Does California honor out-of-state concealed carry permits, and can a non-resident get a California CCW?

No. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) answers this directly: a permit issued in another state does not allow concealed carry in California (DOJ FAQ). Carrying a concealed handgun without a California license is covered by PC 25400.

Parts of that DOJ FAQ still say licenses go only to residents. The statute and DOJ's 2026 bulletins are newer.

Yes. DOJ's guidance states: "As of January 1, 2026, people who do not reside in California (i.e., non-residents) may apply for a CCW license in California" (DOJ bulletin 2026-DLE-13). The licensing authority is a county sheriff (PC 26150) or a city police chief (PC 26155).

Under subdivision (b) of both sections, and DOJ's bulletin:

1. Not a disqualified person under PC 26202 and under comparable laws of the applicant's home state.
2. Age and identity. At least 21, with a valid driver license from the state of residence or a valid out-of-state identification card.
3. A sworn statement that the jurisdiction where they applied is the primary place in California where they intend to travel or spend time.
4. Training. A course that meets PC 26165. If the licensing authority has not approved any online course, the applicant may use an online course approved by another California licensing authority.
5. Live fire. Shooting exercises for each firearm to be listed. The applicant tells the licensing authority which course they plan to take, and the authority approves it or suggests an acceptable one within 75 miles of the applicant's home.
6. Firearm details. Make, model, caliber and serial number of each firearm. Listing a firearm that cannot lawfully be carried or possessed in California is cause for denial as to that firearm.
7. Fingerprints. By Live Scan in California, or on an FBI FD-258 card taken by a law enforcement agency in the home state (DOJ bulletin 2026-DLE-13).

DOJ adds that the interview may be in person or by video. The non-resident supplemental form is BOF 4013.

For a new license, the course must be at least 16 hours. It includes at least one hour on mental health, a written exam, and live-fire exercises (PC 26165(a)). A renewal course is at least 8 hours (PC 26165(d)). The section was last amended by SB 2 (Stats. 2023, ch. 249).

Before AB 1078, court orders opened the door for limited groups:

• California Rifle & Pistol Association v. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (C.D. Cal., No. 2:23-cv-10169-SPG). A preliminary injunction issued January 22, 2025 and took effect April 22, 2025. It let non-residents who were members of four named organizations apply (DOJ bulletin 2025-DLE-10).
• Hoffman v. Bonta. DOJ issued separate guidance for non-resident Firearms Policy Coalition members under a permanent injunction in that case (DOJ bulletins index, 2025-DLE-13).

AB 1078 then put a non-resident process into the Penal Code for all applicants.

PC 26230 lists places where a license does not allow carry. Litigation has changed which parts are enforceable:

• DOJ reported on March 27, 2025 that 20 of the 26 listed sensitive places are in effect. That followed the Ninth Circuit's decision in May v. Bonta and Carralero v. Bonta, which took effect January 23, 2025 (DOJ bulletin 2025-DLE-06).
• Six provisions remained under a preliminary injunction: hospitals and medical facilities, public transit, permitted public gatherings, places of worship, financial institutions, and the default rule for private businesses open to the public (DOJ bulletin 2025-DLE-06).
• On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Wolford v. Lopez that Hawaii's similar default rule for private property open to the public violates the Second Amendment.