Frequently Asked Questions

The Pismo Beach Police Department is located at: 1000 Bello Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. 

Coming Northbound on Hwy 101 Exit 191A for Wadsworth Ave, turn right onto Wadsworth Ave, then turn right at the 1st cross street onto Bello Street. 

Driving Directions: Coming Southbound on Hwy 101 Exit 190B for Hinds Ave/Price Cyn Rd, turn left onto Hinds Ave/Price Canyon Rd and turn left onto Bello Street. 

Police Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The Pismo Beach Police Department lobby is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

Administrative Business Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. 

Records Bureau Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. 

Property Room Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. (Property is released by appointment only.)

Applicants need to complete a DOJ CCW application and complete a background check. All requests to carry a concealed weapon must be reviewed and approved by the Chief of Police. For further information on the application procedure for a license to Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW), click here 

Clearance letters cover only the Pismo Beach jurisdiction. The fee is $44.26 per letter and may be paid by cash, check, or money order (made payable to the City of Pismo Beach). Call (805) 773-7024 between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, for more information. Allow five days for completion of the letter.

Live Scan fingerprinting fees are $72.05 for the rolling fee plus the DOJ/FBI fee which is typically between $32 and $93. Call (805) 773-7078 to schedule an appointment. We accept cash or checks only at time of service.

If you were issued a ticket by our agency or another agency, you can have the citation signed off at no charge. Bring the citation and the vehicle to the Police Department. After the officer has signed off the citation, contact the court noted on your citation for fine information.

Traffic Collision reports are usually available 7-10 working days from the date the report was taken. All other reports are subject to release per 7923.600 et seq of the Public Records Act. Call (805) 773-7024 from Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for availability and cost.

For more information on how to obtain a permit to drive a taxi cab in Pismo Beach, please contact Police Administration at (805) 773-7029.

The vehicle impound release fee is $253.00 (CASH ONLY) as of July 6, 2026. Contact the towing company for the towing and storage fee. Vehicle and property releases can be made only to the registered owner. Registered owners unable to appear in person must provide a notarized letter giving permission for you to retrieve the vehicle on their behalf. Call (805) 773-7024 for more information. If the vehicle is placed on a hold, you may schedule an in-person early release hearing with the on duty Watch Commander. This is not a guarantee that the vehicle will be released early. All vehicles must have a current registration at time of release.

Volunteer services are a vital part of the Pismo Beach Police Dept. Volunteers serve in various capacities throughout the department. Graduates of our Citizen Academy are eligible to become members of the Citizen Volunteer Patrol (CVP). CVPs perform tasks such as traffic control, vacation house checks, transportation of court documents, and much more. Currently the Pismo Beach Police Department has 13 volunteers. If you would like more information about the volunteer opportunities that exist within the department, please contact Sergeant Jason Spears at (805) 773-2208 or jspears@pismobeach.org.

Clam Responsibly. Avoid a citation and fine. These rules apply specifically to the Pismo Clam, Tivela stultorum. Reference California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 29.20 and 29.40.

• California Ocean Sport Fishing License required for clammers over the age of 16. (Apply for a license from the state online.)
• A measuring device is required.
• Keep only clams 4½ inches or larger.
• Rebury all undersized clams. (View state guidelines.)
• Limit: 10 clams per person at any time.
• Every clammer must use their own container.
• Clamming only permitted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
• Hydraulic pumps may not be used to take clams

Rebury Undersized Clams

• Bury at least 2” deep with the hinge towards the ocean and ligament pointing upwards. (View state guidelines.)

Report Violations

• To report a violation, call 1-888-334-CALTIP, visit wildlife.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip or download the free CALTIP app.

A fishing license is not required to fish off the pier. However if you plan to fish from the shoreline or from a boat, a license is necessary. Also, if you are planning to park in the pier parking lot between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am in order to fish, you will need a parking pass, obtainable in the lobby of the Pismo Beach Police Station on 1000 Bello Street.

Yes! Texting 911 can be a lifesaver in situations where speaking could put you in danger or if you have a hearing or speech impairment. If you're unable to make a voice call or it's unsafe to do so, simply text 911 with your location and a brief description of the emergency. Remember, it's always best to call if you can, but when you can't, texting provides a vital alternative.