California CCW Requirements and County Guide
This guide covers who issues California CCW licenses, the statewide eligibility, training, fee, and timeline rules in the Penal Code, separate steps for residents and eligible non-residents, and county-specific next steps. Official sources are linked beside key claims.
*Written decision deadline: 120 days after a complete application or 30 days after DOJ background results, whichever is later (§ 26205). Not a permit delivery date. Validity: up to two years under the currently effective statute, with exceptions (§ 26220).
Statewide Rules
- Shall-issue. A county sheriff or city police chief must issue or renew a license when the applicant satisfies the applicable eligibility requirements, including not being a disqualified person under objective criteria. Issuance depends on meeting those requirements; it is not automatic. Source: CA DOJ — CCW regulations (SB 2 summary)
- Training. New applicants: at least 16 hours, including a one-hour mental health component, a written exam, and live fire with each firearm to be licensed. Renewals: at least 8 hours. The issuing agency decides which courses it accepts. Source: Penal Code § 26165 (training)
- Fees. A DOJ background-check fee plus a local processing fee set by each agency; training and fingerprinting costs are separate. Source: Penal Code § 26190 (fees)
- Term. Up to two years under the currently effective statute. Exceptions: employment-based licenses are limited to 90 days in the issuing county, and certain judges and custodial officers may receive longer terms. Source: Penal Code § 26220 (license term)
- No reciprocity. California does not recognize permits from other states, including Arizona. Carrying concealed in California requires a California license. Source: CA DOJ Bulletin 2025-DLE-13 (Hoffman v. Bonta)
California Residents: How to Apply
Apply to your county sheriff, or to your city police chief where the city issues licenses.
- 1Choose your licensing authority: your county sheriff, or your city police chief if you live in a city whose department issues licenses (Penal Code §§ 26150, 26155).
- 2Complete a training course acceptable to that agency: at least 16 hours, including a one-hour mental health component, a written exam, and live fire with each firearm you want listed (§ 26165).
- 3Submit the DOJ standard application (BOF 4012) with ID, proof of residency, and the firearms you want listed. You must be the DOJ-recorded owner of each firearm (§ 26150(a)(5)).
- 4Complete fingerprinting and the DOJ background check; agencies charge the DOJ fee plus a local processing fee (§§ 26185, 26190).
- 5The agency must give you written notice of approval or denial within 120 days of receiving your complete application, or 30 days after it receives DOJ background results, whichever is later. This is a decision deadline, not a guaranteed permit delivery date (§ 26205).
Eligible Non-Residents: How to Apply
Effective January 1, 2026, Penal Code § 26150(b) directs county sheriffs to issue licenses to non-California residents who satisfy its eligibility conditions. Earlier 2025 court orders had opened applications to members of certain organizations. Confirm the current process with the sheriff before enrolling or applying.
- 1Apply to the sheriff of the county where you primarily intend to travel or spend time in California; you attest to this under oath (§ 26150(b)(3)). City police chiefs issue only to California residents (§ 26155(a)).
- 2Provide a valid driver's license or DMV ID card from your home state as proof of identity, age, and residence (§ 26150(b)(2)).
- 3Complete a training course meeting § 26165 criteria for that agency. If the agency has approved no online course, you may use an online course approved by another sheriff that issues nonresident licenses (§ 26150(b)(4)).
- 4Complete live fire with each firearm you list. Tell the agency which live-fire course you plan to use; it must approve it or suggest an alternative within 75 miles of your residence (§ 26150(b)(5)).
- 5List the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each firearm. A firearm that cannot lawfully be possessed in California is cause for denial as to that firearm (§ 26150(b)(6)).
County Next Steps
Each issuing agency sets its own application, scheduling, course-approval, and firearm-listing details. A rule one county applies (for example, how many firearms may be listed) does not apply statewide. Los Angeles County is listed for residents only.
