California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) License Application Process

Overview

California is a licensed carry state, not a permitless or constitutional carry state. A license is required to carry a handgun concealed in public (Penal Code 25400) and to carry a loaded firearm in most public places (Penal Code 25850). Open carry of a handgun in public is generally prohibited (Penal Code 26350), and open carry of a long gun in public is prohibited (Penal Code 26400), so the CCW license is the primary lawful path to carrying a firearm for self-defense in public.

The licensing framework runs from Penal Code 26150 through 26230. Applications are submitted to either the county sheriff (Penal Code 26150) or the chief or other head of a municipal police department (Penal Code 26155). Each licensing authority must publish and make available a written policy summarizing Penal Code 26150 and subdivisions (a) and (b) of 26155 (Penal Code 26160).

This area of law changed substantially after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), which struck down "good cause" discretionary licensing. California responded with Senate Bill 2 (Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, effective January 1, 2024), which removed good cause, rewrote the eligibility standards, added a detailed disqualifier list, increased the training requirement, and created a long list of "sensitive places" at Penal Code 26230. The licensing statutes were amended again by Assembly Bill 1078 (Stats. 2025, Ch. 570), effective January 1, 2026, which is the version described below.

Basic Eligibility

To receive or renew a CCW license, an applicant must meet all of the following:

• Age: At least 21 years of age, with clear evidence of identity and age as defined in Penal Code 16400 (Penal Code 26150(a)(2), 26155(a)(2)).
• Not a disqualified person: The applicant must not be a disqualified person under the standards in Penal Code 26202 (Penal Code 26150(a)(1), 26155(a)(1)).
• Firearm ownership: For a resident, the applicant must be the recorded owner, with the California Department of Justice, of the handgun for which the license will be issued (Penal Code 26150(a)(5), 26155(a)(5)).
• Training: The applicant must complete the course of training described in Penal Code 26165.
• Residency or qualifying connection: A resident must apply in the county or city where they reside (Penal Code 26150(a)(3), 26155(a)(3)). A sheriff may also issue to a person whose principal place of employment or business is in the county, but that license carries a much shorter term (see License Term below).

Because the statute now uses the word "shall" issue upon proof of these elements, California operates as a shall-issue state. The licensing authority retains discretion only over the investigation, the disqualifier determination, and reasonable conditions on the license (Penal Code 26200(b)).

Disqualifying Conditions (Penal Code 26202)

Penal Code 26202 sets out the standards for deciding whether an applicant is a disqualified person. An applicant is disqualified if any one or more of the following apply, unless a court determines otherwise under Penal Code 26206:

• The applicant is reasonably likely to be a danger to self, others, or the community at large, as shown by the application, the investigation, or any psychological assessment (26202(a)(1)).
• Conviction of contempt of court under Penal Code 166, or a comparable offense (26202(a)(2)).
• Being subject to certain restraining, protective, or other court orders, unless the order expired or was vacated more than five years before the completed application (26202(a)(3)).
• Conviction within the prior 10 years of an offense listed in Penal Code 422.6, 422.7, 422.75, or 29805 (26202(a)(4)).
• Unlawful or reckless use, display, or brandishing of a firearm (26202(a)(5)).
• Within the prior 10 years, being charged with an offense listed in Penal Code 290, 667.5, 1192.7, 1192.8, or 29805 that was dismissed under a plea or a Harvey waiver (26202(a)(6)).
• Within the prior five years, being incarcerated, on probation, parole, or supervision for a controlled substance or alcohol offense (26202(a)(7)).
• Being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance as described in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3) (26202(a)(8)).
• Currently abusing a controlled substance or alcohol (26202(a)(9)).
• Loss or theft of multiple firearms in the prior 10 years due to noncompliance with storage, transport, or securing laws (26202(a)(10)).
• Failure to report a lost or stolen firearm as required by Penal Code 25250 or other law (26202(a)(11)).

If the licensing authority makes a final determination that the applicant is a disqualified person under 26202(a)(8) (unlawful drug use), it must report the applicant to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System within five days (Penal Code 26202(f)).

California Resident Application Process

1. Application Form

Applications are uniform statewide on forms prescribed by the Attorney General (Penal Code 26175(a)). In practice the California Department of Justice publishes the Standard Initial and Renewal Application for a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (commonly the BOF 4012 series), which licensing authorities may also offer through online portals. The application requires identifying information, criminal and mental health history disclosures, and the names and contact information of three references, at least one of whom must be a person described in Penal Code 273.5(b) and at least one of whom must be the applicant's cohabitant, if applicable (Penal Code 26175(c)). The applicant must attest to the truth of the statements in the application (Penal Code 26175(f)).

