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California Concealed Carry Laws |
California has become a shall-issue state following the Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen on June 23, 2022. Licenses are issued by the county sheriff’s office or local police station.
Residents and newcomers bringing firearms into California must report ownership to the DOJ or transfer them through a licensed dealer or law enforcement. The DOJ conducts background checks for all in-state firearm sales and transfers.
All firearm sales require completion through a dealer, with handgun purchases necessitating a permit, background check, and DOJ transaction report. It's illegal to sell, loan, or transfer firearms to minors or handguns to individuals under 21. Ammunition purchases mandate a DOJ eligibility check at point of sale.
Open carry of firearms in California is generally prohibited, though licenses may be issued by sheriffs or police chiefs in counties with populations under 200,000, valid only within that county.
Concealed carry requires a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW), available to residents, workers, and active duty military stationed in California. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo an eight-hour firearms training, and adhere to restrictions set by the issuing authority. Many places like schools and courthouses are off-limits.
California does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states.
Residents aged 18 or older may carry handguns within their residence, place of business, or private property without a permit. Large-capacity gun magazine bans are under litigation.
California operates under Castle Doctrine principles, allowing force without a duty to retreat in one’s home against unlawful intrusions. Stand-your-ground principles apply in public, allowing defense without retreat before using force. CALCRIM instructions permit acquittal based on self-defense in justifiable homicide cases.
These laws are subject to ongoing legal challenges and interpretations, shaping the landscape of firearm regulation in California.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in California to get a concealed carry license?The minimum age is 21 years old.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in California with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?Pistols, revolvers and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does California have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?Yes. No more than 10 rounds.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in California?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.
Constitutional Carry?
Does California allow constitutional carry?No.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does California have ammunition restrictions?Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition and the purchase of .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) ammunition is prohibited.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in California?Partial, with a California Concealed Weapons License (CCWL) and valid only in a county with a population of less than 200,000 persons.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If California requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?Shall Issue.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in California?Yes, pepper spray that contains no more than 2.5 ounces net weight of aerosol spray is legal provided the spray is used solely for self-defense purposes.
Carry Locations
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?
Does California have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?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.
Carry in Vehicle?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in California?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.
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in California?Yes, with a California CCWL.
Carry in Bars/Restaurants that Serve Alcohol?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in California?No, as of January 1st, 2024.
Carry/Possess at a Hotel?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in California?California statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops its own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in California?No, as of January 1st, 2024. Exceptions include designated hunting areas only. No for wildlife management areas, although 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.
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in California?No, 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 requirement on licenses.
Preemption?
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.
Red Flag Law?
Does California have a red flag law?Yes, California has a red flag law. Immediate family members, law enforcement officers, coworkers, and school administrators may file a petition for the seizure of firearms and ammunition under certain circumstances.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?
Does California have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?No consumption of alcohol is allowed while carrying. Use of specific controlled substances or narcotics, except as prescribed by a licensed professional, is prohibited.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
Does California allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?Yes, the public can access concealed carry registry information under public records law.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in California?No, violating "No Weapons Allowed" signs is not considered a criminal offense in California.
Brandishing?
Does California state law define brandishing?California law does not explicitly define brandishing, but improper display of a firearm in a rude or threatening manner is punishable.
Non-Resident Permitting?
Does California issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?Non-residents may apply for concealed carry licenses in California under certain conditions.
Driver's License Linked to CCW License?
Is my California driver’s license linked to my California CCW license?Yes, your California driver’s license is linked to your CCW license, though not automatically visible to law enforcement during routine interactions.
Purchase Permits?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in California?Handgun purchasers must either possess a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with their recently purchased handgun or qualify for an FSC exemption (including CCW licensees, active or honorably retired law enforcement or active or honorably retired military).
California License Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current California concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?Yes, for Entertainment Firearms Licenses only.
Waiting Period?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in California?Yes, there is a 10-day waiting period.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales? Exceptions?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in California? Are there exceptions?Yes. All sales are required to be completed through a dealer who must submit a background check. It does not apply to the transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest or interstate succession, if all of the following requirements are met:
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The transfer is infrequent, as defined in Section 16730;
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The transfer is between members of the same immediate family;
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The person receiving the firearm is 18 years of age or older.
Handgun Registration?
Do handguns need to be registered in California?Yes. 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”. Within 60 days, the person 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.
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in California?18 years old. A minor shall not possess a pistol, revolver or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
Possess a Handgun on My Private Property Without a License?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?Yes. A permit or license is not required for a legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to purchase, own, possess, keep, or carry, either openly or concealed, a handgun within the individual’s residence, place of business, or lawfully possessed private property.
