California does not honor any other state's carry permit; California does not allow issue to non-residents.
Highlights
- There is no mandatory statutory requirement for sheriffs/chiefs to issue licenses to anyone ("may-issue" is still on the books). While NSRPA v. Bruen overturned "may issue" schemes, California's statutes have to catch-up and the state will probably resist complying any way they can.
- California calls its CCW permits "Licenses to Carry" or LTCs, for short.
- Licenses in most cases are valid up to two years, but the sheriff/chief can set any expiration date up to two years.
- A psychological exam may be required depending on the agency; there is no medical exam.
- The deadline for issuance/denial is within 90 days of the application submission or 30 days after receipt of the DOJ background check, whichever is later.
- Only the standard application is required and not extra local information.
- Training is not required until approval for issuance is granted; after training the license is issued.
- You have 10 days to notify the sheriff/chief of your address change.
- Open carry licenses are revoked as soon as your move from the county where it was issued.
- An eight hour course is now mandatory for initial issuance; no longer minimum 4 hours, maximum 16 hours.
- Renewal courses are a minimum of four hours.
- You must abide by the sheriff/chiefs conditions on the license or it is void.
- You may only carry the handguns listed on your permit.
- You must carry concealed unless you have a "loaded and exposed" permit or are in an area where unlicensed open carry is allowed.
Note: Much of the process is entirely subjective and up to the determination of the sheriff/chief (or the agency’s employee that processes the applications). The process is almost entirely arbitrary and capricious and time will tell if the Bruen ruling has an effect on California.
Concealed weapon permit exemption to CCW prohibition
25655. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the carrying of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by a person who is authorized to carry that weapon in a concealed manner pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150 [CCW license]).
Note “that weapon” refers to a specific firearm. Each individual firearm (including identical weapons) one wishes to carry must be qualified with and listed on their permit.
Note: while this section does not require you to carry your license while armed, it is highly recommended and is often a condition of the license. Being found armed without one will be an interesting conversation and you will probably be detained at a minimum and may lose your license if the issuing agency finds out.
Your handgun does not have to be registered to you to obtain a license (unless the issuing authority requires it), but a de facto registration will be created once you apply and especially after a license is issued. As long as the weapon you are carrying is listed on your license, you can share ownership of the gun (ex. husband/wife). Your handgun can be of any type or caliber and does not have to be on the roster.
DISCLAIMER: individual issuing agencies may have different rules on what they will allow.
Loaded/unloaded handgun exemptions
26010. Section 25850 does not apply to the carrying of any handgun by any person as authorized pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150 [CCW licensees]) of Division 5.
Note it is not illegal to carry a concealed unloaded handgun with a license to carry. 26350 (unloaded handguns) would not apply because it specifically refers to openly carried unloaded weapons, which generally illegal for everyone except in limited circumstances. But why would you carry an unloaded handgun for self-defense?
Expiration
Licenses for city/county residents are valid for any period of time up to a maximum of two years. The sheriff or chief will specify when the permit expires. California does not set a minimum term. For business owners/employees seeking a permit in the county where they work, but do not reside, the maximum term is 90 days, with no minimum term. The sheriff may set a lesser period of time for "business" permits to expire.
25655. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the carrying of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by a person who is authorized to carry that weapon in a concealed manner pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150 [CCW license]).
Note “that weapon” refers to a specific firearm. Each individual firearm (including identical weapons) one wishes to carry must be qualified with and listed on their permit.
Note: while this section does not require you to carry your license while armed, it is highly recommended and is often a condition of the license. Being found armed without one will be an interesting conversation and you will probably be detained at a minimum and may lose your license if the issuing agency finds out.
Your handgun does not have to be registered to you to obtain a license (unless the issuing authority requires it), but a de facto registration will be created once you apply and especially after a license is issued. As long as the weapon you are carrying is listed on your license, you can share ownership of the gun (ex. husband/wife). Your handgun can be of any type or caliber and does not have to be on the roster.
DISCLAIMER: individual issuing agencies may have different rules on what they will allow.
Loaded/unloaded handgun exemptions
26010. Section 25850 does not apply to the carrying of any handgun by any person as authorized pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150 [CCW licensees]) of Division 5.
