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Home » Blog » Preparing for the Renewal Surge: How Law Enforcement Can Handle the Concealed Carry Permits Wave of 2025

The 2020 Concealed Carry Spike Will Soon Impact Permit Departments Nationwide

In 2020, nearly 19.5 million concealed carry permits were active across the United States—a record high driven by a rise in personal safety concerns, political and social unrest, and unprecedented firearm sales. During this time, many Americans turned to concealed carry permits for an added sense of security, resulting in 820,000 new permits issued in a single year. Now, as these permits approach their five-year renewal deadline, law enforcement agencies nationwide are preparing for the surge of 2025.

For departments tasked with weapons permit processing, this anticipated renewal wave presents both challenges and an opportunity. The right approach—especially a move toward digital solutions—can ease the impact on staff and provide a more efficient service to the community.

The Impact of the 2020 Spike and the Path Forward 

When the concealed carry boom of 2020 hit, law enforcement agencies faced an influx of applications at a time when COVID-19 health restrictions made in-person processing difficult. Departments had to adapt quickly, but the resulting backlog and delays underscored a critical need for modernization. The lessons learned from 2020 can guide agencies today in handling the 2025 wave more efficiently.

Renewals for these permits are expected to peak in 2025, with thousands of applications set to flood departments nationwide. Addressing this influx with a digital strategy not only mitigates strain on staff but also reduces applicant wait times and improves the overall experience.

How Online Weapons Permit Applications Improve Efficiency

Taking weapons permit processing online offers numerous advantages, especially for agencies anticipating high volumes. Here’s how digital solutions can make a difference:

  1. Scaling Efficiency for High Demand Online processing automates the majority of administrative tasks, reducing manual work and shortening application times. This enables agencies to handle a larger volume of applications without needing to increase staff.
  2. Reducing In-Person Visits Allowing applicants to complete their applications, renewals, and payments online decreases foot traffic and helps avoid crowded offices. Agencies that have shifted to online weapons permit processing report a significant reduction in walk-in visits, which frees up staff to focus on other responsibilities.
  3. Secure and Convenient Payment Options Digital platforms allow applicants to pay securely online, streamlining fee collection for agencies and simplifying the process for applicants.
  4. Quick Implementation to Prepare Ahead of Demand Implementing digital solutions before demand peaks can prevent backlogs and prepare departments to handle a renewal surge with confidence. Our solution, PermitDirector, can be set up within 60 days, allowing agencies to be fully prepared to handle the influx of applications.

The Importance of Acting Now

Preparing for the 2025 renewal wave with a digital-first approach doesn’t just alleviate pressure on staff; it also promotes community satisfaction by delivering faster, more convenient service. Agencies that proactively modernize their systems will be well-positioned to manage high volumes without compromising service quality.

Is your agency ready to navigate the concealed carry renewal wave with greater efficiency? Visit Permitium.com to learn more about our solutions.