Other counties with course options:
Where You Can't Carry in California
Penal Code § 26230 lists places where license holders may not carry, and several provisions have been litigated. In March 2025, CA DOJ advised that the restrictions for these locations are enforceable. That list is dated and not exhaustive — a location's absence from it does not mean carry is permitted there:
- Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol (and related parking)
- Playgrounds and youth centers
- Parks, athletic areas, and athletic facilities
- Most State Parks and Fish & Wildlife property
- Casinos and gambling establishments
- Stadiums and arenas
- Public libraries
- Amusement parks
- Zoos and museums
For the full list and the current status of other locations, read § 26230 and confirm with your issuing agency. Federal restrictions and posted signage also apply.
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Related California Firearm Laws
- Home defense presumption. A person who uses deadly force inside their residence against someone who unlawfully and forcibly entered is presumed to have had a reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily injury, when the statute's conditions are met. Source: Penal Code § 198.5 (home defense presumption)
- Gun violence restraining orders. A court may issue an order prohibiting a named person from possessing or acquiring firearms and ammunition. Source: Penal Code § 18100 (gun violence restraining orders)
- Buying a firearm. Purchasers generally need a valid Firearm Safety Certificate, though the statute provides exemptions (for example, certain law enforcement and military personnel and some transfers). Source: Penal Code § 31615 (firearm safety certificate)
Official Resources
Recommended Courses
Some recommended courses are operated by Safehouse Defense, the company behind this site. We identify those relationships so you can evaluate our recommendations.
How we rank: relevance to the permit you are pursuing, whether the course can be completed online, alignment with the issuing authority's published application steps, price transparency, and application support. Courses marked "Editor's Pick" are operated by Safehouse Defense.
Not every course below fulfills California CCW training. Each card states what it is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California shall-issue or may-issue?+
Shall-issue. Since SB 2, a sheriff or police chief must issue or renew a license when the applicant satisfies the applicable eligibility requirements: not a disqualified person under objective criteria, at least 21, required training, residency or nonresident conditions, and the other statutory requirements (Penal Code §§ 26150, 26155, 26202). Issuance is not automatic.
Can nonresidents get a California CCW license?+
Yes. Effective January 1, 2026, Penal Code § 26150(b) directs county sheriffs to issue licenses to non-California residents who satisfy its eligibility conditions. Apply to the sheriff of the county where you primarily intend to travel or spend time. City police chiefs issue only to California residents. Confirm the current process with the sheriff before enrolling or applying.
How much training does California require?+
New applicants need a course of at least 16 hours that includes a one-hour mental health component, a written exam, and live fire with each firearm to be licensed. Renewals require at least 8 hours covering the same topics (Penal Code § 26165). The issuing agency decides which courses it accepts.
How much does a California CCW cost?+
There is no single statewide price. You pay the DOJ background check fee plus a local processing fee set by your agency, and training and fingerprinting costs are separate (Penal Code § 26190). Check your agency's fee schedule.
How long does a California CCW application take?+
Penal Code § 26205 sets a deadline for written notice of approval or denial: within 120 days of receiving a complete new application, or 30 days after the agency receives DOJ background results, whichever is later. It is a decision deadline, not a guarantee of when you will receive a permit.
How long is a California CCW valid?+
A standard license is valid for up to two years under the currently effective statute. Exceptions apply: a license based on your principal place of employment or business is valid up to 90 days and only in the issuing county, and certain judges and custodial officers may receive longer terms (Penal Code § 26220).
Does my Arizona (or other state) permit let me carry concealed in California?+
No. California does not recognize other states' carry permits. To carry concealed in California you need a license issued by a California sheriff or police chief. An Arizona permit is useful in states that honor it, not in California.
Does one county's firearm limit apply statewide?+
No. Limits on how many firearms may be listed, scheduling, and course approval are set by each issuing agency. Confirm those details with your sheriff or police chief.
Disclaimer: Concealed carry laws change frequently. This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements with your county sheriff or city police chief before applying or carrying.