Note it is not illegal to carry a concealed unloaded handgun with a license to carry. 26350 (unloaded handguns) would not apply because it specifically refers to openly carried unloaded weapons, which generally illegal for everyone except in limited circumstances. But why would you carry an unloaded handgun for self-defense?
Expiration
Licenses for city/county residents are valid for any period of time up to a maximum of two years. The sheriff or chief will specify when the permit expires. California does not set a minimum term. For business owners/employees seeking a permit in the county where they work, but do not reside, the maximum term is 90 days, with no minimum term. The sheriff may set a lesser period of time for "business" permits to expire.
License to Carry
License to Carry A Pistol, Revolver, or Other Firearm Capable of Being Concealed Upon the Person
Sheriff issuance
26150. (a) When a person applies for a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county may issue a license to that person upon proof of all of the following:
(1) The applicant is of good moral character.
(2) Good cause exists for issuance of the license.
(3) The applicant is a resident of the county or a city within the county, or the applicant’s principal place of employment or business is in the county or a city within the county and the applicant spends a substantial period of time in that place of employment or business.
(4) The applicant has completed a course of training as described in Section 26165.
(b) The sheriff may issue a license under subdivision (a) in either of the following formats:
(1) A license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(2) Where the population of the county is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, a license to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(c) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the sheriff of the county from entering into an agreement with the chief or other head of a municipal police department of a city to process all applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, or amendments to licenses pursuant to this chapter, in lieu of the sheriff.
(2) This subdivision shall only apply to applicants who reside within the city in which the chief or other head of the municipal police department has agreed to process applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses, pursuant to this chapter.
(a)(3) creates two types of licenses; the regular city/county resident license (good for up to two years) or the work in the city/county (business) up-to 90-day license. The 90-day license is only good in the county of issuance. Note: Residence may be construed differently by the issuing authority, however, without a significant presence in the jurisdiction (such as owning a home and having a seasonal resident ID card), part-time residents may not qualify. See your issuing authority with any questions if you are a part-time California resident.
Agency has no liability for failure to issue/deny
818.4 GOV. A public entity is not liable for an injury caused by the issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of, or by the failure or refusal to issue, deny, suspend or revoke, any permit, license, certificate, approval, order, or similar authorization where the public entity or an employee of the public entity is authorized by enactment to determine whether or not such authorization should be issued, denied, suspended or revoked.
818.4 GOV. A public entity is not liable for an injury caused by the issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of, or by the failure or refusal to issue, deny, suspend or revoke, any permit, license, certificate, approval, order, or similar authorization where the public entity or an employee of the public entity is authorized by enactment to determine whether or not such authorization should be issued, denied, suspended or revoked.
Police chief issuance
26155. (a) When a person applies for a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county may issue a license to that person upon proof of all of the following:
(1) The applicant is of good moral character.
(2) Good cause exists for issuance of the license.
(3) The applicant is a resident of that city.
(4) The applicant has completed a course of training as described in Section 26165.
(b) The chief or other head of a municipal police department may issue a license under subdivision (a) in either of the following formats:
(1) A license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(2) Where the population of the county in which the city is located is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, a license to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city from entering an agreement with the sheriff of the county in which the city is located for the sheriff to process all applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses, pursuant to this chapter.
Good moral character
Neither of these terms are defined by statute and are at the discretion of the sheriff or chief. Standards vary wildly from agency to agency and can be as subjective as the agency would like. There is no way to predict if your situation or history would disqualify you. We cannot advise if your situation would qualify or not, nor is there a list or set of standards. The Attorney General has advised authorities that they can basically apply whatever arbitrary moral standards they'd like to deny permits, which is in fact unconstitutional. If you are denied a permit, though you can legally own a firearm, contact an attorney. Urge your sheriff now to drop any moral qualifications and issue permits to those who are not prohibited persons, as is done in virtually every state.
Good cause & may issue
Note: This is statutory and the changes brought by Bruen's "shall issue" ruling remains to be seen. Issuance of licenses is, under the Penal Code, entirely discretionary for sheriffs and chiefs. They have no statutory obligation to issue a license. Some counties take this to the extreme and would not issue any licenses to any one, some others may have restrictive criteria for exceptional cases, while others would grant licenses on practically a shall-issue basis. As of 06/23/2022, they can no longer require "good cause" and the "good moral character" part will come under scrutiny. How this plays out and how the state/agencies fight it remains to be seen at this early date.
