Getting a Concealed Carry Permit: Info for Americans and State Laws
64
What is a CCW?
A CCW is a permit that allows you to carry a concealed weapon on your person or in the close vicinity. CCW stands for Carrying a Concealed Weapon. There are many people who are entitled to carry a concealed weapon whether it is for a law enforcement job or just for safety.
What Am I Going to Need for a CCW Permit?
Each state has different requirements for a CCW. You can't apply for one at a federal level so you need to check with your state to see the requirements. I will list a great resource to finding your state's requirements later.
In general you're going to need money. A CCW can cost a few hundred dollars and months of time waiting for everything to go through. You're going to need to look into a safety course. Not just any safety course but an approved one. You're going to need to check in with your local sheriff to see what you need to complete to get your license. Your local sheriff will also tell you what safety course you'll need to attend.
The sheriff's office will also need to do a background check. This is to make sure that you're not a major danger to those around you if and when you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon. This process costs money to file the forms and a few months to wait until you're cleared or not.
State law info and Resource
More Info
As noted above, all states have different requirements. Illinois and Wisconsin do not issue CCW permits. The other states will vary.
Best Info on CCW Permits
- USA Carry
Concealed Carry, Concealed Carry Reciprocity Permit Maps, Concealed Carry Permit Info By State, Instructors, Concealed Weapons Permit This should be the place to go for all further info on CCW permits
Some Great CCW Books
 | Good starting book for info and options on how to carry your weapon Amazon Price: $12.49 List Price: $24.99 |
 | This book lists some of the best handguns for concealed carry. If you can't decide on one this would be a great place to start, or to add another to your arsenal Amazon Price: $5.85 List Price: $24.99 |
 | Some bits of this book are dated, but it's been recommended to me by a few law enforcement officials. It gives you great tips on how to defend yourself and even what to do afterward such as ramifications, legal info, etc Amazon Price: $60.47 List Price: $12.95 |
Mary Contrary 12 months ago
Thanks for the information. I have a concealed carry license for the State of Ohio. The license itself only cost $50 with renewal in five years. It only took one week to be issued the license after paperwork and test scores were filed. I'm a sixty-five year old grandmother with a bit of arthritis in the fingers so pulling a trigger is not easy, but I like the fact that if I have to pull it I know how. My husband and I went to a week-end outdoor course in the hills of southern Ohio to train and qualify. It was a blast. No pun intended. Let me add,thank you for your service!