Out-of-State CCW Info

Below you will find information to help guide you through the out-of-state CCW application process.

For years, California completely shut out non-residents from obtaining a License to Carry (LTC). That changed in 2025, thanks to a federal court ruling in CRPA v. LASO. The decision opened the door for out-of-staters to apply for—and receive—a California-issued CCW, despite California still refusing to honor permits from any other state.

Key Date:
As of April 22, 2025, exactly 90 days after the court’s ruling was issued (January 22, 2025), you are able to apply for a permit.

Who Can Apply?

This new access isn’t wide open—it comes with conditions.

To be eligible as a non-resident:

  • You must be an active, current member of one of the organizations that filed the lawsuit:

    • Gun Owners of California (GOC). You can become a member of GOC here.

    • Gun Owners of America (GOA). You can become a member of GOA here.

    • California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA)

    • Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)

Membership with the NRA doesn’t qualify (they weren’t involved in the case). You didn’t need to be a member during the lawsuit, but you do need to be one when you apply. Keep proof—a copy of your member card will be required during the application process.

Where Can You Apply?

California usually requires applicants to live or work in the county they’re applying to. That rule doesn’t apply to non-residents.

Instead, you must apply in a city or county you genuinely intend to visit within the next 12 months. The law doesn’t define what “spending time” means, so yes—even a weekend trip, a stop to visit relatives, or a Disneyland vacation qualifies. Technically, even gassing up there might suffice.

This flexibility means you can choose jurisdictions known to be more CCW-friendly. Do your homework.

The Application Process (Non-Residents)

Here’s how the process differs from California residents:

  • Application Forms: If the jurisdiction doesn’t offer a dedicated non-resident form, just use the standard California Concealed Handgun License application. Replace California-specific fields (like driver license number) with your own state's info.

  • Proof of Address: Use your out-of-state driver’s license or ID. If that doesn’t list your current address, you can supplement with reliable documents like utility bills, out-of-state CCWs, etc.

  • Fingerprinting: A standard FBI fingerprint card is acceptable. You’re not required to use California’s LiveScan system.

  • Interviews & Psych Evals: Interviews can be conducted via video. If a psychological evaluation is required (not all counties demand it, again, do your research), it can be done virtually or in person with a qualified provider within 75 miles of your home.

  • Training: Yes, you still need to complete California’s required training—even if you’ve got a dozen other CCWs under your belt. Training involves:

    • An educational portion, which may be online (must be approved by your chosen agency, check their website or call to make sure).

    • A live-fire qualification with each handgun you intend to carry. That’s right—you need to qualify with every specific firearm.

    Pro tip: Let the issuing agency know which range you are planning to qualify at. They’ll either greenlight it or suggest an alternative within 75 miles of your home.

  • Here is an example of Placer County's out-of-state requirements. Out-of State CCW Application Information | Placer County, CA

Firearm Requirements

Even though you don’t need a roster-approved gun (the roster only applies to dealer sales in CA), there are still rules:

  • Magazines must be 10 rounds or fewer.

  • No threaded barrels.

  • No banned accessories.

  • You must list each gun’s make, model, and serial number on the application.

  • You’ll likely be stuck with that list until renewal—some agencies don’t let you add guns mid-term.

  • The highest number of guns you are allowed to put on your permit is 5. Some counties only allow 3. Again, do your research.

Ammo Rules for Non-Residents

Good news: You can bring your own ammo into California. PC 30314 only bans residents from importing ammo without going through a licensed dealer.

  • Hollow points? Legal.

  • Out-of-state ammo? Bring it.

Just remember—once your CCW is issued, you must follow all California firearm laws while carrying here. That includes restrictions on where you can carry, prohibited locations, and transport requirements. A summary of CCW laws and prohibited locations can be found here.

Once Approved

Your permit will be mailed to you. From that point forward, you’re subject to California carry laws while within state lines. That’s par for the course in any state, but especially important in California where laws are... let’s say, “aggressively enforced.”

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Adam Wilson