Neither of these terms are defined by statute and are at the discretion of the sheriff or chief. Standards vary wildly from agency to agency and can be as subjective as the agency would like. There is no way to predict if your situation or history would disqualify you. We cannot advise if your situation would qualify or not, nor is there a list or set of standards. The Attorney General has advised authorities that they can basically apply whatever arbitrary moral standards they'd like to deny permits, which is in fact unconstitutional. If you are denied a permit, though you can legally own a firearm, contact an attorney. Urge your sheriff now to drop any moral qualifications and issue permits to those who are not prohibited persons, as is done in virtually every state.
Good cause & may issue
Note: This is statutory and the changes brought by Bruen's "shall issue" ruling remains to be seen. Issuance of licenses is, under the Penal Code, entirely discretionary for sheriffs and chiefs. They have no statutory obligation to issue a license. Some counties take this to the extreme and would not issue any licenses to any one, some others may have restrictive criteria for exceptional cases, while others would grant licenses on practically a shall-issue basis. As of 06/23/2022, they can no longer require "good cause" and the "good moral character" part will come under scrutiny. How this plays out and how the state/agencies fight it remains to be seen at this early date.
Prohibited persons not eligible and revocations
26195. (a) A license under this article shall not be issued if the Department of Justice determines that the person is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.
(b) (1) A license under this article shall be revoked by the local licensing authority if at any time either the local licensing authority is notified by the Department of Justice that a licensee is prohibited by state or federal law from owning or purchasing firearms, or the local licensing authority determines that the person is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.
(2) [DOJ notification requirement; text omitted]
(3) If the local licensing authority revokes the license, the Department of Justice shall be notified of the revocation pursuant to Section 26225. The licensee shall also be immediately notified of the revocation in writing.
Training and application
Written policies required
26160. Each licensing authority shall publish and make available a written policy summarizing the provisions of Section 26150 and subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 26155.
Training requirements
26165. (a) For new license applicants, the course of training for issuance of a license under Section 26150 or 26155 may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The course shall be no less than eight hours, but shall not be required to exceed 16 hours in length.
(2) The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.
(3) 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.
(b) A licensing authority shall establish, and make available to the public, the standards it uses when issuing licenses with regards to the required live-fire shooting exercises, including, but not limited to, a minimum number of rounds to be fired and minimum passing scores from specified firing distances.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the licensing authority may require a community college course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, up to a maximum of 24 hours, but only if required uniformly of all license applicants without exception.
(d) For license renewal applicants, the course of training may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority, shall be no less than four hours, and shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a). No course of training shall be required for any person certified by the licensing authority as a trainer for purposes of this section, in order for that person to renew a license issued pursuant to this article.
(e) The applicant shall not be required to pay for any training courses prior to the determination of good cause being made pursuant to Section 26202.
Note: the minimum training time for a new applicant is eight hours, while the maximum allowed is 16, at the sheriff’s/chief’s discretion. The renewal course is a minimum of four hours with no maximum set. Only when approval for issuance is given is the class required (to avoid wasting money); you do not take the class and then apply.
Note (a)(3) “that weapon” refers to a specific firearm. Each individual firearm (including identical weapons) one wishes to carry must be qualified with and listed on their permit.
Note: (c), 832 PC POST Arrest & Firearms Course can be used in lieu of section (a) training, but only if the sheriff/chief requires it for all applicants. It cannot be a substitute course.
Note (a)(3) “that weapon” refers to a specific firearm. Each individual firearm (including identical weapons) one wishes to carry must be qualified with and listed on their permit.
Note: (c), 832 PC POST Arrest & Firearms Course can be used in lieu of section (a) training, but only if the sheriff/chief requires it for all applicants. It cannot be a substitute course.