List of Handguns Certified for Sale?
Does California have a roster of handguns certified for sale?As of January 1, 2001, no handgun may be manufactured within California, imported into California 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 in California by the Department of Justice.
There is a limitation for purchasing no more than one handgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle in any 30-day period, although there are exemptions, including one for private party transfers. On March 11th, 2024, a federal judge struck down the "high frequency" law citing its unconstitutionality. However, the judge 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. If you are buying a firearm directly from a gun shop, all firearms in the shop should be approved. To see a complete list of approved firearms in the state consult the Department of Justice’s approved firearms list.
All firearms purchases, including private transaction, must be conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). The following information is specific to handgun purchases. You will need to provide your California driver’s license, state-issued photo ID or a military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California, to the FFL. Dealers must obtain the purchaser’s name, date of birth, and driver’s license or identification number electronically from the magnetic strip on the license or ID card. Handgun purchasers must also present documentation indicating California residency (a utility bill from within the last three months, a residential lease, etc.).
Prior to the submission of Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) information for a firearm, the purchaser must present a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) or provide the dealer with proof of exemption (Carry Concealed Weapon License, active duty or honorably retired military, law enforcement) pursuant to California Penal Code section 31700. The FSC is true/false and multiple choice test that is administered by instructors certified by the Department of Justice who are generally located at firearms dealerships. There is a $25.00 fee to take the test. You must score at least 75 percent to pass the 30 question test.
The California Department of Justice website offers both a study guide and a video to help you prepare for the FSC written test. After passing the test, you will be given a FSC that will be valid for five years.
Purchasers must complete both an ATF Form 4473 and a DROS Form. You will either be approved or if you are found to be prohibited from possessing firearms, the dealer must make available a DOJ Prohibited Notice and Transfer Form, stating that you are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm and the reason for the prohibition from the DOJ. The total state fee is $25, consisting of a DROS fee of $31.19 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry, a $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee. In the event of a private party transfer, the firearms dealer may charge an additional fee of up to $10 per firearm.
There is a mandatory ten-day waiting period after submitting your DROS Form before you are allowed to pick up your firearm. However, that may be extended up to 30-days if the DOJ is unable to determine whether you are a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm. At the time the purchaser picks up their handgun, they must successfully complete a safety demonstration with it. Your firearm must also have a DOJ-approved firearms safety device, such as a trigger lock or safe, before you are able to pick it up. If you are purchasing a firearm from a dealer this will likely be included in the sale. But if you are purchasing through a private transaction you will need to supply your own. If you do not pick up your firearm within 30 days of submitting your DROS Form the sale will be canceled and you must restart the process.
You may also request a voluntary determination to find out if you are eligible to purchase a firearm in California. This requires you to complete the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) Form. This form must be filed with the California Department of Justice, accompanied by a copy of your California driver’s license or state-issued photo ID and a $20 fee payable by check or money order to the Department of Justice. This form must be signed and notarized by a notary public. Once you have filed your PFEC, you will be notified by mail within 60 days if you are eligible or ineligible to purchase a firearm in the state.
Which states honor permits from California?
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
California offers resident and non-resident licenses. “Resident only” indicates the states below only honor California resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
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)
Louisiana (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)
Louisiana (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)
Are there fees associated with obtaining a CCW license?
Contact your issuing authority as fees are variable (typically at least $70).
How long is a CCW license valid for?
CCW licenses in California are valid for 2 years.
How do I apply for a CCW license?
You can apply using the DOJ Statewide Standard CCWL application. For the application form, visit the DOJ's website.
What should I do if I move to or from California with a CCW license?
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Moving to California: You can apply for a CCW license once you have established residency, business, or employment in your local county or city.
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Moving from California: Your California CCW license expires upon establishing residency in another state. Notify your licensing authority within 10 days of moving within California.
What should I do if my CCW license is lost or stolen?
Contact your local county sheriff’s office or police station.
Can non-residents obtain a CCW license in California?
Contact your issuing authority for consideration. Non-resident licenses may be issued to individuals who work in the state or are active duty military permanently stationed in California.
How do I update my CCW license with name or address changes?
Submit a Carry Concealed Weapon License Amendment form to your Sheriff's CCWL Unit within 10 days of the change.
What are the eligibility requirements for a CCW license?
An applicant must:
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Be of good moral character
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Be a resident of or work in the county
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Complete an approved firearms training class or provide proof of exemption
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Meet federal and state eligibility criteria, including no felony convictions, mental health issues, or drug addiction.
How long does it take to process a CCW license application?
Applications are processed within 90 days of completing the background check, but processing times may vary.
This format provides clear, concise answers to common questions about CCW licenses in California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.