CCW Permit Guide
California Concealed
Carry Permit 2026
California concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information. California is a shall-issue state following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision (2022). Prior to Bruen, California was effectively may-issue. A CCW license is required to carry concealed. California does not have permitless carry.
Shall-Issue State
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$100
Required for concealed carry
Validity
2yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
16 Hours
16 hours training including live fire; 8-hour renewal for subsequent applications
Processing
Varies
Contact issuing authority
Permit Details
California CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a California concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
County Sheriff or Chief of Police (Concealed Carry Weapon License)
— Official Site
Permitless Carry
Permit Required — a permit is required to carry concealed
Issue Standard
Shall Issue — the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Not Permitted — open carry of handguns is prohibited in California
Resident Fee
$100.00
Permit Valid
2 years from issuance date — renewal required
Minimum Age
21 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required — FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
Varies — contact issuing authority
Duty to Inform
No Requirement — no legal duty to proactively disclose, though voluntary disclosure is generally recommended
Training Requirements
California CCW Training Requirements
Training Required
California requires completion of an approved firearms training course before a permit will be issued. Minimum training time: 16 hours. Approved training types: 16 hours training including live fire; 8-hour renewal for subsequent applications.
California requires completion of an approved firearms training course before a permit will be issued. Minimum training time: 16 hours. Approved training types: 16 hours training including live fire; 8-hour renewal for subsequent applications.
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in California
Extensive list under AB 2571 / SB 2 (2023): schools, government buildings, public transit, parks and playgrounds, libraries, hospitals, places of worship, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, stadiums, amusement parks, financial institutions, pharmacies, and broadly any "sensitive place" as defined by law
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
California-Specific CCW Information
California passed SB 2 in 2023 to restrict carry locations following the Bruen decision — the law created one of the broadest "sensitive place" lists in the country. Ongoing litigation over SB 2. California does not honor any other state's CCW license. Open carry of handguns is prohibited in most areas. CCW valid for only 2 years.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in California are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with County Sheriff or Chief of Police (Concealed Carry Weapon License) or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.
Source: County Sheriff or Chief of Police (Concealed Carry Weapon License) (oag.ca.gov).
For reference 2026. Laws change — always verify directly with the official issuing authority before carrying.