Your complete guide to firearms regulations in the Golden State. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation.
California's may-issue permit system and application requirements
California is a "may-issue" state, meaning local law enforcement has discretion over whether to issue CCW permits. Approval is not guaranteed and requires demonstrating "good cause" and good moral character.
Important: California does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state.
California requires applicants to demonstrate specific reasons for needing a CCW permit. Generic self-defense is generally not sufficient. Examples may include:
California prohibits the open carrying of firearms, even with a valid CCW permit. Concealed carry only. Violations can result in criminal charges.
Fees vary by county. Contact your local sheriff's office.
California's strict requirements for firearm purchases
California requires all firearm purchasers to obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) before purchasing. This includes passing a written test on firearm safety and laws.
The FSC is valid for 5 years and can be obtained at any licensed firearms dealer.
Pass the written safety test at a licensed dealer. Study materials available from CA DOJ.
Submit Dealer Record of Sale form to the California DOJ. Background check initiated automatically.
California law requires a 10-day waiting period before taking possession of the firearm.
After DROS approval and waiting period, complete the SAFE Act test if first long gun purchase.
California has some of the nation's strictest assault weapon laws. Features that may classify a firearm as an "assault weapon" include:
Many featureless and fixed-magazine options are available for compliant builds.
California prohibits the sale, manufacture, and importation of magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
"Grandfathered" magazines acquired before the ban may be retained but cannot be sold or transferred (except to law enforcement).
California maintains a "Roster of Certified Handguns" that lists which handguns can be sold in the state.
New handguns must include:
Local regulations and enforcement in California cities
Los Angeles County
San Francisco County
San Diego County
Sacramento County
California has 58 counties, and CCW permit issuance varies significantly between them. Rural counties like Inyo, Modoc, and Shasta tend to be more permissive, while major urban counties like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Alameda are much more restrictive.
Always check with your local sheriff's office for current policies and requirements.
California's many tribal nations with unique firearms regulations
California is home to more tribal nations than any other state. Each tribe operates under its own sovereignty and may have firearms regulations that differ significantly from California state law. Tribal lands are not subject to California state firearms regulations.
Always contact the specific tribal authority before carrying or transporting firearms onto tribal lands.
Temecula Area
Major casino resort - contact tribal police for visitor policies.
San Jacinto Area
Contact tribal headquarters for firearms regulations.
Valley Center Area
Contact tribal authorities before visiting with firearms.
Hoopa Area
Rural area - verify tribal regulations before visiting.
Klamath Area
Coastal region - contact tribal police for visitor policies.
California has over 100 tribal nations
California has more federally recognized tribal nations than any other state, spanning diverse regions from the coast to the mountains.
View local laws for all areas →California's strict regulatory framework for firearms
California does not allow permitless carry. A valid CCW permit is required to carry any firearm, concealed or otherwise.
Open carry of any firearm is prohibited in California, including for CCW permit holders. Only concealed carry is permitted where legal.
A written test and Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required before purchasing any firearm in California.
California requires a mandatory 10-day waiting period before taking possession of any purchased firearm.
Magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds are prohibited. Grandfathered magazines cannot be sold or transferred.
California's assault weapon laws prohibit many features. Featureless and fixed-magazine options are available for compliant builds.
Compare California's laws with other states or browse our comprehensive state-by-state database.