Do I need a permit to carry in California?

Yes. California requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does California honor out-of-state permits?

No. California does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check California's official rules?

Check California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms. The controlling law is Cal. Penal Code §§ 26150, 26165.

Carry laws · 2026

California concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permit with added requirements
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 26150, 26165

Carrying in California

California does issue carry permits to adults 21 and older, but the process asks more of you.

Expect in-person training and review by a state or local agency.

Processing times vary widely by county and can exceed 12 months. In-person interview and 16 hours of state-mandated training including live fire required (Penal Code section 26165).

Source: Cal. Penal Code §§ 26150, 26165. California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in California?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. California does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if California honors some other permits.

Getting California's own permit

California requires in-person training and processing by a state or local agency. Online-only training does not satisfy California's rules.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in California?: Yes. California requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does California honor out-of-state permits?: No. California does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check California's official rules?: Check California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms. The controlling law is Cal. Penal Code §§ 26150, 26165.

Not sure where you stand?

Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.

Check your state's rules →

Sources and verification

CA: Cal. Penal Code §§ 26150, 26165. California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.