2. Identification and Residency

Residents must present clear evidence of identity and age (Penal Code 26150(a)(2), 26155(a)(2)) and must be a resident of the county or city to which they apply. Prima facie evidence of residency includes voter registration address and a homeowner's property tax exemption filing, and the presumption can be rebutted by evidence that the primary residence is elsewhere (Penal Code 26150(a)(3), 26155(a)(3)).

3. Background Investigation and Interview

The licensing authority must conduct an investigation meeting the minimum requirements of Penal Code 26202(b), which include:

• An interview of the applicant. The statute requires this interview for a license issued under subdivision (b) of Section 26150 or subdivision (b) of Section 26155, which is the non-resident license, and the applicant elects between an in-person interview and a virtual interview by video and audio. For renewal applications, the licensing authority may forgo this interview requirement (Penal Code 26202(b)(1)).
• Interviews with at least three character references, at least one of whom must be a person described in Penal Code 273.5(b), and at least one of whom must be the applicant's cohabitant, if applicable (Penal Code 26202(b)(2)).
• A review of publicly available information, including statements published or posted by the applicant (Penal Code 26202(b)(3)).
• A review of the application and of the information provided by the Department of Justice (Penal Code 26202(b)(4) and (b)(5)).
• A review of the California Restraining and Protective Order System through CLETS (Penal Code 26202(b)(6)).

4. Initial Determination (90 Days)

Within 90 days of receiving the completed application, the licensing authority must give the applicant written notice of its initial determination of whether the applicant is a disqualified person (Penal Code 26202(d)). If the initial determination is that the applicant is not disqualified, the notice directs the applicant to proceed with the training requirement and the authority then submits fingerprints or the renewal notification to the Department of Justice (Penal Code 26202(d)(1)). If the determination is that the applicant is disqualified, the notice states the reason and informs the applicant of the right to a court hearing under Penal Code 26206 (Penal Code 26202(d)(2)).

5. Fingerprinting and DOJ Background Check

Upon the initial non-disqualified determination, the licensing authority submits the applicant's fingerprint images and related information to the Department of Justice, which determines whether the applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm (Penal Code 26185). No new license may issue unless the Department confirms the applicant's eligibility (Penal Code 26185(a)(3)). Fingerprints are typically captured through Live Scan, and the cost of furnishing the background information is recovered through the fees described in Penal Code 26190.

6. Required Training Course (Penal Code 26165)

For new applicants, the training course must be acceptable to the licensing authority and meet these statutory minimums (Penal Code 26165(a)):

• No less than 16 hours in length (26165(a)(1)).
• Instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal transport and securing of firearms in vehicles, the laws on where permitholders may carry, the laws on permissible use of a firearm, and the laws on permissible use of lethal force in self-defense (26165(a)(2)).
• A component of no less than one hour on mental health and mental health resources (26165(a)(3)).
• Except for the mental health component, instruction by firearms instructors certified by the Department of Justice under Penal Code 31635, or as prescribed by regulation (26165(a)(4)).
• A written examination that students must pass (26165(a)(5)).
• Live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range, including a demonstration of safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm the applicant seeks to carry (26165(a)(6)).

Each licensing authority must publish the standards it uses for the live-fire exercises, including the minimum number of rounds and minimum passing scores at specified distances (Penal Code 26165(b)). A licensing authority may instead require a community college course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, up to a maximum of 24 hours, but only if required uniformly of all applicants (Penal Code 26165(c)). For renewals, the course must be at least eight hours and satisfy paragraphs (2) through (6) of subdivision (a) (Penal Code 26165(d)).

An applicant is not required to pay for any training course before the initial determination of whether the applicant is a disqualified person (Penal Code 26165(e), referring to 26202(d)(1)). Note that the statute requires Department of Justice instructor certification under Penal Code 31635; particular brand credentials (for example USCCA, NRA, or POST instructor certifications) are accepted only insofar as the instructor also holds the required DOJ certification and the course meets the 26165 criteria. Applicants should confirm with their specific licensing authority which courses it accepts.

