California’s Bureau of Firearms information bulletin 2026-DLE-14 takes effect today: CCW license renewals now require Live Scan fingerprints, fees rise, and agencies must enroll in federal Rap Back service by December 31.
Sources checked September 14, 2026. Educational information only, not legal advice.
| What changed | CCW license renewals require Live Scan fingerprints plus new issuance gating; fees increase and agencies must enroll in the FBI Federal Rap Back Service by December 31, 2026. |
| Effective | September 1, 2026 (per bulletin dated August 31, 2026); agency enrollment required by December 31, 2026. |
| Applies to | Sherriffs and municipal licensing authorities issuing CCW licenses; and CCW renewal applicants statewide. |
| Statutory basis | Pen. Code §§ 26185, 26190, 11105(u), 11105.2, 26225; SB 2 (Stats. 2023, Ch. 249); DOJ Information Bulletin No. 2026-DLE-14. |
What happened
On August 31, 2026, the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement (Chief Stephen Woolery) issued Information Bulletin No. 2026-DLE-14, “Changes in Law Effective September 1, 2026 Regarding Renewal CCW Licenses and Mandatory Enrollment in Federal Rap Back Service,” addressed to all criminal justice and law enforcement agencies that issue concealed-carry licenses under Penal Code sections 26150, 26155, and 26170. Per Senate Bill 2 (Stats. 2023, Ch. 249), the bulletin directs that, effective September 1, 2026, “licensing authorities must submit to the Department fingerprint images, with applicable fees, for each applicant applying for a renewal CCW license pursuant to subdivision (u) of Penal Code section 11105,” using the BCIA 8016 Live Scan form, and that agencies are “not authorized to issue a renewal CCW license until both of the following occur: (1) the applicant’s fingerprint images and appropriate fees have been submitted to the Department, and (2) the Department has confirmed the applicant’s eligibility to possess, receive, own, or purchase a firearm.”
What it means for you
If you are renewing a California CCW on or after September 1, 2026, expect to Live Scan and pay a higher, type-specific renewal fee: $71 (Employment), $93 (Standard), $115 (Judge), $137 (Reserve Officer), $137 (Custodial Officer), up from prior levels to cover processing. Submit your fingerprints early and use the most current BCIA 8016 form at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms to avoid delays. Licensing authorities must also enroll in the new FBI Federal Rap Back Service starting September 1, 2026, and are required to do so by December 31, 2026 under Penal Code 11105(u)(4); that enrollment gives agencies federal-level notifications about arrested or disqualified licensees. For readers, watch for possible processing delays this fall while agencies stand up the new workflow. The bulletin itself states it “is not legal advice” and directs agencies to their own counsel — verify specifics with your county sheriff or police department.
The official source
Read the primary sources rather than a summary of them, including this one.
- DOJ Division of Law Enforcement Information Bulletin No. 2026-DLE-14 — Renewal CCW Licenses The dated operative document, effective September 1, 2026, covering fingerprinting, revised fees, issuance gating, and mandatory Federal Rap Back enrollment.
Discuss
Update log
- September 14, 2026 Published from DOJ Information Bulletin No. 2026-DLE-14 by CA2A Newsroom.
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