Psychological testing
(f) (1) If psychological testing on the initial application is required by the licensing authority, the license applicant shall be referred to a licensed psychologist used by the licensing authority for the psychological testing of its own employees. The applicant may be charged for the actual cost of the testing in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(2) 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. The cost to the applicant for this additional testing shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
Note: This is the psychologist who does the background for local officers/deputies. Psychological exam referrals are more common post-Bruen but are not a universal requirement; check with your issuing authority. Comment: Psychological tests are likely to be thrown out under court challenges as for one are they are subjective and beyond "good moral character" there is no standard for psychological fitness specified.
SB-2 psych exam changes will be addressed later in the event that the bill becomes enforceable without an injunction in place on Jan. 1, 2024.
Application required information
26175. (b) The application shall include a section summarizing the requirements of state law that result in the automatic denial of a license.
(c) The standard application form for licenses described in subdivision (a) shall require information from the applicant, including, but not limited to, the name, occupation, residence, and business address of the applicant, the applicant’s age, height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and reason for desiring a license to carry the weapon.
(d) Applications for licenses shall be filed in writing and signed by the applicant.
(e) Applications for amendments to licenses shall be filed in writing and signed by the applicant, and shall state what type of amendment is sought pursuant to Section 26215 and the reason for desiring the amendment.
(f) The forms shall contain a provision whereby the applicant attests to the truth of statements contained in the application.
(g) An applicant shall not be required to complete any additional application or form for a license, or to provide any information other than that necessary to complete the standard application form described in subdivision (a), except to clarify or interpret information provided by the applicant on the standard application form.
(h) [local form declaration; omitted]
(i) Any license issued upon the application shall set forth the licensee’s name, occupation, residence and business address, the licensee’s age, height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and the reason for desiring a license to carry the weapon, and shall, in addition, contain a description of the weapon or weapons authorized to be carried, giving the name of the manufacturer, the serial number, and the caliber. The license issued to the licensee may be laminated.
Approval/denial notification
26202. Upon making the determination of good cause pursuant to Section 26150 or 26155, the licensing authority shall give written notice to the applicant of the licensing authority’s determination. If the licensing authority determines that good cause exists, the notice shall inform the applicants to proceed with the training requirements specified in Section 26165. If the licensing authority determines that good cause does not exist, the notice shall inform the applicant that the request for a license has been denied and shall state the reason from the department’s published policy, described in Section 26160, as to why the determination was made.
Note: Only when approval for issuance is given is the class required (to avoid wasting money); you do not take the class and then apply.
Deadlines
26205. The licensing authority shall give written notice to the applicant indicating if the license under this article is approved or denied. The licensing authority shall give this notice within 90 days of the initial application for a new license or a license renewal, or 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the Department of Justice, whichever is later. If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied.
Don’t lie on your application
26180. (a) Any person who files an application required by Section 26175 knowing that any statement contained therein is false is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on the application regarding any of the following is guilty of a felony:
(1) The denial or revocation of a license, or the denial of an amendment to a license, issued pursuant to this article.
(2) A criminal conviction.
(3) A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
(4) The use of a controlled substance.
(5) A dishonorable discharge from military service.
(6) A commitment to a mental institution.
(7) A renunciation of United States citizenship.
Fingerprints required
26185. (a) (1) The fingerprints of each applicant shall be taken and two copies on forms prescribed by the Department of Justice shall be forwarded to the department.
[(a)(2)-(b) details applicable to government; omitted]
Fingerprints are kept on file and don’t need to be run again
(c) If the license applicant has a license issued pursuant to this article and the applicant’s fingerprints have been previously forwarded to the Department of Justice, as provided in this section, the licensing authority shall note the previous identification numbers and other data that would provide positive identification in the files of the Department of Justice on the copy of any subsequent license submitted to the department in conformance with Section Fingerprints are kept on file and Fingerprints are kept on file and no additional fingerprints shall be required.
Note: this applies to renewals only and not some other reason you were fingerprinted for. A new application requires new fingerprints to be taken, no matter if you applied for something else that required fingerprinting.
Fees
Note: There are two fees; one for the cost of fingerprinting and the second is for the sheriff/police department’s time to process the application.
Note: There are two fees; one for the cost of fingerprinting and the second is for the sheriff/police department’s time to process the application.
