The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the city of Glendale, California, challenging the fees and procedures required to obtain a concealed carry permit.
The lawsuit, detailed in a report released Nov. 9, 2026, alleges that the city’s permitting system violates the Second Amendment rights of its residents. According to the department, the financial costs and subjective application requirements create an unreasonable barrier to legally carrying a firearm.
The Glendale Police Department manages the permit system, charging initial applicants between $1,971 and $2,106. Residents must renew these permits every two years, with renewal fees set between $1,271 and $1,406. The Justice Department noted that these costs are significantly higher than the previous fiscal year, when the Glendale Police Department charged $100 for first-time applicants and $25 for renewals.
In addition to the monetary fees, the Glendale Police Department requires applicants to undergo psychological examinations and personal interviews. The application process also includes interviews with the applicant’s references and a review of their public statements, including social media accounts. The Justice Department stated that the Glendale Police Department does not publish objective standards detailing how it evaluates these background checks.
The lawsuit argues that the city’s policies lack the narrow and definite standards required by the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Jesus Osete said the city cannot impose unreasonable fees and unchecked discretion that undermine constitutional rights. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California added that the exorbitant fees interfere with fundamental freedoms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces firearm rights alongside the Police Pattern or Practice Act and Executive Order 14206. The agency directed individuals who believe local governments have infringed on their firearm rights to submit complaints through its official website.