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California Concealed Carry Laws - How To Get A CCW Gun Permit License Online |
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Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
California is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen on June 23rd, 2022. Licenses are issued by the county sheriff’s office or local police station.
Any resident of this state who has not previously reported ownership of a firearm or anyone moving into California with a firearm is considered a “personal firearm importer” and must provide a report to the DOJ regarding their firearm or sell or transfer the firearm through a licensed dealer or to a sheriff or police department. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) runs a background check and retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearms sales and transfers.
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All firearms sales must be completed through a dealer. A permit to purchase, a background check, and a transaction report to the DOJ are required to buy a handgun. No person may sell, loan, or transfer a firearm to a minor, nor sell a handgun to an individual under 21 years of age. All ammunition purchases require a DOJ “point of sale” eligibility check with $1 paid by the consumer.
The open carry of firearms is governed in California by a set of laws that, at times, conflict with one another. Openly carrying loaded or unloaded firearms in public is generally prohibited in California. However, the sheriff of any county with a population under 200,000 people, or the chief of police of a city within that county, may issue licenses to carry a loaded, exposed handgun. Those licenses are only valid in the county where they are issued.
Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). The minimum age is 18 years old, although a licensing authority has the discretion to require applicants to be older than 18 years of age. A CCWL may include any reasonable restrictions or conditions which the issuing authority deems warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry a firearm. Many areas are off-limits, including schools, courthouses, and businesses that sell alcohol for consumption. As of January 1, 2019, concealed carry licenses require a minimum eight-hour firearms training course that teaches California firearms laws and gun safety, including firing a gun in a “live-fire” shooting exercise at a shooting range. California issues carry licenses to residents, individuals who work in the state, and active duty military members permanently stationed in California. In terms of reciprocity, California does not honor any other states’ concealed carry permits.
A U.S. citizen or legal resident at least 18 years old may carry a handgun anywhere within his or her place of residence, place of business, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the citizen or legal resident. A permit or license is not required for a person to carry within these locations.
The appellate court decision that struck down California’s ban on possessing large-capacity gun magazines has been vacated as a broader panel (en banc) of the court readies to rehear the San Diego-based case. While the ban on owning large-capacity magazines stays in place for now, a lower-court ruling that prohibits enforcement of the ban while the case is being litigated also remains in effect.
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California is a Castle Doctrine state. The person using the force must have reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred and has no duty to retreat. Though California does not have a stand-your-ground statute, the state appellate cases have held that there is no duty to retreat before using force in public. In addition, California Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM) allow a jury to acquit someone based on a stand-your-ground defense. The instruction appears in CALCRIM #505 and #506, both of which deal with justifiable homicide.
Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within his or her residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury to self, family, or a member of the household when that force is used against another person, not a member of the family or household, who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred.
Question: What is the minimum age in California to get a concealed
carry license?
Answer: The minimum age is 21 years old.
Question: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in
California with a concealed carry license?
Answer: Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being
concealed upon the person are allowed.
Question: Does California have magazine capacity restrictions for
handguns?
Answer: Yes. No more than 10 rounds. The legal status of this
restriction is currently subject to ongoing court decisions and appeals.
Question: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in California?
Answer: Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess
without a license. The minimum age to purchase is 19 years old with no
felony convictions. They are not permitted on the property of state
universities, K-12 schools, or within the sterile area of an airport.
Question: Does California allow constitutional carry?
Answer: No.
Question: Does California have ammunition restrictions?
Answer: Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition and the purchase of .50 BMG
ammunition are prohibited. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase
ammunition. There are also restrictions on the purchase, transport, and
sale of ammunition, including background checks for purchases and
limitations on out-of-state purchases.
Question: Is open carry permitted in California?
Answer: Partially, with a California Concealed Weapons License
(CCWL) and valid only in a county with a population of less than 200,000
persons. Otherwise, California law prohibits open carry.
Question: If California requires a license to carry a concealed
firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Answer: California operates under a “Shall Issue” policy for
concealed carry licenses.