7. Psychological Assessment (If Required)

A licensing authority may require a psychological assessment. If it does, the applicant is referred to a licensed psychologist acceptable to the authority and may be charged the actual cost of the assessment, which may not exceed the licensing authority's reasonable costs (Penal Code 26190(e)). For renewals, an additional assessment is required only if there is compelling evidence of a public safety concern (Penal Code 26190(e)(2)).

8. Fees (Penal Code 26190)

• A Department of Justice fee, set by the Department and limited to its processing costs for the background information and report required by Penal Code 26185 (Penal Code 26190(a)).
• An additional local fee equal to the reasonable costs of processing, issuing, and enforcing the license, excluding fingerprint and training costs. The first 50 percent of this local fee may be collected when the application is filed, and the balance is collected only upon issuance of the license (Penal Code 26190(b)).
• A fee for an amended license, not to exceed the licensing authority's reasonable costs (Penal Code 26190(d)).

9. Firearms Listed on the License

A resident must be the Department of Justice recorded owner of each handgun for which the license will be issued (Penal Code 26150(a)(5), 26155(a)(5)). The issued license itself must describe each authorized firearm by manufacturer name, model, serial number, and caliber (Penal Code 26175(i)). A licensee may not carry more than two firearms under their control at one time (Penal Code 26200(d)), and may carry only firearms listed on the license (Penal Code 26200(a)(4)).

10. Issuance or Denial (120 Days)

The licensing authority must give written notice approving or denying the license within 120 days of receiving the completed application, or within 30 days after receipt of the Department of Justice information, whichever is later (Penal Code 26205). If the license is denied, the notice must state which requirement was not satisfied (Penal Code 26205(b)). A denied applicant may request a hearing from a court under Penal Code 26206.

The issued license must set forth the licensee's full name, driver's license or identification number, date of birth, physical description, license type and issuance and expiration dates, the licensee's fingerprints and photograph, and a description of each authorized firearm (Penal Code 26175(i)). Records of issuance, denial, amendment, and revocation are maintained by the licensing authority and copies are filed with the Department of Justice (Penal Code 26225).

Non-California Resident Application Process

California has a general non-resident CCW pathway. Assembly Bill 1078 (Stats. 2025, Ch. 570, effective January 1, 2026) amended Penal Code 26150 and 26155 so that subdivision (b) of each statute now governs non-California-resident applications, under which a sheriff or police chief "shall" issue or renew a license to a non-resident who meets the conditions below. This codification followed a January 22, 2025 preliminary injunction in California Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (No. 2:23-cv-10169-SPG, C.D. Cal.), which had earlier required some California authorities to accept non-resident applications. With AB 1078 in effect, the statutory standard, rather than the injunction alone, governs non-resident applications. Applicants should still verify current procedures with the specific California licensing authority.

A non-resident must satisfy all of the following (Penal Code 26150(b), 26155(b)):

• Not a disqualified person under Penal Code 26202 and all comparable statutes of the applicant's state of residence (26150(b)(1), 26155(b)(1)).
• Age and identity: At least 21 years of age, with clear evidence of identity, age, and state of residence, meaning either a valid driver's license from the state of residence or a valid out-of-state DMV identification card (26150(b)(2), 26155(b)(2)).
• Attestation of primary California location: The applicant attests under oath that the jurisdiction to which they apply is the primary location in California where they intend to travel or spend time (26150(b)(3), 26155(b)(3)).
• Training: The applicant completes a course meeting paragraphs (1) through (5) of Penal Code 26165(a) and subdivision (d) of 26165. If the licensing authority has not approved any online training course, the applicant may complete one approved by any other licensing authority that issues these licenses (26150(b)(4), 26155(b)(4)).
• Live-fire: The applicant completes the live-fire exercises required by Penal Code 26165(a)(6) for each firearm. The licensing authority either approves the applicant's proposed course or suggests an acceptable alternative within 75 miles of the applicant's residence (26150(b)(5), 26155(b)(5)).
• Firearm identification: The applicant identifies on the application the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each firearm to be carried in California. A firearm that cannot lawfully be carried or possessed in California is cause for denial as to that firearm (26150(b)(6), 26155(b)(6)).