26190. (a) (1) An applicant for a new license or for the renewal of a license shall pay at the time of filing the application a fee determined by the Department of Justice. The fee shall not exceed the application processing costs of the Department of Justice for the direct costs of furnishing the report required by Section 26185.
[(2)(3); omitted]
Application fee
(b) (1) The licensing authority of any city, city and county, or county shall charge an additional fee in an amount equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license, including any required notices, excluding fingerprint and training costs, and shall transmit the additional fee, if any, to the city, city and county, or county treasury.
(2) The first 20 percent of this additional local fee may be collected upon filing of the initial application. The balance of the fee shall be collected only upon issuance of the license.
There is no cap on the application fee; some agency's fees may be exorbitant.
Renewal fee
(c) The licensing authority may charge an additional fee, not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25), for processing the application for a license renewal, and shall transmit an additional fee, if any, to the city, city and county, or county treasury.
(d) [inflation; text omitted]
Bonds, insurance, additional fees prohibited
(g) Except as authorized pursuant to this section, a requirement, charge, assessment, fee, or condition that requires the payment of any additional funds by the applicant, or requires the applicant to obtain liability insurance, may not be imposed by any licensing authority as a condition of the application for a license.
Changes and conditions
Sheriff’s/chief’s conditions
26200. (a) A license issued pursuant to this article may include any reasonable restrictions or conditions that the issuing authority deems warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the licensee may carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(b) Any restrictions imposed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be indicated on any license issued.
The standard application for concealed weapons states the following:
While exercising the privileges granted to the licensee 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 himself/herself as a peace officer to any person unless he/she is, 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.
There is no statutory authority for imposing these restrictions, however, many sheriffs/chiefs include them as among their conditions.
If you are in another county, the conditions that sheriff places on a license do not apply to your license. The restrictions on your license apply to you wherever you are.
You must obey any and all conditions placed on your license, which usually include the above. If you violate these restrictions you may lose your license or even be charged with a concealed firearm violation under the theory your license is only valid if you obey the conditions.
If you are in another county, the conditions that sheriff places on a license do not apply to your license. The restrictions on your license apply to you wherever you are.
You must obey any and all conditions placed on your license, which usually include the above. If you violate these restrictions you may lose your license or even be charged with a concealed firearm violation under the theory your license is only valid if you obey the conditions.
Address changes
26210. (a) When a licensee under this article has a change of address, the license shall be amended to reflect the new address and a new license shall be issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 26215.
(b) The licensee shall notify the licensing authority in writing within 10 days of any change in the licensee’s place of residence.
(c) If both of the following conditions are satisfied, a license to carry a concealed handgun may not be revoked solely because the licensee’s place of residence has changed to another county:
(1) The licensee has not breached any of the conditions or restrictions set forth in the license.
(2) The licensee has not become prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), if a licensee’s place of residence was the basis for issuance of a license, any license issued pursuant to Section 26150 or 26155 shall expire 90 days after the licensee moves from the county of issuance.
(e) 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.
Note: Be sure to notify the issuing agency of your move. Your permit will expire after 90 days of leaving the county. If you move within the county, you can keep your permit (city or county issued).
Adding handgun, changing conditions
26215. (a) A person issued a license pursuant to this article may apply to the licensing authority for an amendment to the license to do one or more of the following:
(1) Add or delete authority to carry a particular pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(2) Authorize the licensee to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(3) If the population of the county is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, authorize the licensee to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(4) Change any restrictions or conditions on the license, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(b) If the licensing authority amends the license, a new license shall be issued to the licensee reflecting the amendments.
(c) An amendment to the license does not extend the original expiration date of the license and the license shall be subject to renewal at the same time as if the license had not been amended.
(d) An application to amend a license does not constitute an application for renewal of the license.
Expiration
26220. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section and in subdivision (c) of Section 26210, a license issued pursuant to Section 26150 or 26155 is valid for any period of time not to exceed two years from the date of the license.
