An answer for the Californian with questions about gun laws in the Golden State
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." 2nd Amendment, United States Constitution
California Carry is part of the Frontier Carry & Nevada Carry family of gun law education websites.
California Carry is part of the Frontier Carry & Nevada Carry family of gun law education websites.
California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. It is practically impossible to carry a firearm for self-defense without a license to carry (LTC). NSRPA v. Bruen makes California into a "shall issue" state. Open carry is banned all but the most remote parts of the state. It is illegal in to have a handgun in a vehicle for self-defense. Non-resident carry permits not recognized. Many firearms commonly for sale in other states are arbitrarily prohibited in California. While no purchase permits are required to buy a firearm, a safety certificate is required and a 10-day waiting period is imposed. Ammunition cannot be bought out of state or online and shipped directly to the consumer; in store background checks are required.
California Gun Law Basics
Open Carry
Loaded and unloaded open carry is prohibited in incorporated cities and unincorporated areas where shooting (discharge of firearms) is prohibited. In 2012, unloaded open carry of handguns became illegal and so did unloaded open carry of long guns in 2013. The areas where open carry is still permitted are largely rural or undeveloped public lands where target shooting and hunting is permitted.
Loaded and unloaded open carry is prohibited in incorporated cities and unincorporated areas where shooting (discharge of firearms) is prohibited. In 2012, unloaded open carry of handguns became illegal and so did unloaded open carry of long guns in 2013. The areas where open carry is still permitted are largely rural or undeveloped public lands where target shooting and hunting is permitted.
Concealed carry
Concealed carry licenses (licenses to carry; LTC). California is "may issue" by statute, but NSRPA v. Bruen has made the United States "shall issue." The new process should be considered fluid and legislative changes, good and bad, pending. Conditions on licenses are highly restrictive.
Concealed carry licenses (licenses to carry; LTC). California is "may issue" by statute, but NSRPA v. Bruen has made the United States "shall issue." The new process should be considered fluid and legislative changes, good and bad, pending. Conditions on licenses are highly restrictive.
Reciprocity
California does not permit the issuance of licenses to carry (LTC) to non-residents. Out of state licenses are not recognized by California; there is no reciprocity with any other state. There is no way for a visitor to legally carry a handgun for self-defense in most places.
California does not permit the issuance of licenses to carry (LTC) to non-residents. Out of state licenses are not recognized by California; there is no reciprocity with any other state. There is no way for a visitor to legally carry a handgun for self-defense in most places.
Home Carry
It is legal to carry openly or concealed at one's home, their business, or their private property. Carrying at a campsite or other temporary residence is also permitted. There may be complications if one openly carries in view of the public.
It is legal to carry openly or concealed at one's home, their business, or their private property. Carrying at a campsite or other temporary residence is also permitted. There may be complications if one openly carries in view of the public.
"Assault Weapons"
Many semi-automatic rifles are highly restricted based on arbitrary features; i.e. the "scary black rifle." Rifles like the AR-15, are illegal in California without significant modifications. 10+ round magazines are illegal once again as of 11/30/2021 pending a SCOTUS appeal.
Many semi-automatic rifles are highly restricted based on arbitrary features; i.e. the "scary black rifle." Rifles like the AR-15, are illegal in California without significant modifications. 10+ round magazines are illegal once again as of 11/30/2021 pending a SCOTUS appeal.
Handguns
California only allows the sale of certain handguns approved for sale on the "Safe Handgun Roster," which has nothing to do with safety. Many of these handguns are perfectly legal for civilian purchase in other states and the so-called "unsafe" handguns are carried by law enforcement.
California only allows the sale of certain handguns approved for sale on the "Safe Handgun Roster," which has nothing to do with safety. Many of these handguns are perfectly legal for civilian purchase in other states and the so-called "unsafe" handguns are carried by law enforcement.
Ammunition
Purchases of ammunition is highly controlled using a flawed background check system that can cost as much as $19 per check. Ordering ammo online and having it shipped to your home is now illegal. Ammo cannot be legally bought out of state and transported back.
Purchases of ammunition is highly controlled using a flawed background check system that can cost as much as $19 per check. Ordering ammo online and having it shipped to your home is now illegal. Ammo cannot be legally bought out of state and transported back.
Registration
All guns bought, sold, or transferred legally in California are registered at the point of sale/transfer by the dealer through a system known as DROS. Existing guns in the state do not need to be registered, however this may change at any time in the future.
All guns bought, sold, or transferred legally in California are registered at the point of sale/transfer by the dealer through a system known as DROS. Existing guns in the state do not need to be registered, however this may change at any time in the future.
Vehicles
It is very difficult to carry a firearm for self-defense in a vehicle. All weapons must be unloaded. Handguns and any long gun that is not visible must be carried in a locked container. Generally, one cannot drive around with an unloaded, locked up gun "just in case."
It is very difficult to carry a firearm for self-defense in a vehicle. All weapons must be unloaded. Handguns and any long gun that is not visible must be carried in a locked container. Generally, one cannot drive around with an unloaded, locked up gun "just in case."
Safe Storage
California has very strict safe storage requirements and penalties of a child obtains a firearm. The requirements are quite specific. Locking away and firearms not being used or carried on the body is always a good idea to protect child and keep guns away from thieves.
California has very strict safe storage requirements and penalties of a child obtains a firearm. The requirements are quite specific. Locking away and firearms not being used or carried on the body is always a good idea to protect child and keep guns away from thieves.
Gun Safety
1. Treat all guns as if they were loaded. 2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. Never point at a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot. 4. Know your target and what lies beyond. 5. Keep weapons locked away from children.
1. Treat all guns as if they were loaded. 2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. Never point at a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot. 4. Know your target and what lies beyond. 5. Keep weapons locked away from children.