EXCLUSIVE: Trump DOJ Slaps California City With Lawsuit Over Sky-High Gun-Carry Permit Fees

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit Monday against a California city that charges over $1,000 to apply for a concealed carry permit.

The city of Glendale, California, announced on its website it would charge $1,078 for an initial application for a concealed carry permit, which would come in addition to fees for fingerprinting, a training course and a psychological evaluation. In its complaint, the DOJ noted that the total expenses for an applicant went beyond just what the city charged.

“When all of the fees and costs are aggregated, the total cost of obtaining an initial CCW application is approximately $2,000,” the DOJ said in its complaint. “This amount does not include additional provider ‘Rolling Fees’ for fingerprinting. The total cost for a renewal application is approximately $1,300.  Renewed licenses in Glendale are valid for only two years. Thus, the approximately $1,300 fee must be paid every two years indefinitely.”

“This amount does not include additional provider ‘Rolling Fees’ for fingerprinting or the fees associated with the Live Scan requirement effective September 1, 2026,” DOJ continued. “It also assumes the Glendale PD does not compel the renewal CCW Applicant to submit to a psychological evaluation under California Penal Code § 26190 (e)(2). Additional fees apply for such an evaluation. In other words, Glendale charges its residents approximately $54.17 per month to exercise a fundamental constitutional right. In contrast, the Supreme Court held unconstitutional a payment of $1.50 to vote.”

DOJ officials argued that the fees were “unreasonable” and a violation of residents’ Second Amendment rights.

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting law abiding citizens’ right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment,” said acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Jesus Osete. “The City of Glendale cannot impose unreasonable fees and unbridled discretion that undermines that core constitutional right.”