text:
(a) If a person who allegedly violated Section 25100 is the parent or guardian of a child who was injured or who died as the result of an accidental shooting, no arrest of the person for the alleged violation of Section 25100 shall occur until at least seven days after the date upon which the accidental shooting occurred.

(b) In addition to the limitation stated in subdivision (a), before arresting a person for a violation of Section 25100, a law enforcement officer shall consider the health status of a child who suffered great bodily injury as the result of an accidental shooting, if the person to be arrested is the parent or guardian of the injured child. The intent of this section is to encourage law enforcement officials to delay the arrest of a parent or guardian of a seriously injured child while the child remains on life-support equipment or is in a similarly critical medical condition.

title: 4. FIREARMS


kind: section

code: PEN

text:
(a) The fact that a person who allegedly violated Section 25100 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that was obtained by a child in violation of Section 25100 shall be considered a mitigating factor by a district attorney when deciding whether to prosecute the alleged violation.

(b) In any action or trial commenced under Section 25100, the fact that the person who allegedly violated Section 25100 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that was obtained by a child in violation of Section 25100 is admissible.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 2. Criminal Storage of Firearm

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Criminal Storage of Firearm


text: Every person licensed under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, shall post within the licensed premises the notice required by Section 26835, disclosing the duty imposed by this chapter upon any person who keeps a loaded firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A person who is 18 years of age or older, and who is the owner, lessee, renter, or other legal occupant of a residence, who owns a firearm and who knows or has reason to know that another person also residing therein is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm shall not keep in that residence a firearm unless one of the following applies:

(1) The firearm is securely stored, as defined in Section 25145.

(2) The firearm is carried or readily controlled by the lawful owner or another lawful authorized user, as defined in Section 25145.

(b) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

(c) The provisions of this section are cumulative, and do not restrict the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by different provisions of law shall not be punished under more than one provision.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 8) and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 542, Sec. 9. (SB 53) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a person shall, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, lock the handgun in the vehicle’s trunk, lock the handgun in a locked container and place the container out of plain view, lock the handgun in a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle’s interior and not in plain view, or lock the handgun in a locked toolbox or utility box.

(b) A peace officer, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle not equipped with a trunk, may, if unable to otherwise comply with subdivision (a), lock the handgun out of plain view within the center utility console of that motor vehicle with a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or other similar locking device.

(c) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(d) (1) As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(A) “Locked container” means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or similar locking device. The term “locked container” does not include the utility or glove compartment of a motor vehicle.

(B) “Locked toolbox or utility box” means a fully enclosed container that is permanently affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or vehicle that does not contain a trunk, and is locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or other similar locking device.

(C) “Peace officer” means a sworn officer described in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, or a sworn federal law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of that officer’s duties, while that officer is on duty or off duty.

(D) “Trunk” means the fully enclosed and locked main storage or luggage compartment of a vehicle that is not accessible from the passenger compartment. A trunk does not include the rear of a hatchback, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle, any compartment which has a window, or a toolbox or utility box attached to the bed of a pickup truck.

(E) “Vehicle” has the same meaning as specified in Section 670 of the Vehicle Code.

(2) For purposes of this section, a vehicle is unattended when a person who is lawfully carrying or transporting a handgun in a vehicle is not within close enough proximity to the vehicle to reasonably prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle or its contents.

(3) For purposes of this section, plain view includes any area of the vehicle that is visible by peering through the windows of the vehicle, including windows that are tinted, with or without illumination.

(e) This section does not apply to a peace officer during circumstances requiring immediate aid or action that are within the course of his or her official duties.

(f) This section does not supersede any local ordinance that regulates the storage of handguns in unattended vehicles if the ordinance was in effect before September 26, 2016.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 94, Sec. 1. (SB 1382) Effective January 1, 2019.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Beginning on January 1, 2026, a person shall ensure that any firearm the person possesses in a residence is securely stored whenever the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user.

(b) A firearm is “securely stored” if it is maintained within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or a secure gun safe.

(c) For purposes of this section and Sections 25105, 25135, 25205, 27882, and 27883, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Authorized user” has the same meaning as provided in Section 16745.

(2) “Certified firearm safety device” means any firearm safety device or gun safe that is listed on the Department of Justice’s roster of tested and approved firearm safety devices certified for sale pursuant to Section 23655.

(3) “Readily controlled” by a person or another lawful authorized user means either of the following:

(A) The person or other lawful authorized user is carrying the firearm on their person.

(B) The person or other lawful authorized user is within close enough proximity to the firearm to readily prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the firearm.

(4) “Secure gun safe” means a gun safe that meets the standards for gun safes adopted pursuant to Section 23650.

(d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a violation of this section is punishable by a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first violation and up to five hundred dollars ($500) for a second violation. A third and any subsequent violation is a misdemeanor.

(2) A person shall not be penalized for violating this section if they secure their firearm using a firearm safety device or gun safe that they reasonably believed to meet the requirements of this section, including a firearm safety device that was certified at the time the individual purchased the device or a safe that met the standards for gun safes adopted pursuant to Section 23650 at the time the individual purchased the safe.

(e) The provisions of this section are cumulative and do not restrict the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by different provisions of law shall not be punished under more than one provision.

(f) The Department of Justice shall seek to inform residents about the standards of storage of firearms as outlined in this section.

(g) This section does not apply to unloaded antique firearms, as defined in Section 921(a)(16) of Title 18 of the United States Code, or firearms that are permanently inoperable.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 542, Sec. 10. (SB 53) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) If all of the following conditions are satisfied, a person shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine:

(1) The person keeps a firearm, loaded or unloaded, within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.