Business expiration
(b) If the licensee’s place of employment or business was the basis for issuance of a license pursuant to Section 26150, the license is valid for any period of time not to exceed 90 days from the date of the license. The license shall be valid only in the county in which the license was originally issued. The licensee shall give a copy of this license to the licensing authority of the city, county, or city and county in which the licensee resides. The licensing authority that originally issued the license shall inform the licensee verbally and in writing in at least 16-point type of this obligation to give a copy of the license to the licensing authority of the city, county, or city and county of residence. Any application to renew or extend the validity of, or reissue, the license may be granted only upon the concurrence of the licensing authority that originally issued the license and the licensing authority of the city, county, or city and county in which the licensee resides.
[(c), (d), (e); judges and peace officers get more time before expiration; text omitted]
FAQ
Is CCW insurance required?
Firearm liability insurance is not required, per 26190(g). We do recommend legal defense assistance, however, as many people cannot afford to put attorneys on retainer and a good defense may bankrupt an average person. Certain cities and counties are pursuing such policies regarding ownership, but the exact effect on issuance remains unknown and such ordinances are likely unconstitutional.
We highly recommend purchasing a membership with USCCA which, in addition to great knowledge and training databases, will provide you with legal protect in the event you have to use a weapon in self-defense. USCCA will help you access an attorney and provide funding for a defense and civil suits. Don’t go it alone or risk it all with a public defender. You can’t afford not to have legal protection in your pocket.
What if I violate the terms of my license?
If anyone finds out…best case scenario, your license is revoked. Worst case, you are charged with a concealed weapon violation (25400 PC) and become a test case.
Can I get a license to carry loaded and exposed (open carry)?
If you live in a county with a population of less than 200,000, you can if the sheriff will issue it. We are unaware of any sheriff who has issued such licenses. Most agencies are unaware of anyone even requesting such a license. A loaded and exposed license is only valid in that county, however, the sheriff may also endorse concealed carry.
I’m an armed security guard with a BSIS Firearms Permit; can I carry concealed?
Not without a separate Penal Code License to Carry or special exemption. Many security guards have been arrested for concealed firearm violations under the mistaken belief they can carry concealed. The BSIS Firearms Permit applies only to openly carried firearms. Security guards should not carry concealed unless they have a license to carry concealed.
If I get denied for license to carry, does that make me a prohibited person?
A mere denied license application does not result in you becoming a prohibited person. However, if you unknowingly are prohibited from possessing firearms in California, you may learn about the prohibition this way. Frankly, if you have doubts if you are a prohibited person you probably shouldn’t be applying blindly without contacting an attorney.
Can I get a license for anything that isn’t a firearm?
No. Security guards can get qualified and licensed to carry batons for their duties under the Business and Professions Code.
Where do I apply for a license to carry?
In the county or city where you actually reside. Those with dual residences have had trouble obtaining permits from the more friendly jurisdiction their secondary residence is in when their primary residence is in a more restrictive county.
Can I apply to any city/county?
No. You must reside or have a business in the place where you apply.
What if I'm a non-resident of California?
California does not issue to non-residents. California also does not recognize any other state's licenses/permits.
What if my city and county doesn't issue permits?
Sucks for you.
Is my license valid throughout the state?
Yes, even in Sacramento and San Francisco (barring any other laws or conditions).
Can I list an AR pistol or some other weird firearm on my license?
If it isn't otherwise illegal ("assault weapon") and you can convince the sheriff/chief, then yes. They will probably deny you.
Will they contact my employer during the background check?
It is highly unlikely they will unless your employment is listed as a reason for you to be armed.
I’m in the military and am stationed here; can I get a license?
It depends on your issuing authority and whether you are on TDY or received a PCS. Contact your sheriff/chief.
Is my application/license info confidential?
No, your information is not confidential. Much information is discoverable pursuant to a public records request. Only judges, public defenders, prosecuting attorneys, and peace officers have their address and phone numbers protected. All of this information was leaked for a few hours on June 27-28, 2022 by the Attorney General's office. It is not known if this was deliberate or as a result of incompetence. While this information was privately downloaded, we are unaware of it being available from any mainstream source and would be relatively hard for criminals or others to find.
Firearm liability insurance is not required, per 26190(g). We do recommend legal defense assistance, however, as many people cannot afford to put attorneys on retainer and a good defense may bankrupt an average person. Certain cities and counties are pursuing such policies regarding ownership, but the exact effect on issuance remains unknown and such ordinances are likely unconstitutional.
