Frequently Asked Questions

To apply, select a California county, complete the online course, schedule a video interview with a Sheriff Investigator, and pass a live-fire qualification. The application submission process is all done online through a portal designated by the county. After completion of the online course you will be given instructions and detailed next steps. We've streamlined the process so it can all be done conveniently online and remotely from anywhere in the U.S.A.

Our team is available 7 days a week to assist with questions. Visit our Contact page or call 1-623-850-4134 or email support@californiaccwonline.com.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens with proof of out-of-state residency, plus completion of 16 hours of combined online class and live-fire training. Each county has various requirements which are listed on each county page. Overall, you must be at least 21 years of age, with no felonies, no domestic violence, and you must complete a background check and pay the county application and issuance fees.

Please note: You may apply to any county in California. Counties have different requirements and pricing schedules for application fees and Psychological Evaluations. Some counties require a Psych Evaluation and others do not. For example, Riverside County does not require a Psych Evaluation and fees are about $200 for application and issuance. Other counties DO require the Psych Evaluation, with a fee of $100–$200 in addition to application fees of $300–$600.

Yes, a California Non-Resident CCW allows you to carry concealed in California, Arizona, and many other states that honor California's permit. See our CA Reciprocity page for a detailed explanation. We also offer California CCW Online and Arizona CCW Online classes to further expand your legal concealed carry across the majority of the U.S.A.

California does not honor or recognize CCW permits from other states. While you may carry legally in all of California and in about 24 other states with a California CCW permit, it is very important that you know the laws in each state where you intend to carry, as self-defense laws and rules of engagement vary. Our online course covers these differences as well as Federal and multi-state considerations.

After completing our online course, we will help match you with a vetted instructor near you. We have a network of over 3,800 instructors and ranges nationwide and provide all of the instructions and electronic forms required. See the CA CCW Qualification page to learn the process. Live-Fire Qualification rates vary nationwide but range from about $75 to $150 depending on location, your ability, and the number of firearms you intend to qualify with.

Some counties only allow you to register 3 firearms on your California CCW Permit, while others allow up to 6. There is no Roster Requirement for Non-Residents. You cannot have a magazine with over 10-round capacity. No extended mags, no threaded barrels.

Starting April 2025, non-resident CCW holders can apply for a California permit. California's permit is recognized in various states, with some exceptions depending on state laws. During the online course you will learn about multi-state carry, traveling with firearms, encounters with law enforcement, and all of the important topics required by the California Department of Justice for responsibly armed concealed carry in the United States. See the CA CCW Reciprocity page for more information.