Everything You Need to Know About a CCW Permit in California
A concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit legally authorizes an individual to carry a concealed firearm in California. Here’s everything you need to know about a CCW permit in California.
Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a concealed weapon on one’s person in public places. A concealed firearm can be carried on one’s body, off their body in a purse, in a backpack, or another kind of specialized concealment accessory. Regardless of which accessory is used, it is critical that there is a trigger guard on the weapon to prevent it from being fired.
Where else can you carry a firearm?
A U.S. citizen or legal resident at or above the age of 18 can carry a handgun anywhere within their home or place of residence, place of business, or other places of private property owned by the individual. At these locations, the individual does not need to have a permit or license to carry.
Prohibited Places to Carry a Firearm in California
In general, it is prohibited for a person to carry an open or concealed firearm in the following places:
- Any public place or public street in an incorporated city, or in an unincorporated territory if it is against the law to discharge a firearm in that location
However, if a person has a CCW, and has sufficient reason to believe that the location is their private property, or if that person or another individual is believed to be subject to grave danger, the loaded weapon can be carried and potentially fired. In this context, a firearm/weapon is considered to be “loaded” if it has a cartridge or shell in a chamber, clip, or magazines in or connected to the handgun.
Where can you not carry a firearm with a CCW?
Even with a CCW, California law prohibits anyone from carrying a concealed handgun or loaded weapon, upon their person or in their vehicle, while participating in informational activities or while protesting with picket signs.
Furthermore, it is also against the law to possess a firearm in the presence of a public transit facility if the sterile area (generally controlled in a manner consistent with the transit authority’s security plan) has signage prohibiting such. Law enforcement individuals are exempt from this rule.
California law also prohibits carrying a firearm at or near:
- The State Capitol or any grounds surrounding it (10th, L, 15th, and N Streets in Sacramento, CA),
- Around or inside any legislative office,
- Office of a Governor or other constitutional officer, and/or
- Any room that the Senate or Assembly is having a hearing, and
- Any school locations.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about a CCW Permit in California and where one can carry, contact us. We can help you obtain your CCW permit, from start to finish. Get your free consultation with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal situation!