We highly recommend purchasing a membership with USCCA which, in addition to great knowledge and training databases, will provide you with legal protect in the event you have to use a weapon in self-defense. USCCA will help you access an attorney and provide funding for a defense and civil suits. Don’t go it alone or risk it all with a public defender. You can’t afford not to have legal protection in your pocket.
What if I violate the terms of my license?
If anyone finds out…best case scenario, your license is revoked. Worst case, you are charged with a concealed weapon violation (25400 PC) and become a test case.
Can I get a license to carry loaded and exposed (open carry)?
If you live in a county with a population of less than 200,000, you can if the sheriff will issue it. We are unaware of any sheriff who has issued such licenses. Most agencies are unaware of anyone even requesting such a license. A loaded and exposed license is only valid in that county, however, the sheriff may also endorse concealed carry.
I’m an armed security guard with a BSIS Firearms Permit; can I carry concealed?
Not without a separate Penal Code License to Carry or special exemption. Many security guards have been arrested for concealed firearm violations under the mistaken belief they can carry concealed. The BSIS Firearms Permit applies only to openly carried firearms. Security guards should not carry concealed unless they have a license to carry concealed.
If I get denied for license to carry, does that make me a prohibited person?
A mere denied license application does not result in you becoming a prohibited person. However, if you unknowingly are prohibited from possessing firearms in California, you may learn about the prohibition this way. Frankly, if you have doubts if you are a prohibited person you probably shouldn’t be applying blindly without contacting an attorney.
Can I get a license for anything that isn’t a firearm?
No. Security guards can get qualified and licensed to carry batons for their duties under the Business and Professions Code.
Where do I apply for a license to carry?
In the county or city where you actually reside. Those with dual residences have had trouble obtaining permits from the more friendly jurisdiction their secondary residence is in when their primary residence is in a more restrictive county.
Can I apply to any city/county?
No. You must reside or have a business in the place where you apply.
What if I'm a non-resident of California?
California does not issue to non-residents. California also does not recognize any other state's licenses/permits.
What if my city and county doesn't issue permits?
Sucks for you.
Is my license valid throughout the state?
Yes, even in Sacramento and San Francisco (barring any other laws or conditions).
Can I list an AR pistol or some other weird firearm on my license?
If it isn't otherwise illegal ("assault weapon") and you can convince the sheriff/chief, then yes. They will probably deny you.
Will they contact my employer during the background check?
It is highly unlikely they will unless your employment is listed as a reason for you to be armed.
I’m in the military and am stationed here; can I get a license?
It depends on your issuing authority and whether you are on TDY or received a PCS. Contact your sheriff/chief.
Is my application/license info confidential?
No, your information is not confidential. Much information is discoverable pursuant to a public records request. Only judges, public defenders, prosecuting attorneys, and peace officers have their address and phone numbers protected. All of this information was leaked for a few hours on June 27-28, 2022 by the Attorney General's office. It is not known if this was deliberate or as a result of incompetence. While this information was privately downloaded, we are unaware of it being available from any mainstream source and would be relatively hard for criminals or others to find.
6254 GOV. Except as provided in Sections 6254.7 and 6254.13, this chapter does not require the disclosure of any of the following records:
(u)(1) Information contained in applications for licenses to carry firearms issued pursuant to Section 26150, 26155, 26170, or 26215 of the Penal Code by the sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department that indicates when or where the applicant is vulnerable to attack or that concerns the applicant’s medical or psychological history or that of members of their family.
Multiple media outlets have requested this information in the past and obtained it. See also CBS, Inc. v. Block [(1986) 42 Cal.3d 646 , 230 Cal.Rptr. 362; 725 P.2d 470].
WTF? A lot of this is bullshit. People in free states don’t have to deal with this.
Yes, yes it is. Vote Republican (no matter what else you believe at least they are less worse than the Democrats) and donate the California Rifle and Pistol Association, Second Amendment Foundation, and the Cal Guns Foundation.
WTF? A lot of this is bullshit. People in free states don’t have to deal with this.
Yes, yes it is. Vote Republican (no matter what else you believe at least they are less worse than the Democrats) and donate the California Rifle and Pistol Association, Second Amendment Foundation, and the Cal Guns Foundation.