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Q: Does California have laws relating to storing firearms in private
vehicles in an employee parking lot?
A: No, as of January 1st, 2024, unless the business is a private
business and there is a clear sign indicating you can have a firearm.
Q: Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in California?
A: Yes, with a California CCWL. Without a license, the firearm must be
locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle
other than the utility or glove compartment. A locked container is
defined as a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a
padlock, key lock, combination lock or similar locking device. In
addition, ammunition must not be attached to the firearm.
Q: Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in
California?
A: Yes, with a California CCWL.
Q: Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that
serve alcohol in California?
A: No, as of January 1st, 2024.
Q: Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in
California?
A: California statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels.
Each hotel develops its own policies, so the individual hotel should be
contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Q: Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks,
state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in California?
A: No, as of January 1st, 2024. Exceptions include designated hunting
areas only. For wildlife management areas, unloaded weapons or devices
may be possessed within temporary lodging or mechanical mode of
conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or
are packed, cased, or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready
use. Not allowed in State Game Management Units.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in California?
There is no duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in California. However, some counties include a must-notify restriction on licenses.
Does California have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. Most, but not all, local restrictions are preempted. Local municipalities may enact ordinances prohibiting the possession of firearms and ammunition on county-owned property, banning the discharge of firearms, and zoning. [Cal. Gov. Code § 53701]
Does California have a red flag law?
Yes, California has a red flag law. An immediate family member of a person, a law enforcement officer, and as of September 1, 2020, coworkers and school administrators may file a petition that includes the seizure of both firearms and ammunition. The subject of the petition is banned from having in their custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition for anywhere from one to five years. The subject is able to submit one written request per year for a hearing to terminate the restraining order. [Cal. Pen. Code §§ 18150]
Does California have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
No consumption of alcohol is allowed. Specific controlled substances or narcotics, except when administered by or under the direction of a person licensed by the state to dispense, prescribe, or administer controlled substances, are not allowed. However, CCW license conditions indicate you cannot “be under the influence of any medication or drug, whether prescribed or not”. [Cal. Health and Safety Code § 11550 and the CCWL application form]. It is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does California allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
Yes.
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in California? If yes, violating the sign would be considered a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.
No.
Does California state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in California law. However, other than in an act of self-defense, any person who draws or exhibits a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is punishable by law. [Cal. Pen. Code § 417]
Does California issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Contact your issuing authority for their consideration. CCWLs may be issued to individuals who work in the state and/or active duty military members permanently stationed in California.
Is my California driver’s license linked to my California CCW license?
Yes. Although your California driver’s license is linked to your California concealed carry weapons license, that information is only included on specific types of searches that a law enforcement officer may run. You should not assume that an officer knows you are a concealed carry license holder upon contact. Additionally, CCW license conditions indicate that the licensee agrees not to refuse to show the license or surrender the concealed weapon to any peace officer upon demand.
Question: Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in California?
Answer: Handgun purchasers must possess a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and successfully complete a safety demonstration with their recently purchased handgun. Alternatively, they must qualify for an FSC exemption (including CCW licensees, active or honorably retired law enforcement, or active or honorably retired military).
Question: Does my current California concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Answer: Yes, for Entertainment Firearms Licenses only.
Question: Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in California?
Answer: Yes, there is a 10-day waiting period.
Question: Are background checks required for private gun sales in California? Are there exceptions?
Answer: Yes. All sales must be completed through a dealer who submits a background check. Exceptions include the transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, or interstate succession if certain requirements are met:
- The transfer is infrequent, as defined in Section 16730.
- The transfer is between immediate family members.
- The recipient submits a report to the Department of Justice or uses the online California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) within 30 days of taking possession.
- The recipient is 18 years or older.
Question: Do handguns need to be registered in California?
Answer: Yes. Any resident who has not previously reported ownership of a firearm or anyone moving into California with a firearm must report to the DOJ within 60 days, sell, or transfer the firearm through a licensed dealer or to a sheriff or police department. The DOJ runs a background check and retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearms sales and transfers.
