California Gun Laws

Concealed Carry

California is a shall-issue state following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. A Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit is required and is issued by the county sheriff or local police chief. Under SB 2 (effective January 1, 2024), California revised its CCW framework to comply with Bruen while adding new restrictions on where permit holders can carry and expanding training requirements.

Key statute: California Penal Code § 26150 — authorizes county sheriffs to issue CCW licenses to qualified residents. § 26155 — authorizes chiefs of police to issue CCW licenses.

Open Carry

Open carry of both loaded and unloaded firearms is prohibited in all incorporated areas and most unincorporated areas. California Penal Code §§ 25850 (loaded) and 26350 (unloaded handguns) govern open carry restrictions.

Who Cannot Carry

Applicants for a CCW must be: at least 21 years old, a resident of the county of application, of good moral character, completed a training course of not less than 16 hours, and demonstrate good cause (though post-Bruen, the subjective "good cause" standard has been struck down — the practical requirement is meeting objective eligibility criteria). Prohibited persons include convicted felons, persons with specified misdemeanor convictions (including domestic violence), persons subject to restraining orders, persons addicted to narcotics, and persons found to be mentally ill.

Prohibited Locations

Under SB 2, CCW holders are prohibited from carrying in numerous "sensitive places" including: government buildings, public transit, parks, playgrounds, churches and houses of worship, banks, zoos, museums, libraries, hospitals and medical facilities, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, stadiums, entertainment venues, parking areas for these locations, and any private property that does not affirmatively permit firearms. Many of these restrictions are subject to ongoing litigation.

Purchase Requirements

California imposes extensive purchase requirements: a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for all purchases; a 10-day waiting period applies to all firearms purchases; background checks are required for all sales including private transfers (universal background checks); handgun purchases are limited to one per 30 days; California maintains an Assault Weapons Control Act restricting specific firearm types; all firearms must be registered with the Department of Justice; and all sales must be processed through a licensed dealer.

Citations

California Penal Code §§ 25400-26400 (carry laws); § 26150-26225 (CCW licensing); §§ 30510-30530 (assault weapons); SB 2 (2023-2024 Session).

Sources & official resources