Because the non-resident license is the license issued under subdivision (b) of Penal Code 26150 or 26155, the interview requirement of Penal Code 26202(b)(1) applies to non-resident applicants, and the interview may be conducted in person or, at the applicant's election, virtually by video and audio (Penal Code 26202(b)(1)). Any required psychological assessment may be virtual or with a provider within 75 miles of the applicant's residence (Penal Code 26190(e)(1)). It remains the applicant's responsibility to confirm that any handgun carried is legal to possess and carry in California.

License Term (Penal Code 26220)

• Standard license: Valid for a period not to exceed two years from the date of issuance (Penal Code 26220(a)).
• Employment or business basis (sheriff licenses): Valid for not more than 90 days, and only in the county of issuance (Penal Code 26220(b)).
• Judges and magistrates: Up to three years for a judge or full-time court commissioner of a California court of record, or a judge or magistrate of a federal court (Penal Code 26220(c)).
• Custodial officers and reserve peace officers: Up to four years for a custodial officer employed by the sheriff under Penal Code 831.5, or for a peace officer appointed under Penal Code 830.6, subject to the underlying appointment (Penal Code 26220(d), (e)).

If a licenseholder fails to apply for renewal within 90 days of the license expiration, the licensing authority requests that the Department of Justice terminate subsequent-notification monitoring (Penal Code 26225(e)).

Reserve and Auxiliary Peace Officer Licenses (Penal Code 26170)

A separate license is available to a person deputized or appointed as a peace officer under Penal Code 830.6, on proof that the applicant is not a disqualified person under Penal Code 26202, is at least 21 years of age, holds the qualifying appointment, and is the recorded owner of, or is authorized to carry, the firearm (Penal Code 26170). Fees for this license may be waived (Penal Code 26170(b)).

Conditions and Where the License Does Not Authorize Carry

A license is subject to statutory conditions in Penal Code 26200, including that the licensee not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while carrying, not carry a firearm not listed on the license, carry the license on their person, and present the license or firearm to a peace officer on demand. The licensing authority may also impose reasonable additional restrictions on time, place, manner, and circumstances, which must be indicated on the license (Penal Code 26200(b), (c)).

A license does not authorize carry in the "sensitive places" listed in Penal Code 26230, which was added by SB 2 and amended by AB 1078. This list includes, among many other locations, places prohibited by the Gun-Free School Zone Act (Penal Code 626.9), preschools and childcare facilities, and government buildings. Penal Code 26230 has been the subject of extensive litigation. A December 20, 2023 preliminary injunction (May v. Bonta and Carralero v. Bonta, Central District of California) blocked enforcement of many of the listed locations. On appeal, the Ninth Circuit reversed that injunction in large part, with its mandate effective January 23, 2025, so most of the sensitive places are now enforceable. Six categories remain enjoined and are not currently being enforced pending further appeal: hospitals and medical facilities (26230(a)(7)), public transit (a)(8), permitted public gatherings and special events (a)(10), places of worship (a)(22), financial institutions (a)(23), and privately owned commercial establishments open to the public, which is the default no-carry-without-a-posted-sign rule (a)(26). See the Prohibited Places section for the full breakdown of which locations are in effect and which remain enjoined.

Key Statutory References

Recent Developments

• Effective January 1, 2024 (Senate Bill 2, Stats. 2023, Ch. 249): Removed the "good cause" requirement after Bruen, rewrote eligibility, expanded the disqualifier list (Penal Code 26202), increased training to a 16-hour minimum with a mental health component (Penal Code 26165), and created the sensitive-places list (Penal Code 26230).
• Effective January 1, 2026 (Assembly Bill 1078, Stats. 2025, Ch. 570): Amended the licensing statutes, including the non-resident licensing pathway in Penal Code 26150(b) and 26155(b) and the license-format options in 26150(c) and 26155(c), and revising the investigation, fingerprinting, fee, and reporting provisions (Penal Code 26185, 26190, 26202, 26205, 26225, 26230).
• Sensitive-places litigation (May v. Bonta / Carralero v. Bonta): The Ninth Circuit reversed the December 20, 2023 preliminary injunction in large part, with its mandate effective January 23, 2025. As a result, 20 of the 26 sensitive places in Penal Code 26230(a) are now enforceable. Six categories remain enjoined and are not currently being enforced pending further appeal: 26230(a)(7) hospitals and medical facilities, (a)(8) public transit, (a)(10) permitted public gatherings and special events, (a)(22) places of worship, (a)(23) financial institutions, and (a)(26) privately owned commercial establishments open to the public. Confirm the current status of any provision and any controlling court order before relying on it.