Question: What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in California?
Answer: 18 years old. A minor shall not possess a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed. Exceptions exist if:
- The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and is engaged in or traveling to/from a lawful, recreational sport or activity.
- The minor is accompanied by a responsible adult, has written consent from a parent or guardian, and is engaged in or traveling to/from a lawful, recreational sport or activity.
- The minor is at least 16 years old, has written consent from a parent or guardian, and is engaged in or traveling to/from a lawful, recreational sport or activity.
- The minor has written consent from a parent or guardian, is on lands owned or lawfully possessed by the parent or guardian, and is engaged in or traveling to/from a lawful, recreational sport or activity.
Question: Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Answer: Yes. A permit or license is not required for a legal resident over the age of 18 who resides or is temporarily within California, who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to purchase, own, possess, keep, or carry a handgun within their residence, place of business, or lawfully possessed private property.
Question: Does California have a roster of handguns certified for sale?
Answer: Yes. As of January 1, 2001, no handgun may be manufactured within California, imported for sale, lent, given, kept for sale, or offered/exposed for sale unless that handgun model has passed firing, safety, and drop tests and is certified for sale by the Department of Justice. Private party transfers, curio/relic handguns, certain single-action revolvers, and pawn/consignment returns are exempt from this requirement.
Question: What is the process for purchasing a handgun in California?
Answer:
- There is a limitation of purchasing no more than one handgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle in any 30-day period, with exemptions including private party transfers.
- All firearms purchases, including private transactions, must be conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Purchasers must provide their California driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, or military identification with permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California to the FFL. Additional proof of California residency is also required.
- Prior to the submission of Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) information, purchasers must present a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) or provide proof of exemption (e.g., CCW license, active duty or honorably retired military, law enforcement).
- Purchasers must complete both an ATF Form 4473 and a DROS Form. The purchaser will either be approved or, if found to be prohibited from possessing firearms, will receive a DOJ Prohibited Notice and Transfer Form.
- The total state fee is $25, including a DROS fee of $31.19.
Note: On March 11th, 2024, a federal judge struck down the “high frequency” law citing its unconstitutionality, but allowed the law to stay in place while the state appeals the decision. Not every firearm available in the United States is legal to purchase in California. Consult the Department of Justice’s approved firearms list for a complete list of approved firearms.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Contact your issuing authority as fees are variable (typically at least $70).
2 years.
Moving to California and interested in applying for a resident
license? How soon can you apply?
California issues carry licenses to residents, individuals who work in
the state, and active duty military members permanently stationed in
California. You can apply for your license with your county sheriff or
local police chief once you have established your residence, business,
or principal place of employment in that county or city.
Moving from California and have a California resident license? Does
that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during
which your California license remains valid?
If a person with a California concealed carry weapon license establishes
residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment
of the residence in the other state.
Moving from one county in California to another county?
Per Pen. Code 26210, you must notify the licensing authority in writing
within 10 days of any change in your place of residence. Your CCWL may
not be revoked solely because your place of residence has changed to
another county provided you haven’t breached any of the conditions or
restrictions set forth in the license and you haven’t become prohibited
by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or
purchasing a firearm.
- If your place of residence was the basis for issuance of a license, any license issued pursuant to Section 26150 or 26155 expires 90 days after you move from the county of issuance.
- If the license is one to carry a loaded and exposed pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the license shall be revoked immediately upon a change of the licensee’s place of residence to another county.
Contact your local county sheriff’s office or police station.
Contact your issuing authority for their consideration. CCWLs may be issued to individuals who work in the state and/or active duty military members permanently stationed in California.
CCWL licenses may be amended:
- To add or delete a particular firearm (some counties limit how many firearms can be listed per CCWL).
- For a change to any restrictions or conditions on the license, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry a firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
- For a change of address. License holders must notify the Sheriff’s CCWL Unit in writing within 10 days of any change in the license holder’s place of residence. A license will expire 90 days after the license holder moves from the county where the license was originally issued if the license holder’s place of residence was the basis for issuance of the license.
