California Concealed Carry Law Summary
California Gun Laws
Open Carry:
Prohibited except in unincorporated areas where the county has not passed any laws prohibiting open carry
Duty to Notify Law Enforcement:
Varies by county or city
State Parks:
Per US 9th Cir Ct of Appeals on 9/19/24 carry in State Parks is illegal
Restaurants Serving Alcohol:
California now prohibits carry in places "having a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption." It is our opinion that this could include the bar area within a traditional restaurant. Further, when carrying one cannot consume an alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
Firearms at Colleges:
Concealed guns on campus prohibited by law.
Firearms at K-12 Schools:
Firearms must be unloaded and in locked cases within a vehicle.
Church Carry:
Churches act like any other private property and may restrict
on a church by church basis
Hotels:
No legal restriction - Reference article on page 67
Secure Storage Requirements:
A person commits the crime of “criminal storage of a firearm in the third degree” if the person keeps any firearm within any premises and negligently stores or leaves a firearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, unless reasonable action is taken by the person to secure the firearm against access by the child.
Magazine Capacity Limitations:
Magazines with capacity over 10 may not be imported/brought into the state
Suppressor Ownership:
Prohibited
Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit:
Handguns must be unloaded and stored in a locked container. This does not include the utility or glove compartment.
Firearm Law Uniformity:
Uniform throughout state
Permit Training Requirements:
Each county can set forth the training requirements to qualify to apply.
Non-Resident Permits:
Certain non-residents of CA may apply for a non-resident permit. See Case No. 2:23-cv-10169-SPG
Constitutional Carry:
No
Duty to Retreat:
No Duty to Retreat
Places Off Limits:
*2024: Recent CA Laws have made many public places off limits. These laws are currently being challenged in court. Until the legal battles sorts out this section is going to be outdated.
The state capital, any legislative office, any office of the Governor or other constitutional officer or any hearing room in which any acommittee of the senate or assembly is conducting a hearing, or upon the grounds of the state capital.
The immediate vicinity of a polling place without written authorization.
Within the vicinity of a public demonstration (picketing or other informational activities) including within a vehicle in your control.
All courtrooms.
Public places when masked so as to hide his/her identity.
Anytime when you consume any alcoholic beverage.
Any place dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption.
When under the influence of any medication or drug.
State Contact Info:
California Bureau of Firearms
PO Box 820200
Sacramento, CA 94203
916-227-7527
www.oag.ca.gov
Permit Issuing Authority:
County sheriff
Length of Permit Validity:
2 years
Permit Application Process:
Varies by county. Contact your county sheriff office
Resident Permit Reciprocity:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.
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