California CCW Guide 2026 — County by County Requirements

Introduction: The New Era of California Concealed Carry

For decades, California operated under a "may-issue" concealed carry regime. Whether you received a CCW license depended almost entirely on which county you lived in. Applicants in Los Angeles County famously needed to demonstrate a specific, documented threat to their personal safety — a standard so high that fewer than 200 permits were active in a county of 10 million people. Meanwhile, rural counties like Shasta and El Dorado issued permits far more liberally.

That changed dramatically on June 23, 2022, when the United States Supreme Court decided New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___ (2022). The Court held that the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect an individual's right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home. States can no longer require applicants to demonstrate "proper cause" or "good cause" — they must issue permits to all qualified applicants who meet objective criteria.

California responded with Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), signed by Governor Newsom on September 26, 2023, which went into effect on January 1, 2024. SB 2 formally converted California to a "shall-issue" state while simultaneously creating an extensive list of "sensitive places" where concealed carry is prohibited and adding new training and insurance-related requirements.

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a California CCW permit in 2026.

Who Can Apply for a California CCW Permit?

Under California Penal Code sections 26150 (sheriff) and 26155 (police chief), you may apply for a CCW license if you meet all of the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 21 years old. There is no exception for active military under state law for CCW purposes.
2. Residency: You must be a resident of the county where you apply (sheriff) or a resident of, or work in, the city where you apply (police chief). You must also be a legal resident of the United States.
3. Good Moral Character: SB 2 retained the "good moral character" requirement. Issuing authorities may consider factors such as recent criminal history (including arrests that did not lead to conviction), any documented acts of violence, DUI history within the last 5 years, and any restraining orders. This is the one subjective element that remains.
4. Training: You must complete a 16-hour training course approved by the issuing authority, taught by a DOJ-certified instructor.
5. No Disqualifying Factors: You must not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law.

Disqualifying Factors — Who Cannot Get a California CCW

You are prohibited from receiving a CCW license if any of the following apply:

• Convicted of any felony (lifetime prohibition under Cal. Penal Code § 29800)
• Convicted of certain misdemeanors (10-year prohibition under § 29805), including assault, battery, brandishing, stalking, threats, and domestic violence offenses
• Subject to a domestic violence restraining order, gun violence restraining order (GVRO), or civil harassment restraining order with firearm restrictions
• Adjudicated as a mental health risk under Welfare & Institutions Code § 8103
• Addicted to any narcotic drug
• Found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity
• Under 21 years of age
• Prohibited under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)): includes unlawful users of controlled substances, undocumented individuals, individuals dishonorably discharged from the military, and those who have renounced U.S. citizenship
• Two or more convictions for DUI within the past 5 years (SB 2 addition)

Step-by-Step Application Process

While the exact process varies slightly by county, the general steps are consistent across California:

Step 1: Determine Your Issuing Authority

You apply to the sheriff of your county of residence. If you live in an incorporated city, you may also apply to the chief of police of that city — though most California cities defer to the county sheriff. In practice, the vast majority of applicants go through their county sheriff's office.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Most counties now offer online application portals. You will need to provide:

• Completed application form (Standard BOF 4012 or county-specific form)
• Valid California driver's license or state ID showing current address
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
• Passport-quality photographs (some counties take photos in-office)
• Application fee (varies by county; see table below)

Step 3: Background Check & LiveScan

The county will run a DOJ and FBI background check via LiveScan fingerprinting. Under Cal. Penal Code § 26185, the DOJ must respond to the issuing authority within 30 days of receiving the fingerprint submission. In practice, background checks typically take 2 to 8 weeks depending on volume.

Step 4: Complete the 16-Hour Training Course

SB 2 increased the minimum training requirement from 8 hours to 16 hours. The course must cover:

• Firearm safety and safe storage
• California firearms laws (including use of deadly force, PC § 197 and § 198.5)
• SB 2 sensitive places and prohibited locations
• Conflict de-escalation and situational awareness
• Live-fire qualification: minimum of 50 rounds per firearm listed on the permit, demonstrating safe handling and acceptable accuracy

You must qualify with each specific firearm you want listed on your license. Most counties allow 1 to 3 firearms on the initial license. Some counties (e.g., Orange County) allow up to 5.

Step 5: Interview (Some Counties)

Certain counties require an in-person interview with a sheriff's investigator. This is used to assess "good moral character." Expect questions about your reason for applying, your familiarity with firearms laws, and your background.

Step 6: Receive Your License

Once approved, you will be issued a CCW license card. The license is valid for 2 years under Cal. Penal Code § 26220. You must carry the license on your person at all times when carrying concealed and present it upon request to any law enforcement officer.

County-by-County Comparison: Fees & Processing Times

The following table shows approximate fees and processing times for major California counties. These figures are based on publicly available information from county sheriff websites and may change. Always verify directly with your county sheriff's office.

Note: Fees above are for the application only. Additional costs include LiveScan fingerprinting ($20–$75), training course ($150–$350 for 16 hours), and passport photos ($10–$20). Total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $400 to $700.