Contact the Sheriff’s CCWL Unit to arrange an appointment. You must bring a completed DOJ Carry Concealed Weapon License Amendment form.
An applicant must:
- Be of good moral character.
- Be a resident of the county or work in the county.
- Have completed an approved firearms training class (minimum of 8 hours) or provide proof of exemption pursuant to California Penal Code section 31700. (It was upped to 16 hours under SB2 but is currently stayed pending appeal)
- Not have been convicted of a felony or certain types of misdemeanors, including a lifetime prohibition if convicted of domestic violence.
- Not be subject to a temporary restraining order or have been the subject of a protective order.
- Not be addicted to drugs.
- Not have been diagnosed as mentally ill.
- Not have been hospitalized more than once in a year for a mental health diagnosis (lifetime prohibition).
- Meet federal law requirements.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of California.
Within 90 days of completion of your background check. Please note that the timing of the background check approval varies greatly.
Unlike most states that have a uniform statewide application process, the process in California is determined by each county and/or city issuing authority. You will need to contact your County Sheriff or Chief of Police to verify their application process. The process may require completion of a portion of the application so that a background check is completed and approval is received before you attend a training course. Your Sheriff or Police Department will also provide information on approved training courses/providers. Some issuing authorities have an online portal while others may not.
Complete an approved training course. Depending on the issuing agency, this step may be done at the time of submitting the application or after step 6.
Some jurisdictions may require psychological testing.
Use the online licensing portal to submit your application or download the application and follow the instructions of your licensing authority regarding which sections to complete.
Either upload the required documentation in the online portal or provide it along with your application to your Sheriff or Police Department. You may need some or all of the following:
- Your training certificate
- Proof of residency in your county or city
- Original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid US Passport
- California driver’s license or California Identification card
You may be interviewed. All listed firearms may be inspected to ensure they are in a safe, legal, and operable condition. Follow the procedure of your issuing authority. Do not bring any firearms to their office unless they instruct you to do so. License fees vary. You will be required to provide Livescan/fingerprints at your issuing authority’s office or be approved to conduct Livescan/Fingerprints at a DOJ-authorized location.
Upon completion of your background check, you will be notified within 90 days whether your application has been approved or denied. Please note that the timing of the background check approval varies greatly.
A California CCWL may include any reasonable restrictions or conditions which the issuing authority deems warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry a firearm. These restrictions must be indicated on the license itself. The license includes the licensee’s name, occupation, residence and business addresses, the licensee’s age, height, weight, color of eyes and hair, as well as a description of the weapon or weapons authorized to be carried, giving the name of the manufacturer, the serial number, and the caliber.
License holders agree to these state restrictions when they sign and submit the state application. While exercising the privileges granted under the terms of this license, the licensee shall not, when carrying a concealed weapon:
- Consume any alcoholic beverage
- Be in a place having a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption
- Be under the influence of any medication or drug, whether prescribed or not
- Refuse to show the license or surrender the concealed weapon to any peace officer upon demand
- Impede any peace officer in the performance of his/her duties
- Present themselves as a peace officer to any person unless they are, in fact, a peace officer as defined by California law
- Unjustifiably display a concealed weapon
- Carry a concealed weapon not listed on the permit
- Carry a concealed weapon at times or circumstances other than those specified in the permit
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee and you may not receive any notification. Contact your issuing authority well in advance of your CCWL expiration date to determine how many days prior to expiration they recommend you submit your renewal (typically at least 30–90 days).
Complete your 8-Hour CCWL Renewal Class.
Additional psychological testing of an applicant seeking license renewal shall be required only if there is compelling evidence to indicate that a test is necessary.
Use the online licensing portal to submit your application or download the application and follow the renewal process according to your issuing authority.
You will be notified if your application has been approved or declined.
- Carry In Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol? No, As Of January 1st, 2024.
- Carry In My Vehicle Without A Permit/License? No.
- Carry In Roadside Rest Areas? Yes, With A CCWL.
