California CCW Reciprocity

California Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Starting April 22, 2025, California started allowing eligible non-residents to apply for a California CCW license under a court order, as noted in recent sources. Since this is a new development, the reciprocity of this non-resident permit with other states is not yet fully detailed in available data but here is a summary based on current information and California’s existing CCW reciprocity framework.

  • California’s Current Stance: California does not honor concealed carry permits from any other state, resident or non-resident, meaning out-of-state permits are invalid within California.
  • Non-Resident CCW Permits (After-April 22, 2025): Non-residents can apply for a California CCW starting April 22, 2025, through various counties, requiring proof of membership in specific organizations (e.g., SAF.org, CRPA, GOA. GOACA) and an attestation of intent to spend time in the jurisdiction within the subsequent 12 months. Annual fees for these organizations are about $25.
  • Reciprocity for California CCW: A California CCW permit is recognized by certain states, based on reciprocity agreements. The list here reflects states that honor a California resident CCW permit, and it’s reasonable to assume non-resident permits, once issued, would follow the same reciprocity, though this is not explicitly confirmed in current legislation.
    We will do our best to update this page as new information comes in.

States That Recognize a California CCW Permit

Based on available data, the following 24 states honor
a California concealed carry permit (resident, and likely applicable to non-resident permits issued after April 22, 2025, assuming no changes in reciprocity laws):

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah (holder must be 21+)
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin (holder must be 21+)

Important Notes

  • Confirmation Needed Post-April 2025: Since non-resident CCW permits are new as of April 22, 2025, you should verify reciprocity with each state’s issuing authority (e.g., state police or attorney general’s office) after permits are issued, as policies may vary.
  • State-Specific Restrictions: Some states (e.g., Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Carolina) only honor resident permits from other states, so you’ll need to confirm if they extend reciprocity to California’s non-resident permits.
  • California’s Requirements for Non-Resident CCW:
  • Applicants must provide a valid driver’s license or ID from their state of residence, proof of membership in approved organizations, and complete our 16-hour firearms training course, including a live-fire qualification that can be completed nationwide with an NRA Certified Instructor near you. For qualification instructions please see the CA Non-Resident CCW Qualification page of this website.
  • Firearms listed on the permit must be registered to the applicant with the California DOJ and comply with California laws. There is No Roster for Non-Residents. No Extended Magazine Exemptions. 10 Round Magazine Capacity. No Threaded Barrels. You Must Qualify With Each Firearm You Will List On Your Non-Resident CCW Permit.
  • Carrying in California: A California CCW (resident or non-resident) is valid statewide, but restrictions apply (e.g., no carry in schools, courthouses, or businesses selling alcohol for consumption). This is covered in our online courses.
  • Important: States have variations in the Self-Defense Laws i.e.Justifications For Use Of Force Laws, Stand Your Ground, Castle Doctrine and Misconduct with Firearms. While you may be able to legally carry a firearm in other states with your California Non-Resident CCW Permit, it is essential to learn and be knowledgeable of these laws in each state before you carry concealed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California Non-Resident CCW and how does it work?

The California Non-Resident CCW is a concealed carry permit that allows U.S. citizens who live outside California to legally carry a firearm in California and other states that honor California’s permit. This process involves an online training course, a video interview, and a live-fire qualification.

Yes, the application process for the California Non-Resident CCW can be completed entirely online. You’ll need to complete the online training, schedule a video interview, and then finalize the application with your selected county.

The processing time varies depending on the county and the completeness of your application. On average, the entire process, including live-fire qualification, background check and issuance can take about 2-4 months to complete depending on the county. Some counties have more efficient staffing and systems for processing non-resident CCW applications.

You’ll need to provide proof of out-of-state residency (such as a driver’s license or state ID), proof of membership in an approved organization and a certificate of completion from the 16-hour online training course and a live-fire completion form. Each county has various documentation requirements. For questions or help our students navigating the processes for you we offer support services 7 days a week.

Yes, the California Non-Resident CCW is recognized by 24 states, allowing permit holders to legally carry concealed in those states. However, always check local laws for specific rules and restrictions as self-defense laws vary. During our online course you will learn how concealed carry, self-defense and misconduct with firearms laws differ in jurisdictions nationwide so you can travel armed confidently.

Yes, having a CCW from another state is a benefit. If you have a current CCW permit or equivalent from another state it is a positive indicator that you have a clean background. On the California CCW Application you will be asked if have other permits and will be required to submit proof with your application. On the other hand, if you have been denied a CCW in another state or have had your CCW revoked, it’s a good indicator that you may be denied for a California CCW Permit. 

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