California prohibits concealed carry without a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit under Penal Code 25400 PC. Permits are 'may-issue' by local sheriffs or police chiefs (Penal Code 26150-26225 PC), requiring 'good cause' (e.g., documented threats), a 16-hour training course (laws, safety, live-fire), a background check, and fingerprints. Applicants must be 21 or older. Carry is banned in 'sensitive places' like schools, government buildings, and parks per Senate Bill 2 (effective January 2024), and private property owners can prohibit firearms (Penal Code 29800 PC). Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department notes strict issuance policies, while San Diego County specifies additional local fees. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail) or felony charges (up to 3 years in prison) if aggravating factors apply.
Costs: Fees vary by county: $200-$300 base (e.g., $268 in LA, 20% upfront), $93 for DOJ fingerprints, $150-$250 for training. Total: $443-$643.
Processing Time: Legally 90 days max, but delays are common—Santa Clara County reports 7+ months for interviews.
Renewal: Every 2 years, $77-$100 fee, 8-hour course ($100-$200). Total: $177-$300.
Reciprocity: California honors no out-of-state permits; 28 states (e.g., Texas, Arizona) recognize CA CCWs.
Open carry of handguns is illegal in public under Penal Code 26350 PC, with exceptions for hunting or unincorporated rural areas (county population <200,000) if discharge is permitted. Loaded long guns are banned under Penal Code 25850 PC. CCW permits may allow limited open carry, but issuance is discretionary. The CA DOJ notes few exceptions apply outside specific activities (e.g., ranges). Violations: misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 3 years) if gang-related.
California bans assault weapons (Penal Code 30510 PC), large-capacity magazines (>10 rounds, Penal Code 32310 PC), silencers (Penal Code 33410 PC), short-barreled rifles/shotguns (Penal Code 33215 PC), and machine guns (Penal Code 32625 PC). Handguns must be on the DOJ Roster (Penal Code 32015 PC). Ghost guns require DOJ serialization (Penal Code 29180 PC). The DOJ notes pre-2017 assault weapon registration is closed. Felony penalties: up to 3 years.
Costs: Serialization: $19/firearm. Handgun background check: $25/transaction.
Processing Time: Serialization: 30-60 days.
Under FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A), firearms must be unloaded and locked (trunk or container) for transport. CA requires handguns in a locked container (Penal Code 25610 PC), long guns unloaded. Assault fusil storage (Penal Code 30945 PC). New residents register within 60 days (Penal Code 17000 PC). The DOJ specifies school zone rules (1,000 ft). Penalties: misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 3 years).
Costs: Registration: $19/firearm.
Buyers need a Firearm Safety Certificate (Penal Code 31615 PC), be 21+ (handguns) or 19+ (long guns, Penal Code 27505 PC), pass a DOJ background check (Penal Code 28100 PC), and wait 10 days (Penal Code 26815 PC). Handguns must be on the DOJ Roster (Penal Code 32015 PC). One handgun every 30 days (Penal Code 27535 PC). Private transfers require a dealer (Penal Code 28050 PC). Penalties: misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
Costs: FSC: $25, DROS: $37.19, dealer fee: $25-$50. Total: $87-$112.
Processing Time: 10 days, up to 30 if delayed.
Firearms are registered via DROS at purchase (Penal Code 28100 PC). New residents register within 60 days (Penal Code 17000 PC). Assault weapons pre-2017 only (Penal Code 30900 PC). Ghost guns need DOJ serialization (Penal Code 29180 PC). Private transfers require registration (Penal Code 28050 PC). Lost/stolen reporting within 5 days (Penal Code 25250 PC). Penalties: misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 3 years).
Costs: DROS: $37.19, new resident/ghost gun: $19/firearm.
Processing Time: DROS: 10 days; new resident/serialization: 30-60 days.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked (safe or trigger lock) when not in use (Penal Code 25100 PC). Violations involving child access (<18) or prohibited cohabitants (Penal Code 25105 PC): misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 7 years) if harm occurs. Dealers provide locks (Penal Code 23635 PC). Lost/stolen reporting within 5 days (Penal Code 25250 PC), or $1,000 fine.
CA's Castle Doctrine (Penal Code 198.5 PC) allows deadly force in your home against an unlawful intruder posing imminent danger; no retreat required. Outside home, self-defense (Penal Code 197 PC) requires proportionality and retreat if safe. Excessive force: manslaughter (up to 21 years).