First Time Concealed Weapon License Application
Attention Military Members and Veterans:
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now expediting all Florida concealed weapon or firearm license applications submitted by active military members and veterans. Learn more about expedited processing for military members and veterans.
First-Time Applicant: Step-by-Step Guide
Make an appointment to visit our North Tampa office and apply in person using our Concealed Weapon Intake System (CWIS). This system helps you get your license faster by streamlining the application review process. Alternatively, you can apply directly through FDACS.
Need help? Visit FDACS FAQ page for more information.
Acceptable forms of picture ID include the following:
- Driver License, or
- State Identification Card, or
- U.S. Passport, or
- U.S. Active Duty /Retiree/ Reserve Military ID Card, or
- U.S. Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs ID card, or
- Foreign Passport with appropriate immigration documents, or
- An ID Card issued by U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must be 21 years of age or older
- You must provide training documents or Certificate of Firearm Proficiency. View acceptable forms of training documents.
- Unless you are serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, you must currently reside in the United States (US) AND be a US citizen or deemed a lawful permanent resident alien by Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If you are serving overseas in the US Armed Forces, submit a copy of your deployment documentation with your application. Those who are ‘Resident Aliens’ must provide a valid Permanent Resident Alien card. US Citizens born outside of the United States must provide proof of citizenship.
- Before proceeding, complete this quick preliminary questionnaire to determine if you are eligible to obtain a concealed weapon license.
Florida law requires you to submit proof of competency with a firearm in order to qualify for a concealed weapon license. A copy of a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable:
- Any approved hunter education or safety course,
- Any National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms safety or training course,
- Any firearm safety or training course conducted by an instructor certified by the NRA,
- Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
- Any law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement
- Documentary evidence of experience with a firearm obtained through participation in an organized shooting competition
- Active Duty Military Personnel: Active duty military ID card; orders including call to active-duty letter; A statement of military service signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and provides your date of entry on your current active-duty period
- Former Military Personnel: DD Form 214 reflecting honorable discharge from military service.
Be prepared to provide information or documentation, if applicable:
- If you have ever been arrested, you must bring a certified court document reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you
- If you were born outside of the United States, or if you are a permanent legal resident alien, you must bring official documentation that confirms your citizenship status. Review citizenship eligibility requirements.
- The Concealed Weapon Intake System (CWIS) provides you with an opportunity to complete and submit your application, have your picture taken, scan your documents and electronically scan your fingerprints in person at our authorized North Tampa office.
- For other alternatives for submitting application, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.