How Long Does It Take To Get a Concealed Carry License?

June 17, 2022

If you’re interested in a concealed carry license, then you may be wondering, “How long does it take to get my concealed carry license?” In short, it depends on the state, but it can take anywhere from 60 days to 6 months. However, there are several different steps and considerations that you must take before receiving your license. Remember to double-check gun laws and guidelines for your state.

Application

You may need to submit a CCW permit application depending on the state-specific requirements. You’ll likely need a copy of your background check, fingerprints, training certificate, driver’s license, as well as a processing fee. Of course, all of these are dependent on the state you live in. May-issue states can deny you a permit on a case-by-case basis regardless of whether you meet all their requirements. In shall-issue states, you can receive a permit simply by meeting all the requirements.

Shall-issue states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia.

May-issue states include: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

State-Dependent

Because each state has different requirements, the amount of time it takes to get a license depends on their guidelines. Let’s take a look at a state from the west, the Midwest, and the east.

Utah: Utah is a shall-issue state. This western state takes approximately 60 days to receive your permit. This permit lasts up to 5 years and can be renewed for a reasonable cost.

Illinois: This midwestern state is also a shall-issue state. It can take around 90 days for applications with fingerprints and 120 days for applications without fingerprints. Illinois does have a higher cost for license renewal every 5 years. The state also requires taking a 3-hour course every 5 years.

New York: New York is an eastern state that is known for being the most difficult to receive a permit in. It takes 6 to 9 months to receive a permit in this state.

Concealed Carry Classes

It’s no secret that before you can receive your license, you must attend and pass a concealed carry class near you. This will give you confidence before entering the real world with your firearm. This is why it’s suggested you take a class regardless of what your state’s legislature says. If you live in these states, it’s not required you take one, but it is still suggested: Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Other states either require a class to receive a permit or simply don’t give permits at all.

Firearm

If you have to take a class for your permit, you’ll need a firearm to shoot with. You can rent one if you need to, but if you’re going to get your license, then you need to practice with the firearm you’ll be carrying. Due to our economy at the moment, it takes longer to receive a firearm. If you purchase one online, it can take several months to finally receive it. It can take even longer if you decide to customize it with these elements:

• Color – Want your firearm and holster to reflect you? Consider proper customization without making your gun stand out too much. The purpose of carrying is not to uphold an image, but rather to protect and defend. However, it never hurts to enjoy the process of making your gun your own. From camouflage to color, there are many options to consider.
• Grip – It’s essential you have a proper grip on your firearm. Finding this can take some time, but it’s well worth it. From grip texture to grip size, you want something you can hold onto tightly and that fits in the palm of your hand so that your fingers can wrap all the way around. When you practice drawing in your concealed carry classes, you’ll want to have your chosen grip on the firearm. This may mean waiting to take a class, but the wait is well worth it.
• Sights– Sights are a third and important customization option. Stray away from large sights on a concealed carry gun. Smaller sights work best within your holster. If your firearm comes with larger sights, change these out when you can. Of course, everyone has an opinion on this and if larger sights work for you, stick with them and what you’re comfortable with.

Clothing

When you decide to invest in concealed carry, you’ll want to visit a tactical gear store while you wait for your license to come in the mail. At a tactical gear store, you can scope out appropriate clothing you can wear while you carry. Concealed carry clothing is an investment well worth the money. It will ensure proper clearance if you have to draw your firearm. You’ll also want clothes that are comfortable and able to be moved in. Flexible clothing allows you to draw quickly and comfortably if a threat arises.

Holster

You’ll want to invest in a holster before you take your class as well. If your state doesn’t require a class for permits, then there’s no need to rush this purchase. However, you’ll want to practice drawing from your holster as much as possible when you do get one. If you do need to take a class, you need to purchase your holster beforehand. Don’t purchase a holster just to get one, either; take your time, even if it means waiting for the next offered class and getting your license a little later. Your holster could be holding your life in it, and it’s not a decision to be made lightly. If you decide to carry on your body, decide what is most comfortable and versatile for you.

How long it will take for you to get a concealed carry license is dependent on the state you live in, your class (if you must take one), and how long it takes to purchase your firearm, clothing, and holster. Invest in these today so that the process goes smoother and quicker for you.

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