What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry Gun Laws in California
In California, concealed weapons permit (CCW) is the only way to legally carry a firearm in public. Here’s everything you need to know about concealed carry gun laws in California.
How to Get a CCW
In order to apply for a CCW, an individual must meet certain requirements. CCW permit applications are reviewed and approved by an individual’s local sheriff or law enforcement agency. Applicants must be a resident of the city or county in which they are applying and over 21 years of age.
According to California Penal Code Section 26150, all applicants must:
- Be determined to have “good moral character,”
- Have “good cause” to obtain the permit.
- Good cause as defined by California law means that either the applicant, their spouse, or their dependent child is in danger that would be mitigated by their possession of a concealed firearm. More information on proving “good cause” to obtain a CCW permit in California can be found here.
- Complete the training as dictated in California Penal Code Section 26165; and
- Pass a psychological evaluation (this requirement varies based on jurisdiction)
The process to prove “good cause” and to navigate the application process for a CCW permit can be difficult, especially in more urban counties. It is highly recommended that individuals hire an experienced attorney to help them present the best case possible.
Who cannot obtain a CCW permit?
There are a few individuals who are automatically disqualified from obtaining a CCW permit in California. This includes:
- Anyone who has been convicted of a felony in the United States, or any country, cannot possess a firearm.
- If they are found in possession of a firearm, they can be charged with another felony, which is punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Anyone with a narcotics addiction or diagnosed mental illness.
- Anyone with a domestic violence conviction whose sentence involved the revocation of their gun rights.
Types of CCW Permits
In California, there are four types of CCW permits. Some are easier to obtain than others, and not all are offered in every city or county.
Different types of CCW permits include:
- Standard CCW permits, which covers an individual’s personal protection or that of a spouse or dependent child.
- Employment CCW permits, for people who work in high-risk occupations.
- Judicial CCW permits, which are only granted to state and federal judges, magistrates, and commissioners.
- Reserve police officer CCW permits.
CCW Permit Reciprocity
When a state has “reciprocity” with another state’s CCW permit, that means that they honor CCW permits granted in that state. California does not have reciprocity with any other state, meaning that in order to concealed carry in California, an individual must obtain a CCW permit from a California jurisdiction.
However, there are many states that honor CCW permits obtained in California, which are listed here:
Alabama
Arkansas
Idaho
Indiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Montana
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Ohio
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Additionally, in some states in the U.S., individuals do not need a permit in order to concealed carry. This means that anyone over 18 years of age, whether or not they possess a CCW permit from a California jurisdiction, can concealed carry in these states:
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
West Virginia
Wyoming
What weapons can be possessed with a CCW permit?
CCW permits apply to firearms that can be easily concealed on someone’s body, including pistols and revolvers. Assault weapons and other weapons generally prohibited in California Penal Code 16590 cannot be possessed with a CCW permit.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about concealed carry gun laws 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!