The following is a video transcript.
Hello, my name is Virginia Landry and I am an Independent Program Attorney for U.S. LawShield of California. Whether you are a resident or traveling here for fun, family, or adventure, I want you to be safe both in and out of your home.
Strict Gun Laws
First of all, California is not a very Second Amendment friendly state. We have some of the strictest laws across the nation. California does not have reciprocity with any other state’s concealed carry weapons permits. While grabbing your firearm back home might be second nature before you walk out the front door of your house, doing this while visiting California will get you in trouble. Unfortunately, you are not afforded the same Second Amendment opportunities while visiting California.
Application Process
Second, if you are a resident of our large and diverse state, please understand that our statutes allow the Sheriff’s Department of the county in which you reside (or the Chief of Police in the city in which you reside if the county is not provided a Sheriff’s Department policy), to devise a Concealed Carry Weapon permit application process of their own.
Before he left office, Governor Jerry Brown approved Assembly Bill 2103, which made changes to Penal Code Section 26165, effective January 1, 2019. As a result, each county has its own regulations, but now all generally have an application process which includes paperwork and documentation, a Live Scan form, and CCW courses of training for new applicants, which can be not less than eight hours, but are not required to exceed 16 hours in length.
Enjoying this content? Find out how you can get more essential updates and self-defense information just like this sent straight to your inbox.
Non-Resident Carry
So, if you are traveling to California, what do you need to be aware of? California generally forbids non-residents from carrying a firearm outside their domicile. California does, however, allow you to transport a firearm between domiciles and to the range for target practice. Simply explained, a domicile is the place that you are staying, whether it’s at a family member or friend’s house, a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or a motel. When not traveling or driving on the roads of California, an RV can also be your domicile.
Transporting Firearms
When transporting between those approved places, you must place your handgun in a locked container. A locked container is not a console or a glove box. All firearms must be unloaded while transporting—no bullets in the chamber and no bullets in the magazine. The unloaded magazine can be locked in the same container as the handgun. The bullets must be separate from the firearm. If traveling with a shotgun or rifle, it is not necessary to have it in a locked container, but it must be unloaded. Many different types of firearms are classified as “assault weapons” in California. No form of assault rifle or weapon is allowed in California. You may not bring a magazine for any gun with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Castle Doctrine in California
California has what is called the “Castle Doctrine.” A man or woman is safe in their castle and can protect themselves and their family while in that castle. The home of your family or friends whom you are staying with, in the hotel where you’re staying—these are your castle during your trip. While in your domicile, you may carry or possess a loaded firearm.
When visiting California and staying in that domicile, please do not leave your loaded firearm in plain view of open curtains, as someone may easily report you to law enforcement. When leaving your domicile for a day of sightseeing, secure your firearm back in its locked container. You may not lawfully take it with you.
Prohibited Places
When transporting a firearm in California, please be aware you cannot bring your firearm into a restaurant when you stop to eat. When transporting a firearm in California, do not drive within one thousand feet of a school zone. Take a few left turns around the school zone until you can get safely back onto your route. There are enhanced penalties for having a firearm in a school zone.
Disclosing Your Handgun License
What should you do if you have a concealed carry weapon permit or license from another state? Many states like California have separate identification cards that must be carried at all times when concealed carrying a firearm. Many states are much farther ahead with technological capabilities and have the concealed carry information imprinted on driver’s licenses. If you are a license holder from another state and law enforcement casually says “Hello” (for instance, if you are being screened before going into a sporting event), you are not required to disclose your license.
California is a beautiful state with a lot to offer our visitors. However, it is not a gun-friendly state. Be aware of ordinances enacted that may be particular to the area you are visiting.
If you have any questions about traveling to California with your firearm, or California gun law contact U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to an Independent Program Attorney.
Your Protection Starts Here!
There’s nothing more important than protecting yourself and your family. By joining our community of members, you can count on our self-defense coverage, with meaningful options and benefits that make a real difference.
The information provided in this presentation is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
Making a trip to California to sell a rental property and I’m traveling from Texas, though New Mexico, through Arizona into California. I have a Springfield Hellcat and it has two mags 11+1 and 13+1. Is it legal for me to bring with me for self defense? Of course locked and uploaded in the trunk and amo locked in the glove. Safe to do? Since it hi cap?
No. CA only allows a maximum of 10 rounds in the mag plus 1 in the chamber. Hope that helps.
What I live both in Texas and in California.. But when I travel from Texas to California, do my magazine have to be no more than 10 count mags? I currently have a 10 count mag since I purchased the gun in California. Im planning on purchasing more firearms in Texas and most likely travel to California with them.. Can someone help me out with that?
