Summary of California Gun Laws
California is a may-issue state based on an applicant’s justified need and suitability. Permits are issued by the county sheriff’s office or local police station. The various local law enforcement agencies use their discretion for issuing to varying degrees ranging from virtually no issue to shall issue.
Although there is no comprehensive system of firearms registration in California, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearms sales and transfers and requires that any firearms imported into the state be reported to the DOJ.
All firearms sales must be completed through a dealer. A permit to purchase, a background check and transaction report to the DOJ are required to buy a handgun. As of January 1, 2019, no person may sell, supply, deliver, or give possession or control of a handgun to any person under the age of 21 years. Beginning July 1, 2019, all ammunition purchases will require a DOJ “point of sale” eligibility check with $1 paid by the consumer.
The open carrying 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 (CCWL). The minimum age is not set by statute, however, the minimum age to possess a handgun is 21 years old. 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 permits require a minimum eight-hour firearms training course that teaches California firearms laws and gun safety, including firing of a gun in a “live-fire” shooting exercise at a shooting range. California does not issue carry permits to non-residents, with exceptions for non-resident 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.
On March 29, 2019, a federal judge upheld his earlier decision blocking a California law barring gun owners from possessing high-capacity magazines. However, Judge Benitez issued a stay, and the law criminalizing the importation or sale of the high-capacity magazines was reinstated on April 5, 2019, pending the attorney general’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit. Those who have imported high-capacity gun magazines into California in the week since he declared the state’s ban on the weapons unconstitutional do not have to give up their weapons or be criminalized for owning them.
California is a Castle Doctrine state. 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. The person against who force was used must not be a member of the family or household and have unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence. The person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s residence, place of business or other real property.
California Gun Laws Quick Links
Reciprocity | Permit Information | Permit Application | Permit Renewal | LEOs & RLEOs | Location Restrictions | Recent Updates
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California Gun Laws at a Glance
Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics
Constitutional Carry?Does California allow constitutional carry? |
No. |
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. Otherwise California law prohibits any person from carrying an exposed and loaded or unloaded handgun upon his or her person outside of a vehicle in a public place. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If California requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
May Issue. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in California to get a concealed carry permit? |
21. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in California with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Pistols, revolvers and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person. |
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 permit. 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 any state or local public building or at any meeting required to be open to the public. |
Non-Resident Permitting?Does California issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, but only for military permanently stationed in California. |
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?Does California allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
Yes. |
Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in California? |
Yes, with a California CCWL. Without a permit, 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. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in California? |
Yes, with a California CCWL. |
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? |
Yes, with a California CCWL, but not in State Game Management Units. |
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in California? |
Yes, with a California CCWL unless posted and provided you are not consuming alcohol. |
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? |
Not addressed in California state law. |
Additional Related State Laws
Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in California? |
No. There is no state law, but some counties are including a must-notify restriction on permits. |
Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does California have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
On April 4, 2019, Judge Benitez issued a stay, and the law criminalizing the importation or sale of the high-capacity magazines was reinstated on April 5, 2019, pending the attorney general’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit. Those who have imported high-capacity gun magazines into California in the week since he declared the state’s ban on the weapons unconstitutional do not have to give up their weapons or be criminalized for owning them. On March 29, 2019, a federal judge upheld his earlier decision blocking a California law barring gun owners from possessing high-capacity magazines. The judge struck down both the latest ban on possessing the magazines by those who are grandfathered in, but also indicated that everyone has a right to acquire one. Until legal challenges are exhausted, the following historical information regarding PC 32310 will be maintained on the site. __________________________ Prior to this ruling, >10 round magazines owned prior to January 1, 2000 are still allowed pending a decision by the district court on whether to grant a permanent injunction and the Ninth Circuit’s resolution of an appeal of that decision. Any person who possesses any large-capacity magazine (defined as >10 rounds), regardless of the date the magazine was acquired, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per large-capacity magazine, or is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per large-capacity magazine, by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year or by both that fine and imprisonment. The statute required that prior to July 1, 2017, any person who may not lawfully possess a large-capacity magazine do one of three things:
On February 7, 2018 the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California ruled that PC 32310 is constitutional and does not violate gun owners' equal protection rights. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does California have ammunition restrictions? |
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. Beginning 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. Ammunition may not be purchased out of state and then brought into California. Doing so would be a misdemeanor. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in California? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. |
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. An immediate family member of a person or a law enforcement officer may file a petition that includes the seizure of both firearms and ammuntion. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?Does California have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication? |
No consumption is allowed. [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. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in California? |
Yes. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in California? |
Yes. All sales must be completed through a dealer who must submit a background check. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in California? |
Yes, there is a 10-day waiting period. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in California? |
There is no firearms registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers. However, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearms sales and transfers and requires that any firearms imported into the state be reported to the DOJ. |
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. Possession of Handgun Section 29610 shall not apply if one of the following circumstances exists: (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. |
Carry While Hunting
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, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition. |
Carry While Bow Hunting?Can you concealed carry while bowhunting 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. |
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State Constitutional Provision
California Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does California honor?
