Where can you carry a concealed gun in California? Here’s what the law allows and prohibits
Over the years, the rules for carrying a concealed firearm have become increasingly stricter in California.
With Senate Bill 2 becoming law, California has tightened the reins on concealed carry permits regarding age requirements, background checks and safety training.
There are many state rules stating where you can — and can’t — carry a gun, even if you have a permit.
Where are you allowed to carry a concealed gun in California? What can happen if you’re caught carrying a firearm without a permit?
Here’s what our journalists with How To California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:
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Can I carry a concealed gun in California?
In California, carrying a concealed firearm in public requires a valid concealed carry weapon license issued by a county sheriff or city police chief to local residents, according to the California Department of Justice website.
“California law does not honor or recognize (concealed carry weapon) licenses issued outside this state,” the website says.
Senate Bill 2, which went into effect on Jan. 1, restricts who can conceal carry a weapon, including firearms, in California.
To apply for a concealed carry weapon permit in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a resident of the county or work in the county where you apply.
- Own a firearm registered to you in California.
- Complete an approved firearms safety course of 16 hours.
In addition, you cannot:
- Be diagnosed as mentally ill and not be considered a danger to themselves or others.
- Abuse controlled substances.
- Have been convicted of a felony or certain types of misdemeanors, such as vandalism and petty theft.
- Have been subject to a temporary restraining order in the past five years.
Applicants need to provide references and investigators will check with spouses as well, The Sacramento Bee reported in December.
There will also be “a deep dive” into your social media accounts to ensure “you’re not posting things that you shouldn’t, (and) your behavior is in line with someone who has good moral character,” Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni told The Fresno Bee.
Where can I not conceal carry a firearm?
Senate Bill 2 says firearms are prohibited in numerous locations even to those with a valid concealed carry license, including:
Bars and restaurants serving alcohol
Playgrounds
Youth centers, such as schools and day care facilities
Parks
State parks
Casinos
Stadiums and arenas
Public libraries
Concealed carry weapons are also prohibited in the parking areas connected to those areas, the law says.
Federal and local laws can also impose further restrictions.
Where is concealed carry permitted in California?
According to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, a U.S. citizen or legal resident aged 18 or older can carry a handgun without a permit or license within their residence, place of business or any private property they own or lawfully possess.
In September, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled where California concealed carry weapon holders can carry their firearms.
The new ruling allows those gun owners to carry concealed firearms at the following locations and their respective parking areas:
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Churches
- On public transportation
- Gatherings that require a permit
- Financial institutions
In addition, the Private Property Default Rule means private business owners are not required to post signs allowing concealed carry weapons for them to be permitted on the premises.
What happens if I’m caught carrying a concealed weapon without a license?
Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit can be charged as a misdemeanor in California, according to Shouse California Law Group.
Punishments can include up to one year in county jail and/or fines of up to $1,000.
In certain circumstances, the law firm said, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit can result in felony charges.
In California, prior felony convictions, knowledge of a stolen firearm, gang affiliation, or legal prohibition from firearm possession can result in a felony charge.
Felony convictions can lead to up to three years in jail and/or fines up to $10,000, the law firm said.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Where can you carry a concealed gun in California? Here’s what the law allows and prohibits."
