California Concealed Weapons Law

Handgun

The California Firearms Law was most recently modified in 2006 by the California Department of Justice. Although California does allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon, certain requirements must be met and followed under the California Concealed Weapons Law.

Obtaining a Concealed Weapons License

Obtaining a "carry concealed weapon" license (CCW) in California varies depending on the location of the individual. A person who lives in a city, for example, can apply at the county sheriff's office for the CCW. A person who lives in an unincorporated city in California is required to go through the city's police department to attain the proper forms for applying through the state.

Transferring a Concealed Weapons License

A Carry Concealed Weapon license from another state is not valid in the state of California. New residents must register all handguns at the Department of Justice within 60 days of residing in the state. Rifles or shotguns are not required to be reported. A new resident who wishes to obtain a concealed weapon license for the state of California must proceed to contact the city police department as outlined above.

Purchasing Firearms

In California, certain requirements are mandatory when purchasing a firearm. All purchases of firearms must be made through a licensed dealer, including private transactions and gun shows. Before the firearm is released, a 10-day waiting period is mandatory. The age requirement in California is 18, and you must show a valid form of identification at the time of purchase. Only citizens of the United States or a resident with a legal Alien Registration Number or I-94 number can purchase a firearm, and you must provide an additional proof of residency in the state of California.

Storage Concerning Children

California law requires that loaded firearms must be kept out of access of children under the age of 18. If the firearm is not in a secured locked container and a child commits an injury or death with the firearm, the owner can be declared guilty of a felony.

Restrictions

All persons convicted of felonies, including the use of any narcotic drug, cannot own or possess a firearm in the state of California. Select misdemeanors can prohibit firearm possession, as well as select prohibitions for those with certain mental conditions, probation declarations, juvenile offenses, involved in domestic situations or under protective orders.

References

• Office of the Attorney General: California Weapons Laws
• California Firearms Laws