California does not honor any other states’ concealed carry permits.
Other States' Reciprocity With California
Which states honor permits from California?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with California
Permitless Carry States
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
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Discover MembershipCalifornia Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
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Fees: |
$70-$100 |
Valid For: |
2 years |
Processing Time: |
90 days |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
California doesn't issue permits to non-residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
CCW licenses may be amended:
License holders must notify the Sheriff's CCW 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 CCW Unit to arrange an appointment. You must bring a completed DOJ Carry Concealed Weapon License Amendment form. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
Contact your local county sheriff’s office or police station. |
California Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a California Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Contact your county sheriff's or local police chief's office for approved training courses. |
Step 2: |
Complete an approved training course. |
Step 3: |
Some jurisdictions may require psychological testing. |
Step 4: |
Download the application. Sections 1 through 5 of the application may be completed prior to going to the county sheriff’s office. Sections 6, 7 and 8 must be completed in the presence of an official of the licensing agency. Review Section 7 and be prepared to answer these questions orally. Do not write anything in Section 7 unless specifically directed to do so by the licensing agency. |
Step 5: |
Take your application to your county sheriff’s office. You will be directed to bring in up to 3 firearms. You will also need the following:
You will be fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed. |
Step 6: |
You will be notified by mail within 90 days if your application has been approved or declined. |
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A California CCW license 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. Any such 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, and the reason for desiring a license to carry the weapon, 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. |
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Firearms Training Requirements in California
The training may consist of a minimum of 8 hours of training on firearm safety, handling and technique acceptable to the licensing authority. The course shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry. The licensing authority may require either a course not to exceed 16 hours or a community college course not to exceed 24 hours certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. If the licensing authority requires the community college course, it must be uniformly required for all CCW license applicants. The licensing authority may also require annual qualification on the weapon(s) during the term for which the CCW license is granted. For license renewal applicants, the course of training may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority, shall be no less than 4 hours and shall include live-fire shooting exercises.
Renewals require a 4-Hour CCW Permit Renewal Class and must include instruction on firearm safety and the law regarding permissible use of a firearm. The course of training may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority.
California Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a California Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
You should start the renewal process for your California CCW Permit at least 90 days prior to expiration. |
Step 2: |
Complete your 4-Hour CCW Permit Renewal Class. |
Step 3: |
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. |
Step 4: |
Download the application and follow the same process as a new permit, although each county may have different requirements. |
Step 5: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved or declined. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
In California, there are no established state qualification standards for an active duty law enforcement officer. Instead, each department generally sets its own standards for both active and retired law enforcement officers. As a result, an individual who otherwise satisfies the requirements of LEOSA as a qualified retired LEO can obtain the necessary certification from any law enforcement agency in the state.
Unfortunately, the Cal-DOJ website contains outdated LEOSA information, thus providing no valuable guidance on how LEOSA is implemented in the state. Based on an article on the CRPOA website, “they remain concerned that a number of law enforcement agencies in California continue to maintain policies and practices that broadly prohibit the carrying of firearms off-duty by reserve officers, thereby infringing the exercise of LEOSA rights. Police and sheriffs’ departments typically do this by requiring reserve officers to obtain a separate concealed carry license from the department or another authority, even though reserve officers have the right to carry off-duty under LEOSA alone.”
Links to related State Statutes
Cal. Pen. Code § 26300 Retired Peace Officer Carrying a Concealed and Loaded Firearm
Cal. Pen. Code § 25900 Peace Officer Exemption to the Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public
Cal. Pen. Code § 25450 Carrying a Concealed Firearm Peace Officer Exemption
California Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in California? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in California?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: California Concealed Carry Questions
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 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 pocket knives with blades shorter than 2 inches, may be carried concealed as long as the blade is folded in the closed position. |
Related Information & Links for California Gun Laws
California Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2019-08-29 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-24 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-06-13 | Updated 7/1/19 ammo purchase restrictions in Genl section and At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-25 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-17 | Checked links |
| 2019-04-05 | Added info regarding the stay on the high capacity magazine ban to the Gen'l section and At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-01 | Information on the Federal judges ruling striking down the high-capacity magazine ban added to the General Info section & At A Glance table |
| 2019-03-14 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-03-11 | Updated minimum age to conceal carry in Gen'l info and At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-07 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-04 | Added info about grandfathered large capacity magazines in At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-25 | Links checked |
| 2019-01-24 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-02 | Updated training requirements and permittee requirements per new law in effect 1/1/2019 |
| 2018-12-12 | Added preemption info to At A Glance table |
| 2018-11-29 | Added parking lot info to At A Glance table |
| 2018-10-22 | Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for California |
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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2018.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
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