The Wire · CalGunHub

California DOJ details new CCW renewal fingerprinting and FBI Rap Back requirements

Published October 31, 2026 · Updated October 31, 2026

The California Department of Justice released guidelines for law enforcement agencies regarding new concealed carry renewal procedures and mandatory enrollment in a federal background check system.

Summary by the CalGunHub desk.

Who this affects: Californians applying to renew a concealed carry license will face increased fees and a requirement to submit new fingerprint images. Because local agencies cannot issue a renewal until the state confirms firearm eligibility, applicants might experience different processing timelines. Furthermore, licensees will be continuously monitored for out-of-state arrests through the federal Rap Back system.

On August 31, 2026, the California Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement issued Information Bulletin 2026-DLE-14. The finalized bulletin advises law enforcement agencies of statutory changes to the concealed carry weapon (CCW) license renewal process that took effect on September 1, 2026.

Under the new procedures mandated by Senate Bill 2, licensing authorities must submit applicant fingerprint images and updated fees to the state for all CCW renewals. The standard CCW renewal fee is now $93.00. Agencies are prohibited from issuing a renewal license until the fingerprints are submitted and the Department of Justice confirms the applicant is eligible to possess firearms.

The bulletin also requires licensing authorities to enroll in the FBI Next Generation Identification Noncriminal Justice Rap Back Service. This system provides federal-level notifications regarding arrests and dispositions for CCW licensees. The document notes, "Licensing authorities must complete enrollment in the Federal Rap Back Service no later than December 31, 2026." Additionally, the state introduced a revised license form (BOF 4501) and a new Sacramento mailing address for agencies to send copies of issued licenses.

Reproduced from the official source.

Informational only, not legal advice. Facts are attributed to the sources listed above.