SB 2 Sensitive Places — Where You Cannot Carry

SB 2 created one of the most expansive "sensitive places" lists in the country. Even with a valid CCW license, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in the following locations under Cal. Penal Code § 26230:

• Government buildings: Federal, state, and local government buildings, including courthouses, legislative offices, and city halls
• Schools and universities: K-12 schools, school grounds, college and university campuses (including parking lots)
• Public parks and playgrounds: All parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational areas operated by a government entity
• Places of worship: Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other houses of worship (unless specific written permission is granted by the managing authority)
• Libraries and museums: Public libraries and publicly operated museums
• Hospitals and medical facilities: Including emergency rooms, clinics, and doctor's offices
• Public transit: Buses, trains, subway cars, and associated platforms, stations, and terminals
• Bars and establishments primarily selling alcohol: Anywhere that derives more than 50% of revenue from alcohol sales
• Stadiums, arenas, and entertainment venues: Including concert halls, theaters, and amusement parks
• Polling places: During election periods
• Protests and public demonstrations: Permitted public gatherings
• Financial institutions: Banks and credit unions
• Private property: Any private property that has not given express written or posted consent permitting concealed carry

Legal challenges: Several federal lawsuits have challenged SB 2's sensitive places provisions. In May v. Bonta and related cases, federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions blocking some of the more expansive provisions. The legal landscape is evolving — check our Law Tracker for the latest court rulings.

Training Requirements in Detail

The 16-hour training course mandated by SB 2 is a significant time and financial investment. Here is what to expect:

Classroom Instruction (8 hours minimum)

• California and federal firearms laws
• Use of force and deadly force: when lethal force is legally justified under Cal. Penal Code § 197 (justifiable homicide) and § 198.5 (castle doctrine presumption)
• SB 2 sensitive places: detailed review of all prohibited locations
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• Safe handling, storage, and transportation of firearms
• Interaction with law enforcement while armed
• Mental health awareness and suicide prevention

Live-Fire Qualification (4–8 hours)

• Minimum 50 rounds per firearm listed on the permit
• Demonstrated proficiency at multiple distances (typically 3, 5, 7, and 15 yards)
• Passing score varies by county but is typically 70–80% accuracy on a standard silhouette target
• Safe drawing, holstering, and reloading techniques
• Malfunction clearance drills

Finding an Approved Training Provider

Your issuing authority maintains a list of approved instructors. Do not complete training with a non-approved instructor — the county may refuse to accept the certificate. Most 16-hour courses cost between $150 and $350, not including ammunition. Expect to bring at least 200 rounds per firearm.

CCW Reciprocity — Does California Honor Other States?

NO. California does not honor or recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. Under Cal. Penal Code § 25400, carrying a concealed firearm without a California-issued license is a criminal offense, regardless of whether you hold a valid permit from another state.

Conversely, very few states honor California CCW permits. As of 2026, the states that recognize California CCW licenses include a small number that have universal recognition policies (e.g., Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia). Always verify reciprocity before traveling — use our Reciprocity Map Tool.

Traveling Through California With a Firearm

If you are passing through California and are not a resident, the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 926A) allows you to transport a firearm through a state where you are not licensed, provided the firearm is:

• Unloaded and locked in a container separate from ammunition
• Not readily accessible from the passenger compartment
• Legal at both your origin and destination

This federal safe-passage provision does not allow you to stop and stay in California — it covers continuous travel only.

Renewal Process

Your California CCW license expires 2 years from the date of issuance. To renew:

1. Submit a renewal application at least 90 days before expiration
2. Complete an 8-hour renewal training course (half the initial requirement)
3. Re-qualify at the range with each firearm listed on your license
4. Pay the renewal fee (typically $75–$130)
5. Undergo an updated background check

If your license expires before renewal is complete, you cannot legally carry concealed until the new license is issued. Plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry in my vehicle without a CCW?

NO (with one exception). Under Cal. Penal Code § 25610, you may transport a handgun in your vehicle if it is unloaded and in a locked container. The glove compartment and center console do not count as locked containers. A locked case in the trunk or cargo area satisfies the requirement. Only a valid CCW license permits loaded concealed carry in a vehicle.

Can I open carry instead?

NO. California prohibits open carry of both loaded and unloaded handguns in incorporated areas under Cal. Penal Code § 25850 (loaded) and § 26350 (unloaded). Open carry of long guns is similarly restricted in most areas. The only legal way to carry a firearm on your person in public in California is with a CCW license.

What happens if I carry in a sensitive place under SB 2?

Carrying a concealed firearm in a designated sensitive place, even with a valid CCW, is a misdemeanor under Cal. Penal Code § 26230. Penalties include up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. A conviction could also result in revocation of your CCW license and a 10-year prohibition on firearm possession under § 29805.

How many CCW permits has California issued since Bruen?

According to available reporting, California has seen a dramatic increase in CCW applications and issuances since the Bruen decision. Statewide active CCW permits went from approximately 200,000 in mid-2022 to an estimated 400,000+ by late 2025. Los Angeles County alone went from under 200 active permits to over 15,000.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply early. Processing times are long in most counties. Submit your application as soon as you have decided to apply.
2. Be thorough and honest. Any omission or false statement on your application is grounds for immediate denial and may constitute a criminal offense.
3. Complete training promptly. Many counties require training to be completed within a certain window (e.g., within 6 months of application or before the interview).
4. Choose your firearms wisely. Only list firearms you regularly carry and train with. You must qualify with each one.
5. Prepare for the interview. If your county requires an in-person interview, review California's laws on use of force. Demonstrate familiarity and responsibility.
6. Keep records. Save copies of your application, training certificate, LiveScan receipt, and all correspondence with the issuing authority.
7. Know SB 2. Thoroughly understand the sensitive places list. Ignorance is not a legal defense.

Conclusion

The Bruen decision fundamentally changed concealed carry in California. For the first time, law-abiding residents who meet objective qualifications have a constitutional right to obtain a CCW license. However, SB 2 introduced significant new restrictions — particularly the sensitive places provisions and the default prohibition on carry on private property — that make carrying concealed in California more complex than in most other states.

Whether you are just starting the application process or renewing an existing permit, staying informed about the evolving legal landscape is critical. Use our 2A Legal tools to look up your county's requirements, track ongoing court challenges to SB 2, and stay up to date on California firearms law.