How easy is it to get a CCW in northern Alabama?

[Joey_the_Wolf]

Hi,

I'm moving from my home in Florida up to Alabama. I'm currently 21 years old and a broke college student, so the hefty price for the Florida CCW license means I currently don't have one (all in all, with classes and fingerprints and all that jazz, it was going to be like $200 out of my pocket). I view this as a Bad Thing, since I'm severely limited as to how and where I can carry my firearm without a CCW. Since I'm moving next month, I'm very happy that the county I'm moving to only charges about $20 for the CCW license. That's it. Needless to say that put a smile on my face. Until I saw that AL is a "may issue" state, and it's pretty much up to the sheriff of the county to give it to me or not.
I hear that it's pretty much "Shall issue" for everyone over 21 assuming they have a clean record (which I do. I'm a Criminal Justice student trying to get into law enforcement, so I've stayed clean).
Here's my concern though, how likely are they to give a 21 year old college student who just moved into the state a CCW license? How long do I have to live in state in order to be eligible for one? What's the process like? Fingerprints? Classes? Interviews? How long do I have to wait for the license? Should I put down "Self Defense" as my "reason" for applying for the CCW, or should I elaborate more? I just don't want to waste my money and time and then have the sheriff say "Nope. Sorry. I just don't feel like giving you your CCW."

I'm searched the internet quite a bit, but I have not found a clear answer, so I was hoping to find out from someone who's actually done it.

Any and all info would be appreciated, thanks in advance

 

[tydephan]

Joey,

I live in Madison County. Here, the process is very simple.

There are no classes or anything like that. Simply pick up an application, fill it out. It requires a 2X2 (I think) photo of yourself. They do require a "reason" for requesting the permit. I listed self-defense and acquired mine with no problem. You must submit the application in person and present a $20 check, but that's about the most difficult portion of it.

Mine took about 6-weeks to arrive in the mail. After that, it is only $10 per year to renew, which can be done via mail.

The only thing that may derail you is the length of residence. I can't remember if it is a requirement to be a resident for a certain period of time, but I know for a fact that it is a question on the application.

I've got a spare application and pistol permit booklet at home. I'll look tonight and see what it says.

Regards,
John

 

[Myrdhyn]

I also live in Madison County and can confirm that here, jackson county, and marshall county are all easy places to get a permit.

It is an extremely easy process. Get a "passport photo" done at walmart, they will give you two photos. Take one copy of it (save the other for later)and $20 ,this will cover getting a hard copy and paper copy of your license to the court house. Fill out the card they give you and give them the photo. You will need a "reason" on the application, I listed Self-Defense and to exercise my Second Amendment right and had no problems.

They will TELL you they will call you but in my experience(and that of my friends) this doesn't happen. Mine took about 4 weeks to come in ,or rather I called them in about the 3-4 week timespan and it was in the first time I called. I have heard of people getting them much quicker so you might wanna check sooner. I did have one co-worker that walked in with a picture and $20 and walked out with his permit the same day so I guess it depends what county you live in (he was in Jackson county I think).

Mine did not come in the mail, I had to go to the court house and pick it up, they took a picture for the plastic one and also gave me a copy. I keep the plastic one in my wallet and the paper one and the spare passport photo from earlier in an envelope in my car.

edit: Also, I remember hearing that most places around here want you to be a resident of that county for X time period first, can't remember if this is true or what they value of X may be, but they people at the courthouse are very helpful.

 

[cornelius]

Limestone is just as easy, valid ID and 15.00 dollars and the clerk at the sheriff's office gives you the paper permit. I had to give a reason as well, I said to exercise my second amendment right. The clerk gave me a funny look and said here's your permit.

 

[tydephan]

Myrdhyn is correct. I had to go originally and pick mine up at the courthouse as well. In my earlier post, I was mistaken about that bit. I was thinking of when I got it renewed. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[jason1173]

I think it will really depend on the county. None of them should be a problem. Down in the boonies of Crenshaw County, you walk into the Sheriff's office, fill out the application, they run a background check, you walk out with your permit. No picture was required. I think mine was $25. They even laminate the paper license for ya. About 15 minutes is all it takes. They do require a reason. I had no problems listing self defense.

 

[Joey_the_Wolf]

Outstanding, thanks a bunch for the info. Hopefully Morgan County will be the same as the experiences listed above. As far as the time of residency thing goes, I have no problem waiting for a while (I'm guessing it's probably like 30-90 days). I'm still somewhat amazed that it's only $20 for a permit. I wish it was like that in FL too, lol.

 

[Myrdhyn]

One sec, let me email a friend that I am pretty sure lives in morgan county and I'll try and get details for you.

nvm: looks like he lives on the edge of morgan county but actually in marshall county

 

[libertyguns9]

Dude, don't sweat it. You're golden. Definitely depends on the county though. Where I'm at, you print out the app online. Fill it out. Send it in with $20 check and two days later you get a CCW in the mail. No pictures, no prints, no judges, nothing.

However, one county away I think you have to go before a magistrate and do it all in person. Either way, AL is still a great place to get a CCW!!

Welcome to Alabama btw too! Hope you like it!

 

[tydephan]

I assume that you have already visited this link for information? They have the printable application available online.

 

[Tommygunn]

Here in Morgan County you go to the county seat (Decatur, where I conveniently live) and go to the sheriff's office, pay $20.00 and get photographed, fill out an application (mine was xeroxed on a 8 1/2 X 11" paper) and get a NICS check run, then they give you a CCW. I have forgotten if they give you a temp and mail you the plastic one later. Every year I get a reminder on the anniversary date and send in another $20.00 and a week later I get a new CCW. It's really simple.

 

[Jim Watson]

I'm in Lauderdale Co. and you submit an application. Ours is not a picture or fingerprint ID. I have very occasionally been called by people who listed me as a character reference. I don't know if there is a startup fee, but annual renewal is $10. I have my schedules adjusted so I go to the courthouse once a year for pistol permit, car tag, and real estate tax.

Alabama permits are issued by the county but are good statewide and in all adjoining states; Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Not many nationwide because we do not have a training requirement. Which did not amount to much when I went through the Florida nonresident process. I never sent in the money for the license, because Alabama and Florida went reciprocal.

 

[GhostCat]

Morgan County Here.......$20 and 10 Minutes Later, you'll have your CCW.....

 

[thekomet]

In Jefferson county it is very easy to get a CCW permit. $7.50, have three character references sign the application (they cannot be relatives of yours. this was not clear on the application, and even one of the workers at the Sheriff's office was not clear on it), and providing you pass the background check you will have the permit in exactly 2 weeks. No training classes are required.

 

[razzle]

mobile county here. couple of years ago when he turned 21, i gave our son a makarov, a bunch of ammo, and a $20 bill. all he wanted for his b'day was a ccw. just walk in the sheriff's office, fill out the form, pay the fee and you are good to go. can even renew by mail.

 

[Pat-inCO]

http://www.handgunlaw.us/