Concealed Carry in California

No. The California Department of Justice says that, generally, 'you may not carry a concealed firearm on your person in public unless you have a valid Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license.' It is also illegal to carry a loaded firearm on one's person or in a vehicle in any public place, on any public street, or where it is unlawful to discharge a firearm (with exceptions such as lawful hunting and target ranges).

License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW license), issued by the county sheriff or the chief of a city police department (not the DOJ); the licensing authority 'shall issue or renew' a license upon proof the applicant meets the statutory qualifications (shall-issue). Applicant must: not be a 'disqualified person' under Pen. Code § 26202 (which includes being found 'reasonably likely to be a danger'); be at least 21; for California residents, live in the county or city (or work there and spend substantial time there); complete the required training of no less than 16 hours for new applicants (8 hours for renewal), including live-fire exercises and at least one hour on mental health and mental health resources, taught by DOJ-certified instructors; and be the recorded owner with DOJ of each firearm listed. Fingerprints and state and federal record checks are required. The DOJ standard form now also provides for licenses to non-California residents who meet listed conditions. A standard CCW license is valid for 'any period of time not to exceed two years.' In counties under 200,000 population, residents may instead be issued a license to carry loaded and exposed in that county only. Fees are set by the local licensing authority (DOJ does not list a statewide fee).

None. 'California law does not honor or recognize CCW licenses issued outside this state'; 'CCW licenses/permits issued in other states are not valid in California.' Non-residents must obtain a California license (the DOJ standard application now provides for non-resident licenses).

Everyone: possessing a firearm in a school zone (K-12 grounds and within 1,000 feet) is generally prohibited (Pen. Code § 626.9), and bringing a firearm onto a public or private college or university campus without written permission is a felony. CCW licensees may not carry in the places listed in Pen. Code § 26230(a). According to DOJ (March 27, 2025), 20 of the 26 are enforceable: school zones; preschools and childcare facilities; buildings controlled by state executive or legislative officers; court buildings; local government buildings; detention facilities; colleges and universities; airports and passenger vessel terminals; nuclear (NRC-regulated) sites; police stations; polling places; bars and restaurants that serve alcohol; playgrounds and youth centers; parks and athletic facilities; most state parks and Fish and Wildlife property (hunting areas excepted); casinos and gambling sites; stadiums and arenas; public libraries; amusement parks; and zoos and museums (most including parking areas). Still blocked by a court injunction: hospitals and medical facilities; public transit; permitted public gatherings; places of worship; financial institutions; and the default ban on private businesses open to the public without a sign allowing carry.

Without a CCW license, a handgun may be transported by motor vehicle by a U.S. citizen over 18 who is not prohibited, only if it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container; the glove or utility compartment does not count. Rifles and shotguns need not be in a locked container but must be unloaded while transported. Registered assault weapons must be unloaded, in a locked container, and moved only between specified locations. Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle in a public place or on a public street is illegal, and a driver or owner may not knowingly let a passenger carry one. CCW licensees in a sensitive place may keep a firearm locked in a DOJ-approved lock box in the vehicle.