- Carry In State/National Parks And State/National Forests? No, As Of January 1st, 2024.
- Carry In Places Of Worship? No, As Of January 1st, 2024.
Court Proceedings: Under Current Court Order, SB 2’s “Sensitive Locations”, Which Went Into Effect On January 1st, 2024, Has Been Struck Down By The 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals. The State Has Appealed The Decision.
Places Off-Limits Even With A Permit/License:
- Grades K Through 12 School Grounds, Although Unloaded Handguns In Locked Containers Or Within The Locked Trunk Of A Motor Vehicle Are Allowed (California License Holders Can Carry Off School Property But Within School Zones, Within A Distance Of 1,000 Feet From The Grounds Of The Public Or Private School).
- Colleges And Universities, Unless Permission Has Been Granted.
- Any Courtroom If You Are A Party To An Action Pending Before The Court.
- Gun Shows Or Events If You Have Ammunition That Fits Display Firearms.
- In Any State Or Local Public Building Or Any Meeting Required To Be Open To The Public.
- Any Public Gathering Or Special Event Where A Permit Is Issued.
- A Building, Real Property, Or Parking Area Where Liquor Is Sold For Consumption On The Premises.
- Any Public Transit Systems (Streetcars, Trolleys, Buses, Subways, Trains, Etc.).
- Public Parks, Including The Parking Lot.
- Public Or Private Hospital Or Anywhere Medical Services Are Rendered.
- Banks, Including The Parking Lot.
- Adult Or Juvenile Detention Centers.
- Zoos, Including The Parking Lot.
- Museums, Including The Parking Lot.
- A Building, Real Property, Or Parking Area Of An Airport.
- Playgrounds, Including The Parking Lot.
- Churches, Including The Parking Lot, Unless The Operator Posts A Clear Sign Saying You Are Allowed To Carry There.
- Public Libraries, Including The Parking Lot.
- Any Place Where There Is Gaming Or Gambling, Including The Parking Lot.
- Amusement Parks, Including The Parking Lot.
- Sporting Events, Including The Parking Lot.
- On Any Privately Owned Commercial Establishment Unless The Business Has A Clear Sign Stating That You Are Allowed To Carry There.
- Any Law Enforcement Buildings, Including Parking Lots.
- Nuclear Energy Properties.
- Child Care Centers.
- Upon The Grounds Of The State Capitol, Any Legislative Offices, Any Office Of The Governor Or Other Constitutional Officer, Any Hearing Rooms In Which Any Committee Of The Senate Or Assembly Is Conducting A Hearing, Unless Permission Has Been Granted.
- In Or On The Grounds Of The Governor’s Mansion Or Any Other Residence Of The Governor, The Residence Of Any Other Constitutional Officer, Or The Residence Of Any Member Of The Legislature, Unless Permission Has Been Granted.
- Wildlife Management Areas & Refuges.
- Polling Stations.
- On Your Person Or In Your Vehicle While Engaged In Picketing Or Other Informational Activities In A Public Place Relating To A Concerted Refusal To Work.
- In A Public Place Or On Any Public Street If You Are Masked To Conceal Your Identity.
- Any Place With A Primary Purpose Of Dispensing Alcoholic Beverages For On-Site Consumption.
- Cal Expo Center In Sacramento.
- On Any County Property In San Francisco County.
- Fresno City Hall.
- Any Places Restricted On An Individual’s Concealed Carry License.
- Any Place Where The Carrying Of Firearms Is Prohibited By Federal Law Or State Law Or Regulation.
On March 6, 2023, The Palo Alto City Council Voted To Restrict Concealed Firearms From Being Carried In Certain Locations. These Locations Include:
- Any Building Owned By Or Under The Control Of City Government For The Purpose Of Government Administration.
- Any Polling Place While Voting Is Occurring.
- Any School.
However, These Individuals Are Exempt From The Emergency Ordinance:
- A Federal, State, Or Local Law Enforcement Officer When Such Person Is Authorized To Carry A Concealed Weapon Or A Loaded Firearm Under State Law Or Under 18 U.S.C. Section 926B Or Any Successor Legislation.
