EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Concealed carry permit holders in El Dorado County will soon see fewer renewal requirements following the enactment of a new California law extending the validity of Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) licenses.
On June 30, 2026, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1948 (AB 1948) into law, making several administrative changes to California’s concealed carry licensing process. Among the most significant changes for permit holders is an extension of the standard CCW license term from two years to three years.
The new licensing period does not take effect immediately. Instead, the law becomes effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Beginning on that date, all newly issued California CCW licenses, as well as renewed licenses, will be valid for three years from the date of issuance.
Residents who already possess a valid California CCW license do not need to take any immediate action. Any permit issued before Jan. 1, 2027, will remain valid under the existing two-year expiration schedule. Once those permits are renewed after Jan. 1, 2027, the renewed licenses will be issued with the new three-year validity period.
For El Dorado County residents, the change means fewer renewal appointments and a longer interval between permit renewals while continuing to comply with California’s existing concealed carry licensing requirements, including training and eligibility standards established under state law.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, which administers CCW permits for county residents, announced the upcoming change to help permit holders understand the transition before it takes effect.
“Beginning January 1, 2027, the law extends the duration of a California CCW license to three years from the date of issuance.”
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that no current permits are automatically extended. Existing licenses remain valid only until their printed expiration date and must be renewed according to current law until the new provisions become effective.
AB 1948 represents an administrative adjustment rather than an expansion or reduction of who may qualify for a concealed carry permit. The legislation changes the duration of the license while leaving California’s application process, background checks, eligibility requirements and issuing authority intact.
Residents seeking additional information about CCW licensing or the upcoming transition may contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office CCW Unit by email at CCW@eldoradosheriff.gov.
Additional information regarding California firearms laws and concealed carry licensing is available through the California Legislature and the California Department of Justice.
Sources:
- California Assembly Bill 1948 (2025-2026 Regular Session)
- El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office CCW Unit public announcement
- California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms
