In California, to obtain a concealed carry permit (also known as a “carrying a concealed weapon,” or CCW, permit), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be a resident of the county where you are applying for the permit.
  Not be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under state or federal law.
• Have good moral character (as determined by a background check).
  Complete a firearms training course that meets the standards set by the California Department of Justice.
• Have a good cause for carrying a concealed weapon, as determined by the issuing agency.

To apply for a CCW permit in California, you will need to submit an application to your local county sheriff’s office or the chief of police in your city. The application process typically includes an interview, fingerprinting, and a background check.

It is important to note that California has strict laws regarding the issuance of CCW permits, and obtaining a permit can be difficult in some areas of the state. Additionally, even if you are granted a CCW permit, there are certain places where you are not allowed to carry a concealed weapon, such as schools, government buildings, and airports.

Documents Needed When Applying for a CCW Permit in California

When applying for a CCW permit (Carrying a Concealed Weapon permit) in California, applicants are typically required to submit the following documents:

• A completed CCW application form
• A valid California Driver’s License or ID card
• Proof of residency in the county where the application is being made
  A certificate of completion from a firearms training course that meets California’s requirements
• A clear and legible photocopy of the applicant’s California Driver’s License or ID card
• A clear and legible photocopy of the certificate of completion from the firearms training course
• A passport-style photograph of the applicant
• A fee for processing the application, which varies by county
• Some counties may require additional documentation, such as a letter of good cause, a psychological evaluation, or proof of membership in a gun club.

It’s recommended to check with the local Sheriff’s office where you are applying for a CCW permit to confirm the specific requirements.

States Who Accept California Concealed Carry Permits

It is important to note that concealed carry laws vary by state, and not all states recognize concealed carry permits from other states. This means that even if you have a valid concealed carry permit from California, you may not be able to carry a concealed weapon in another state.

Here is a list of states that currently recognize California concealed carry permits, as of 2021:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

It is important to note that this list may change over time, as states may periodically enter into or terminate reciprocity agreements with other states. It is always a good idea to check with the laws of the state you are visiting or traveling through to ensure that you are in compliance with their concealed carry laws.

Traveling in California with a CCW

If you are carrying a concealed weapon in California, there are a few things that you need to know.

California has strict laws regarding carrying a concealed weapon, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with these laws before traveling with a CCW. In general, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon in California without a valid CCW permit.

California has different laws for residents and non-residents with regard to CCW permits. Residents of California must apply for a CCW permit in their county of residence, while non-residents can apply for a CCW permit through a select few counties in California that issue non-resident permits.

California is a “may issue” state, which means that law enforcement authorities have discretion in issuing CCW permits. This means that even if you meet all the requirements, you may not be granted a permit.

California’s laws are subject to change, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the most current laws and regulations when traveling with a CCW.

California has a number of gun-free zones, such as schools and government buildings, where it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon, even with a CCW permit. It’s important to know the laws and regulations regarding gun-free zones and to abide by them when traveling with a CCW.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Moving Across California with a Firearm

Do: Follow California’s laws and regulations regarding firearms when moving across the state. This includes obtaining any necessary permits and registration, as well as being aware of any local laws that may be different from the laws in your previous location.

Don’t: Transport firearms in a way that is not in compliance with California’s laws. This includes transporting firearms in a concealed manner without a valid CCW permit, and transporting firearms in a vehicle without properly securing them.

Do: Secure your firearms properly during transport. This means keeping them unloaded and locked in a container or trunk, or locked in a gun safe.

Don’t: Bring firearms into California that are illegal in the state, such as assault weapons or magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

Do: Be aware of the laws and regulations regarding firearms in the specific location you are moving to. Some cities or counties may have stricter laws than others, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local laws before moving your firearms there.