DOJ Ends Lawsuit as LASD Reduces Concealed Carry Permit Delays

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has significantly reduced the delays in processing concealed carry permit applications. This resolution came after a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit accused the agency of leaving many applications unprocessed, forcing some gun owners to wait up to three years. The DOJ has now ended its lawsuit, citing LASD’s compliance with California’s permitting deadlines.

The DOJ’s lawsuit, considered a victory for gun owners, was initially filed in September 2025. At that time, applicants faced average delays of over nine months for permit decisions. LASD has since improved the situation by investing in new processing software and adding staff to handle applications more efficiently.

The DOJ action marked the first time the department supported gun owners’ Second Amendment rights through legal intervention.

Applicants previously faced excessive wait times, with the DOJ reporting that many waited an average of 281 days for LASD action. Some applicants waited as long as 1,030 days. California law requires that such applications be processed within 90 days.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the constitutional right to bear arms and criticized Los Angeles County for infringing on that right. The LASD delays led not only to federal action but also to other legal challenges from gun rights organizations and individuals.

With the settlement, LASD has committed to procedures that ensure applications are processed effectively. The DOJ applauded LASD’s efforts to eliminate application backlogs and improve processes.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division remains vigilant in its support for Second Amendment protections. It continues to pursue challenges to firearms laws and encourages complaints from individuals who feel their rights are infringed.