California Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Pistols, revolvers and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person.

[Cal. Pen. Code § 26150]

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. Stun guns and Tasers are not permitted on the property of any state universities, upon the grounds of, or within any K-12 public or private school or within the sterile area of an airport. A CCWL is required for concealed carry within the State Capitol, legislative office, any state or local public building or at any meeting required to be open to the public. 

[5 CCR § 100015(H)][Cal. Pen. Code §§ Part 171b(a)(5), 171.5(c)(10), 244.5 and 626.10]

Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition and the purchase of .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) ammunition is prohibited. You must be legally eligible to purchase and/or own a firearm and be at least 21 years old to purchase ammunition. 

Purchase/Transport of Ammunition

• Ammunition may not be purchased out of state and then brought into California. Doing so would be a misdemeanor.
• Non-residents may not purchase ammunition in California.
• Non-residents may bring ammo with them for personal use without a background check.

Destructive DevicesCalifornia also prohibits the possession, sale, offer for sale, or knowing transportation of a “destructive device,” The definition of “destructive device” includes:

• Any projectile containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, including, but not limited to, tracer or incendiary ammunition, except tracer ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns; and
• Any weapon of a caliber greater than 0.60 caliber which fires fixed ammunition, or any ammunition therefor, other than a shotgun.

Municipalities may also have restrictions. For instance, Winchester Black Talon, Federal Premium "Law Enforcement Ammunition Tactical" and Hornady "TAP (Tactical Application Police) Law Enforcement Ammunition" are prohibited in San Francisco county.

Background Check Update:

FEBRUARY 2024**** The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the request from California to keep the law in place while the appeals process plays out. The law is once again ENFORCEABLE.

JANUARY 2024**** A federal judge has struck down the law requiring background checks to buy ammunition. The state of California has appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and was denied a stay during the process.

On April 27, 2020, An appeals court has reinstated a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition, reversing the April 23, 2020, federal judge’s decision to stop the checks that he said violate the constitutional right to bear arms.*******************

Until this case is completely resolved this information will be maintained on this page. As of  July 1, 2019, ammunition sellers are required to conduct point of sale background checks (which should take only 60-90 seconds) with $1 paid by the consumer. (Phase 2 of Prop 63). For those who don't currently have a gun registered, there is a one-time $19 "eligibility check" that may take up to 10 days. The law requires all ammunition sales, including mail order sales and sales between unlicensed parties, to be processed by a licensed ammunition vendor who will conduct the background check.

Only California residents can purchase ammunition. There is no restriction on the amount or type of ammunition that can be purchased, although there are restrictions on how much a person can sell in a 30-day period without being a licensed vendor. State law authorizes people to sell or share ammunition with their spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren without the participation of a licensed vendor.

[Cal. Pen. Code §§ 16460, 16660 & 30312(c)]

Shall Issue.

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.

[Cal. Pen. Code § 25610]

No, as of January 1st, 2024.

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. Not in State Game Management Units.

[Fish and Game Code § 10500]

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]

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].

As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

No.

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.

Yes, for Entertainment Firearms Licenses only.

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:

• The transfer is infrequent, as defined in Section 16730;
• The transfer is between members of the same immediate family;
• The person to whom it is transferred by submitting a report to the Department of Justice or using the online California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) portal within 30 days of taking possession of the firearm; and
• The person receiving the firearm is 18 years of age or older.

[Cal. Pen. Code 27875]

18 years old.

A minor shall not possess a pistol, revolver or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

[Cal. Pen. Code § 29610] 

Possession of Handgun

Section 29610 shall not apply if one of the following circumstances exists:

• The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including but not limited to competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching or hunting activity, or a motion picture, television or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves this use of a firearm.
• The minor is accompanied by a responsible adult, the minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including but not limited to competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.
• The minor is at least 16 years of age, the minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching or hunting activity, or a motion picture, television or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.
• The minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian, the minor is on lands owned or lawfully possessed by the parent or legal guardian and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including but not limited to competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching or hunting activity, or a motion picture, television or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

[Cal. Pen. Code § 29615]

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. Private party transfers, curio/relic handguns, certain single-action revolvers and pawn/consignment returns are exempt from this requirement.

Handguns Certified for Sale

[11 CCR § 4070]

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. [Cal. Pen. Code 27535] 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. 

For additional questions on purchasing a firearm in California, please reach out to the State of California Office of the Attorney General - Bureau of Firearms directly, or consult the FAQ page available on the California DOJ website.

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 moves from the county of issuance.
• If the license is one to carry loaded and exposed a 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 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.

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); and
• 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.

• Grades K through 12 school grounds although unloaded handguns in locked containers or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle are allowed [however 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;

[Cal. Penal Code § 626.9]

• 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;

[Cal. Penal Code § 171b]

• 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 [22 CCR § 101238(g)(2)]
• 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 [Cal. Penal Code § 171c];
• 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 [Cal. Penal Code § 171d];
• Wildlife Management Areas & Refuges [Cal. Fish and Game Code § 10500];
• Polling stations [Cal. Elec. Code § 18544];
• 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 [Cal. Penal Code § 17510];
• In a public place or on any public street if you are masked to conceal your identity [Cal. Penal Code § 25300];
• Any place with a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption [Sect. 4 of CCWL Conditions and Restrictions];
• Cal Expo center in Sacramento [14 CCR § 4955];
• On any county property in San Francisco county [SF Police Code Art 9, S. 617(C)(1)];
• Fresno City Hall [Ordinance 2020-035];
• Any places restricted on an individual's concealed carry license; and
• 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

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]

No. Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind are prohibited at all Walt Disney World Resorts. This includes parking areas.

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)]