Can I bring a gun from out of state to California?
Asked by: Harrison Klein | Last update: February 5, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)
Yes, you can bring a gun into California from another state, but you must comply with strict laws, especially if moving (report within 60 days) or visiting (must be unloaded in a locked container, separate from ammo, and not an \"assault weapon\" or high-capacity magazine), as California heavily restricts firearms, banning certain types and requiring specific reporting for new residents. Federal law (FOPA) protects transport if unloaded and inaccessible, but state laws override it; you must follow California's rules for bringing firearms in, even if just passing through or visiting temporarily.
Can you bring a gun into California from another state?
Generally, it's a misdemeanor in California (punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine of $1,000) to bring a firearm into the state illegally. However, the crime becomes a wobbler when the firearm is a handgun or semi-automatic rifle.
Can you conceal carry in California with an out-of-state license?
Per the California Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement, effective April 22, 2025, non‐California residents (aka out-of-state residents) who provide proof of membership in one of four enumerated organizations AND are otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or California law will be ...
What happens if you get pulled over with a gun in the car in California?
If you carry a loaded gun in your car, you could face steep penalties. As mentioned above, a misdemeanor conviction could lead to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine; however, certain factors could elevate these charges to a felony.
Can I carry my gun with me in California?
Openly carrying loaded or unloaded firearms in public is generally prohibited in California. However, the sheriff of any county with a population under 200,000 people, or the chief of police of a city within that county, may issue licenses to carry a loaded, exposed handgun.
Can I Buy a Gun In Another State? In-Person Interstate Firearm Transfers and Purchases.
Can I legally carry a firearm in my car in California?
If you have a valid California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit: You may carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle, either on your person or stored. Keep your permit with you at all times and inform law enforcement during traffic stops.
Can I carry an unloaded gun in my backpack in California?
Important: Simply placing a gun under the seat or inside a backpack is not legal under California's vehicle carry laws — even if the weapon is unloaded and registered. This type of storage is often cited as evidence of concealed carry in violation of Penal Code § 25400.
Is California a duty to inform the state?
Duty to Inform
Unlike other states, California does not require you to immediately disclose the presence of a firearm during a traffic stop. This means that, when you are pulled over, you are not obligated (do not have a duty to inform) to tell the police officer that you have a concealed firearm.
What happens if you get caught carrying a gun without a permit in California?
Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit
A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, while a felony conviction—which applies if you have prior offenses or gang-related enhancements—can result in up to three years in state prison.
Can you carry a gun in your glove box in California?
Laws That Vary By State
Firearms have to be unloaded and locked either in the trunk or in a locked container in California, and the glove compartment specifically doesn't count as a valid option.
What is the 1 in 30 rule in California?
California's contested law prohibited most individuals from purchasing more than one firearm within any 30-day period. The regulation was designed as a public safety measure, with lawmakers arguing it would help reduce gun trafficking and limit the rapid accumulation of firearms by potentially dangerous individuals.
What weapons can I legally carry in California?
Generally, most adults 21 years and older can buy, own, and possess lawful firearms (like handguns and shotguns).
- Certain assault weapons are unlawful in California.
- Swiss army knives are lawful in California.
- California has a “castle doctrine” law.
- Tasers and stun guns are non-lethal weapons (with rare exceptions).
Is concealed carry worth it in California?
There are many benefits to having a California CCW permit. First, it gives you the legal right to carry a concealed weapon. This means that you can protect yourself from harm in any situation, whether you are at home, at work, or out in public. Second, a California CCW permit can give you peace of mind.
Does California recognize other states' gun permits?
No. CCW licenses/permits issued in other states are not valid in California. (Pen. Code, §§ 25400-25700.)
What is the new gun law in California?
AB 1078 limits firearm purchases to three per month starting April 1, 2026. It replaces a one-gun-per-month law struck down by the courts. The law also allows non-Californians to hold a California concealed carry weapons permit.
What happens if you don't register your gun in California?
In San Diego and across California, possessing an unregistered firearm can lead to serious legal trouble, including fines up to $1,000 and even jail time. Whether you recently moved or purchased a gun, understanding firearm registration laws is critical to protecting your rights.
Can you go to jail for carrying a gun in California?
Penalties
Without additional factors, carrying a loaded firearm is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. This offense is a felony that is punishable by up to three years in prison if any of the following aggravating factors exist: The defendant has felony or a firearm conviction.
Is it illegal to carry a gun without a holster in California?
Firearm Law Terms Defined
First, a handgun is considered “exposed” if it is not concealed in any way. A handgun that is partially concealed – even if it is readily identifiable as a weapon – can lead to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon under Penal Code 25400 PC.
What is the California 7 year rule?
Under the "7-year rule," consumer reporting agencies cannot report the following if they are more than seven years old: Non-conviction information (such as arrests that did not lead to conviction) Civil suits, judgments, and records of arrest. Paid tax liens.
What is the 5 year rule in California?
The “5-year rule” in California refers to summary dissolution, which is a simplified process for ending a marriage or domestic partnership without a formal court hearing. Its hope is to be a fast and less expensive option for couples who meet the specific criteria.
Do you have to tell a cop you have a gun in California?
In California, you can carry a gun locked in a lock box in the trunk of your car, with the magazine stored separately in a different part of the car. If you have a concealed carry permit (CCW), you must inform the police if you have a gun in the car.
Why don't hikers carry guns?
Whether people do this depends on a lot of factors, but primarily it comes down to legality and practicality. In some places, it's illegal to do so. Many states forbid the carrying of guns in state parks. There are also legal issues when hiking between states.
Can I take my gun hiking in California?
It is generally illegal to open carry guns in the California State Parks system as well as in federal parks located in California. Outside of parks, it is also generally illegal to open carry guns while hiking. Though there may be exceptions depending on if you are in a small county and licensed to open carry.
Does ammo need to be locked in California?
does ammo in california need to be locked up? While California doesn't have a specific law requiring ammunition to be locked up, it's crucial to secure it if you live with individuals prohibited from possessing ammo, like children under 18.