You can only bring 10 round magazines into California since the state has banned the ownership of standard capacity magazines. So when you’re in texas you can carry your regular mags, but in California you have to have 10 or less round magazines.
I will be traveling thru Calif. but I will be going to where I will be catching a ferry to ALASKA, ALL OF MY WEAONS ARE HIGH MAGAZINES Such as AR15, 45 caliber I want to stop in Calif to visit my brother for two days. Can I legally do it without getting myself or anybody else in trouble?
To my best knowledge and magazine order 10 capacity is not allowed. Normally I would suggest having your brother contact a local ffl and they maybe able to better advise. But, some ffls tell you there opinion and not the law. For your case I would have your brother contact his local law enforcement.
AR 15 will not be allowed as it is an assault rifle
Only an assault weapon in the small closed minds of liberal morons.
Hello I live in California, and a good friend wants to send me a handgun as a gift from Florida, it is possible?
Yes, you must go through an Ffl and it must be part of the approved weapons list. There are many restrictions in California. Contact the ffl before your friend purchases the handfun so you both know which handguns are allowed to be transferred into state. Basic rule nothing with a higher magazine capacity over 10 bullets.
Im traveling to California on a business trip. Meaning, purchasing inventory and searching for new vendors for my business. I have a Florida concealed carry permit. Can I bring my handgun with me to California and concealed carry while Im doing business transactions for protection, since Ill probably be using a lot of cash?! My business its a clothing boutique, before your thoughts go off the rails lol
No, CA doesn’t accept any CCW license from any other state – No reciprocity. If you want to be protected as you are concerned with carrying a lot of cash for your transactions then you might as well hire a local bodyguard from CA while you are doing your business there.
Hi, can you please confirm this update from August 2020 regarding California Penal Code 32310 – Large Capacity Magazine – California Law is no longer valid, that the Ninth Circuit ended California’s ban on large capacity magazines (LCMs). So is it allowed now to possess magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds in California?
No, California state does not recognize any states ccp and it would be illegal to conceal carry any firearm. You would have to go through the ca state ccp application process which is close to impossible if you are not a California resident. You also would have to be approved with a just cause for wanting a concealed carry permit.
If some one is attacking your car and brake widow with an blunt object can you use deadly force if your gun is in your car.
How does the 1000 foot rule work for driving in the hills where there’s one road, and the school is on that road?
If I follow all laws to properly fly with my firearms, would I be able to take my AR15 pistol if I had 10 round magazines?
What restrictions are there when traveling by plane? For example, I’m a California resident, gun is registered in California, I have my safety permit but no ccw. Im traveling to Washington state by airplane. I know Washington state is an open carry state but what complications might arise if I were to transport my gun back into California. Via airline.
Hello , I will be traveling from North Carolina to Nevada by plane ,
Them From Nevada to California by car will stay in California for few days , them travel back from California to North Carolina by plane , I do own a 10 capacity firearm with magazine safety I do got a CCW issue in NC
Any suggestions? Thank
I live in CA and flew to visit family in TN. My parents gave me an Auto Ordnance 1911 .45 as an early Christmas present. The list of approved handguns has an Auto Ordnance 1911 .45, but the model number is a couple digits off. Will I be able to have it sent via FFL transfer or bring it back in checked baggage without hassle when I arrive?
Thank you for the comment James! As a member, you can call the non-emergency line and get and ask one of our program attorneys these types of questions. Please visit our website at http://www.uslawshield.com for more information.
Flying to California in a few months for a wedding. I dont like going without a weapon. Can i fly with .y handgun.
This is a great question. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line to get an answer from an independent program attorney at 877-448-6839.
I remember years ago they passed that law that said “no guns within 1000 feet of a K-12 school”. The SCOTUS ruled that it was unconstitutional. A man filed suit because he lived within 1000 feet and they would take away his guns.
Now how did California get away with using that crap as a gun control law?
Im a truck driver.WHat are the laws on carrying in my truck in California?
If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line at 877-448-6839 to ask an independent program attorney this question.
Flying to California in a few months for a wedding. I dont like going without a weapon. Can i fly with my handgun? If so what do i need to do?
I am a current LEO in Idaho, traveling to CA soon for a wedding. Does LEOSA cover me to carry a personal pistol?
This is a great question. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line to get an answer from an independent program attorney at 877-448-6839.
My uncle left his guns here in az and he asked me to bring them to him in cali when I next visit to save him the trip, he has a revolver and a shotgun. Im wondering if ill get into any trouble doing so? I wouldn’t be taking any ammo just the guns.