compare any training-provider guide against current agency instructions.
VTG renewal training
Veterans Training Group offers renewal training for supported California jurisdictions. Select the course corresponding to your issuing agency and verify its current requirements before booking.
This article is educational information and not legal advice.