What You Need to Know About CCW Permits for Women in California
According to California law, carrying a loaded or unloaded firearm in public is illegal unless the citizen has obtained a concealed weapons permit. Here’s everything you need to know about CCW permits for women in California.
Qualifications
Obtaining a concealed weapons permit in California requires that one is over the age of twenty-one, and is a resident of the specific city or county in which they are applying. Concealed weapons permits (also known as “CCW’s”) are granted by an individual’s local sheriff or law enforcement agency. CCW applications take around 90 days to be processed, and are valid for two years. According to California Penal Code Section 26150, the other qualifications to obtain a CCW are also follows:
- An individual must be of “good moral character”
- An individual must have good cause to apply for the license. Good cause in this case means that an applicant must be able to demonstrate that either they or their family is in danger, and that obtaining a CCW would somehow mitigate that danger. An individual must submit documented evidence of this good cause along with their application.
- An individual must be a resident in the city or county in which the local sheriff receiving the application has jurisdiction
- An individual must have completed the required training in accordance with California Penal Code Section 26165.
What Kind of Weapons Are Allowed?
A CCW allows an individual to concealed carry any firearm on California’s list of certified handguns. A certified handgun being carried on a person who has a CCW must be concealed in a way that it is not visible to observing passersby. These certified handguns include pistols, revolvers, and any other firearms that can be concealed on someone’s body. Assault weapons and other generally prohibited weapons as listed on California Penal Code Section 16590 are not authorized for concealed carry by a CCW permit.
The Training Process
California law requires that new and returning applicants complete a training process in order to obtain a CCW. The training process must also abide by certain specifications, which differ depending on whether the applicant is a new or returning applicant. The following are the guidelines for the new applicant training process:
- It must be between 8 and 16 hours
- Instruction must cover firearm safety, handling, shooting technique, and firearm regulations
- Instruction must include live fire exercises at a firing range
- During the training, the applicant must demonstrate safe handling and shooting proficiency for each firearm for which they are applying
- The local licensing authority may also require that applicants take a 24 hour community college course, so long as the requirement is for all applicants to that agency, and the course is certified by the Commission on Peace officer Standards and Training
The guidelines for renewing applicant training are slightly less rigorous, and are listed below:
- The training process is up to the discretion of the local licensing authority, but it cannot exceed 4 hours in length
- Instruction must also cover firearm safety, handling, shooting technique, and firearm regulations
- Instruction must include live fire exercises at a shooting range.
The Application Process
The process to apply for a concealed weapons permit in California may look different depending on the local licensing agency. However, there are a few universal aspects to the application process, as listed below:
- The first step is to fill out a paper application, which will be specific to the county in which the application resides. The application should be submitted to the local county sheriff, and the application fee could be up to $200. The application will take around 10 days to be processed, because the local authority must perform a background check and review any documentation provided to supplement the “good cause” given.
- Next, the applicant will likely be asked to sit for an interview with the licensing agency. In the interview, applicants can expect to discuss why they are applying, their potential criminal history, and instructions for public firearm safety.
- Depending on the requirements of the local licensing agency, applicants may be asked to sit for a psychological evaluation, for which there may be a fee of up to $150.
According to California Penal Code Section 26202, the local licensing authority will decide whether or not an applicant has good cause for obtaining the permit. If the county sheriff determines that an applicant has good cause after the process listed above, the authority will give written notice to the applicant that they should proceed with the training requirements. If not, the licensing authority will explain the reason that a good cause was not found according to the department’s policy.
FAQs About CCW Permits for Women in California
How can an individual use a firearm after obtaining a CCW?
According to California Penal Code Section 26200, the CCW permit will be personalized according to each applicant’s situation. That means that the permit may include restrictions as to the time and place in which each individual may carry their weapons. These restrictions will be indicated on the permit itself, and an individual who does not abide by them can have their CCW permit revoked.
However, applicants must always adhere to California gun safety laws. According to California Penal Code Section 417, it is illegal to brandish a deadly weapon (including licensed firearms) in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, unless done so in self defense. Obtaining a CCW permit does not absolve an individual from having to abide by this rule.
Can an adult aged 18-21 obtain a CCW?
No. In California, adults under 21 can only purchase shotguns and 0.22 rifles from licensed gun dealers. An individual must wait until they are 21 in order to purchase a handgun or pistol, and to apply for a concealed carry permit.
How should one prepare for the training?
An individual applying for a CCW permit must already know what kind of handguns they are attempting to acquire one for. It is advised that potential applicants go to their local shooting range and try out different types of handguns with professionals, in order to discern which one is the most comfortable fit for them.
The training process itself does not cover the technical basics of live fire shooting, as it is assumed that applicants have already covered this themselves. It is advisable to attend training on the basics of shooting prior to attending a CCW class, in order to learn the proper techniques.
Should women apply for a CCW permit in California?
Acquiring a CCW permit is an individual applicant’s choice, as only they can decide what is the best choice for their personal circumstances. However, many women find that having a CCW permit is an empowering choice for them. Women who work late night shifts, or have the added responsibility of protecting their loved ones may consider applying for a CCW permit. Given that a CCW permit is the only way to legally carry a licensed firearm in public in California, obtaining one can definitely increase one’s self protection arsenal.
Is an out of state concealed carry permit recognized in California?
No. California does not have reciprocity with other states, and so it does not recognize concealed carry permits issued outside of California.
Do other states recognize a California concealed carry permit?
Certain states do recognize California concealed carry permits. More details on concealed carry reciprocity states can be found here.
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If you have any more questions about CCW permits for women in California, 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!