The Wire · CalGunHub
California DOJ issues guidance on nonresident CCW applications for FPC members
Published · Updated
The California Department of Justice outlines how out-of-state Firearms Policy Coalition members can apply for concealed carry licenses following a federal court injunction.
Summary by the CalGunHub desk.
Who this affects: This bulletin affects the administrative processes of California sheriffs and police departments that issue concealed carry licenses. Licensing authorities will accept out-of-state identification and proof of organizational membership from nonresident applicants. If an out-of-state applicant is approved, they will receive a California license to carry specific, state-compliant handguns within California jurisdictions.
On September 12, 2025, the California Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement issued Information Bulletin 2025-DLE-13. The bulletin instructs California law enforcement agencies on processing concealed carry weapon applications from out-of-state residents who are members of the Firearms Policy Coalition.
This guidance follows a permanent injunction issued on August 21, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California in the case Hoffman et al. v. Bonta. The court order prevents the state from enforcing residency requirements in Penal Code sections 26150(a)(3) and 26155(a)(3) against nonresident applicants who provide proof of membership in the organization.
Under the finalized guidelines, eligible nonresidents may apply to any sheriff or police chief in California. Applicants submit standard forms, substituting their out-of-state driver's license or identification card for California credentials. The bulletin notes, "FPC Nonresident Applicants must complete a training course, including live-fire shooting exercises, as required by the licensing authority to which they apply." Applicants also undergo an in-person interview, complete Live Scan fingerprinting within California, and list handguns that are lawful to possess in the state.
The bulletin clarifies that this process operates alongside a separate preliminary injunction for members of other organizations, such as the California Rifle & Pistol Association.
Reproduced from the official source.
Sources
Informational only, not legal advice. Facts are attributed to the sources listed above.