- An Honorably Retired Officer Or Agent Of A Law Enforcement Agency, When Authorized To Carry A Concealed Or Loaded Weapon Under State Law Or 18 U.S.C. Section 926C.
- A Security Guard Or Messenger Of A Financial Institution, A Guard Of A Contract Carrier Operating An Armored Vehicle, A Licensed Private Investigator, A Patrol Operator, An Alarm Company Operator, Or Security Guard, When Such Persons Are Authorized By Applicable State Or Federal Law To Carry A Firearm And When Such Persons Are Engaged In The Exercise Of Their Official Duties.
- A Person Bringing Or Transporting An Unloaded Firearm Onto City Property To Exchange, Transfer Or Relinquish It To Law Enforcement, In Compliance With Any City-Operated, Approved Or Sponsored Program To Purchase, Exchange, Or Otherwise Obtain Voluntary Relinquishment Of Firearms.
- A Person Lawfully Possessing An Unloaded Firearm In The Locked Trunk Of, Or Inside A Locked Container In, A Motor Vehicle.
- A Hunter With A Valid Hunting License When Going To Or Returning From A Legal Hunting Expedition; Provided, However, That When Transiting Through Any Area Where Firearms Are Prohibited, Any Firearm Is Safely Stored In A Locked Container Or Otherwise Secured Using A Firearm Safety Device As Defined By California Penal Code Section 16540 Or Any Successor Legislation.
Hunter Harassment Law?
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in California? Yes. A person shall not willfully interfere with the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of shooting, hunting, fishing, falconry, hunting dog field trials, hunting dog training, or trapping at the location where that activity is taking place. “Interfere with” is defined as any action which physically impedes, hinders, or obstructs the lawful pursuit of any of the above-mentioned activities. [FGC § 2009]
What Are the Knife Laws in California?
All legal fixed-blade knives must be worn in plain view, except knives classified as dirks or daggers, which cannot be carried concealed and must be carried openly on a sheath around your waist. There is no open carry size limit for legal knives, although there may be local restrictions. Certain knives, including pocketknives with blades shorter than 2 inches, may be carried concealed as long as the blade is folded in the closed position. Switchblades with a blade longer than 2 inches are illegal to sell, carry and possess in any motor vehicle on public property. There are a number of types of knives that are illegal, including but not limited to ballistic knives, cane swords, billies, blackjacks, sandbags, sandclubs, saps, slungshots and nunchaku. [Cal. Penal Code §§ 21510, 21310, 21110, 22210 & 22010]
Carry While Gun Hunting?
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in California? Yes. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing. However, these individuals may not carry or transport loaded firearms when going to or from the expedition. The unloaded firearms should be transported in the trunk of the vehicle or in a locked container other than the utility or glove compartment. [Cal. Penal Code §§ 25610 and 25640]
Possess Firearms at Walt Disney Resorts?
Can you have a firearm at any Walt Disney Resort Properties? No. Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind are prohibited at all Walt Disney World Resorts. This includes parking areas.
Carry While Bow Hunting?
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in California? No. The California Fish and Game Commission voted to approve a petition submitted by NRA and CRPA attorneys seeking to allow big game archery hunters to carry a firearm for the purposes of self-defense while in the field. However, the Commission’s decision does not change the restriction as applied to deer hunting. A state statute outside of the Commission’s control prohibits any person other than specified law enforcement from carrying a firearm of any kind while archery hunting for deer.
Wear a COVID Mask & Carry?
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in California, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? California is one of just two states with statutes against carrying a concealed firearm while wearing a mask (the other being Illinois). However the law specifies that a person commits criminal possession of a firearm when the person carries a firearm in a public place or on any public street while masked so as to hide the person’s identity (which isn’t generally the intention during the COVID pandemic). However, since there is no exemption for wearing a mask for public health or medical reasons, contact your issuing authority with any questions. [Cal. Penal Code § 25300(a)]
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