Can you conceal carry in California?

Asked by: Myrtle Larkin  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

California law requires a person who desires to carry a concealed weapon in public to obtain a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license. This license may be issued by a sheriff of a county, or the police chief or other head of a municipal police department of any county or city. (Pen.

Can you concealed carry in California now?

Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). The minimum age is 18 years old, although a licensing authority has the discretion to require applicants to be older than 18 years of age.

How hard is it to get a concealed carry permit in California?

Generally you need a police report from local, many sherrifs have an interview and there is a complete background check which includes a complete set of fingerprints and pictures. Now even if you pass and pay everything the sheriff can still not issue it as its a may issue state.

Can I legally carry a gun in my car in California?

``California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.

Can you carry a concealed loaded weapon in California?

Concealed Carry in California. Last updated December 31, 2023 . California generally requires a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license in order to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in public.

How to get your California concealed carry permit (Updated)

36 related questions found

Does California allow open carry?

Under California Penal Code Section 26350 PC, it is illegal to openly carry a handgun that is exposed and unloaded on one's person or in a vehicle while in public.

Is having a gun in your car considered concealed?

One of the most common questions people have is whether they need to inform the police if they have a gun in their vehicle. In California, carrying a concealed firearm in a car is generally considered a crime, unless specific conditions are met.

Can I keep a gun in my glove box in California?

To take a handgun in your vehicle, for example, Penal Code 25610 (PC) requires you to store the firearm unconcealed and unloaded in the trunk of your car or elsewhere in the vehicle inside a locked container, such as a gun safe. You cannot store a firearm inside the glove box of your car.

Do I have to tell the police I have a gun in my car?

You are not required to answer this question however, if you refuse to answer, expect an immediate confrontation. To avoid this predicament, make certain that everything in your vehicle is being transported lawfully. Unless asked to reach for something, keep your hands in plain sight.

Can I take my gun on a road trip?

It is important to note that 18 USC § 926A only allows you to travel through, not to, the states in which it's illegal to carry firearms. In states with strict gun laws (such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York), it may be a good idea not to stop at all.

What is a good reason for concealed carry in California?

Self-defense may be considered good cause for the issuance of a Concealed Carry Weapon Permit (CCW); however, each application is unique, and the Sheriff of Lake County retains the ability to deny permit applications where it appears that doing so is in the interest of public safety.

Can you add a gun to your CCW in California?

A: California law allows carry license holders to add or delete authorized handguns from their license. To do so, they must file a “CCW Amendment” application.

Where can't you conceal carry in California?

Senate Bill 2 says firearms are prohibited in numerous locations even to those with a valid concealed carry license, including:
  • Bars and restaurants serving alcohol.
  • Playgrounds.
  • Youth centers, such as schools and day care facilities.
  • Parks.
  • State parks.
  • Casinos.
  • Stadiums and arenas.
  • Public libraries.

How much does a CCW cost in California?

Standard CCW License $945, valid for 2 years

The fee is comprised of: $115 for the DOJ and FBI Live Scan Reports plus the DOJ Firearm Eligibility Report.

What is the difference between concealed carry and open carry?

In the United States, open carry refers to the practice of visibly carrying a firearm in public places, as distinguished from concealed carry, where firearms cannot be seen by the casual observer.

What happens if you get pulled over with a gun in the car in California?

Misdemeanor for Driving with a Loaded and Concealed Weapon

If convicted, you could face 12 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. To convict you of driving with a loaded firearm and not locked away, a prosecutor must show: You had a gun in your motor vehicle that could be concealed on you or carried by you.

Do you have to tell a cop you have a gun in California?

Although California has no duty to inform law at the state level, there are localities that have duty to inform requirements. Maine and North Dakota are hybrids. You have a duty to inform if carrying without a permit in these states, but not if you are carrying concealed with a permit.

Where can I hide my gun in my car from the police?

Keep your weapons under the seat, in the glove box or in the trunk. There's no reason to carry a weapon in plain sight these days. Anyone in a passing car who sees it could call police on you.

Is it legal to have a loaded gun in your house in California?

You may be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony if you keep a loaded firearm within any premises that are under your custody or control and a child under 18 years of age obtains and uses it, resulting in injury or death, or carries it to a public place, unless you stored the firearm in a locked container or locked the ...

Can I take my gun from California to Texas?

Always check if your permit is valid before traveling. Texas does not require a license to carry long guns, such as rifles and shotguns. However, when it comes to handguns, different rules apply. You must have a valid permit, either from Texas or from a state with a reciprocity agreement.

Are hollow points legal in California?

In California, hollow point bullets are generally permitted for most uses, including self-defense and law enforcement, as they can help minimize the risk of collateral damage.

Where is the best place to store a gun in a car?

Locked Under the Seat

If you have a larger firearm that does not fit in your glove box or console, storing it under the seat in your vehicle may be a good option. This location is often overlooked by thieves and is a discreet location to store your gun.

Can I legally carry a gun in California now?

Can You Carry a Gun in California? Openly carrying loaded or unloaded firearms in public is generally prohibited in California. Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCWL). California does not honor concealed carry permits from any other states.