The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department — which already charged high fees for a CCW Permit—recently amended its fee schedule and now charges an application fee of $976.00 ($488 initial fee + $488 issuance fee), up from $662.00. This amount does not include the additional expense borne by the applicant of a required training course (typically $250-$400).

In addition to the cost barrier of the permit itself, the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department insists that all applicants submit to an intrusive psychological examination (costing about $500) to determine if the applicant is “mentally fit” to exercise a fundamental right. Though statutory authority exists for allocating the costs of such an examination (presumably—and only—in appropriate circumstances), there is no statutory authority (nor any constitutional authority) for conditioning the exercise of a fundamental right on submission to psychological testing for every applicant without evidence and good cause.

On September 22, 2025, SAF, joined by California Rifle and Pistol Association, and a number of private individuals, filed suit challenging Santa Clara’s burdensome and abusive permit application and processing scheme, in the Northern District of California. The case seeks both declaratory and injunctive relief.

Case Team: Don Kilmer, Chuck Michel

Recent Docket Activity

View Entire Docket Here