California gun laws

Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.

Carry

Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
A license is required to carry a concealed handgun.
Open carry: Generally not allowed. Openly carrying a handgun, loaded or unloaded, is a crime in public places in cities and in prohibited unincorporated areas (Penal Code 25850, 26350). A license to carry loaded and exposed is possible only in counties under 200,000 people and only in that county (Penal Code 26150). Source
Permits: California permit guide

Vehicle transport

Without a CCW license, a handgun must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or in a locked container (California DOJ). CCW license holders may carry as their license allows, but 26230 restricts leaving firearms in vehicles in some places. Source

Places where carry is banned

Even with a license, carry is barred in a long list of places (Penal Code 26230): K-12 schools, colleges, government and legislative buildings, courts, bars, public gatherings that need a permit, hospitals, public transit, parks and playgrounds, stadiums, libraries, places of worship and private businesses open to the public unless they post that carry is allowed, polling places, and more. Parts of this list are being challenged in court. Source

Magazines and assault weapons

Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 10 rounds
Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer

Duty to inform

Not confirmed. Check with County sheriff or city police chief (licensing authority); forms by California DOJ.

Stand your ground and castle doctrine

Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with County sheriff or city police chief (licensing authority); forms by California DOJ.

Red-flag law

Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.

Reciprocity

California does not recognize carry permits from other states.

Does not honor other states' permits.

Official reciprocity information

Check whether California honors your permit

Sources

Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.