(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to that firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.

(3) The child or the prohibited person obtains access to that firearm and thereafter carries that firearm off-premises.

(b) If all of the following conditions are satisfied, a person shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine:

(1) The person keeps any firearm within any premises that are under the person’s custody or control.

(2) The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian, or that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm.

(3) The child or the prohibited person obtains access to the firearm and thereafter carries that firearm off-premises to any public or private preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, or to any school-sponsored event, activity, or performance, whether occurring on school grounds or elsewhere.

(c) A firearm that a child or prohibited person gains access to and carries off-premises in violation of this section shall be deemed “used in the commission of any misdemeanor as provided in this code or any felony” for the purpose of Section 29300 regarding the authority to confiscate firearms and other deadly weapons as a nuisance.

(d) As used in this section, “off-premises” means premises other than the premises where the firearm was stored.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 840, Sec. 8. (SB 172) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Storage of Firearm Where Child Obtains Access and Carries Firearm Off-Premises


text:
Section 25200 does not apply if any of the following are true:

(a) The child obtains the firearm as a result of an illegal entry into any premises by any person.

(b) The firearm is securely stored, as defined in Section 25145.

(c) The firearm is carried or readily controlled by the lawful owner or another lawful authorized user, as defined in Section 25145.

(d) The person is a peace officer or a member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and the child obtains the firearm during, or incidental to, the performance of the person’s duties.

(e) The child obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 11) and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 542, Sec. 12. (SB 53) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 3. Storage of Firearm Where Child Obtains Access and Carries Firearm Off-Premises


text: If a person who allegedly violated Section 25200 is the parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies as the result of an accidental shooting, the district attorney shall consider, among other factors, the impact of the injury or death on the person alleged to have violated Section 25200 when deciding whether to prosecute the alleged violation. It is the Legislature’s intent that a parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies as the result of an accidental shooting shall be prosecuted only in those instances in which the parent or guardian behaved in a grossly negligent manner or where similarly egregious circumstances exist. This section shall not otherwise restrict, in any manner, the factors that a district attorney may consider when deciding whether to prosecute alleged violations of Section 25200.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) If a person who allegedly violated Section 25200 is the parent or guardian of a child who was injured or who died as the result of an accidental shooting, no arrest of the person for the alleged violation of Section 25200 shall occur until at least seven days after the date upon which the accidental shooting occurred.

(b) In addition to the limitation contained in subdivision (a), before arresting a person for a violation of Section 25200, a law enforcement officer shall consider the health status of a child who suffers great bodily injury as the result of an accidental shooting, if the person to be arrested is the parent or guardian of the injured child. The intent of this section is to encourage law enforcement officials to delay the arrest of a parent or guardian of a seriously injured child while the child remains on life-support equipment or is in a similarly critical medical condition.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The fact that the person who allegedly violated Section 25200 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that is obtained by a child in violation of Section 25200 shall be considered a mitigating factor by a district attorney when deciding whether to prosecute the alleged violation.

(b) In any action or trial commenced under Section 25200, the fact that the person who allegedly violated Section 25200 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that was obtained by a child in violation of Section 25200 is admissible.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Every person licensed under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, shall post within the licensed premises the notice required by Section 26835, disclosing the duty imposed by this chapter upon any person who keeps any firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Commencing July 1, 2017, every person shall report the loss or theft of a firearm he or she owns or possesses to a local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the theft or loss occurred within five days of the time he or she knew or reasonably should have known that the firearm had been stolen or lost.

(b) Every person who has reported a firearm lost or stolen under subdivision (a) shall notify the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the theft or loss occurred within five days if the firearm is subsequently recovered by the person.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a person shall not be required to report the loss or theft of a firearm that is an antique firearm within the meaning of subdivision (c) of Section 16170.

history: (History: Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 63, Sec. 4.1.)

division: 4.5. LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Storage of Firearm Where Child Obtains Access and Carries Firearm Off-Premises > 4.5. LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS


text:
Section 25250 shall not apply to the following:

(a) Any law enforcement agency or peace officer acting within the course and scope of his or her employment or official duties if he or she reports the loss or theft to his or her employing agency.

(b) Any United States marshal or member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, while engaged in his or her official duties.

(c) Any person who is licensed, pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, and who reports the theft or loss in accordance with Section 923(g)(6) of Title 18 of the United States Code, or the successor provision thereto, and applicable regulations issued thereto.

(d) Any person whose firearm was lost or stolen prior to July 1, 2017.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Pursuant to Section 11108.2, every sheriff or police chief shall submit a description of each firearm that has been reported lost or stolen directly into the Department of Justice Automated Firearms System.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 864, Sec. 6. (AB 2222) Effective January 1, 2019. Note: This section was added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 63.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Every person who violates Section 25250 is, for a first violation, guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100).

(b) Every person who violates Section 25250 is, for a second violation, guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(c) Every person who violates Section 25250 is, for a third or subsequent violation, guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Every person reporting a lost or stolen firearm pursuant to Section 25250 shall report the make, model, and serial number of the firearm, if known by the person, and any additional relevant information required by the local law enforcement agency taking the report.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) No person shall report to a local law enforcement agency that a firearm has been lost or stolen, knowing the report to be false. A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense, and by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a second or subsequent offense.

(b) This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other law.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A person commits criminal possession of a firearm when the person carries a firearm in a public place or on any public street while masked so as to hide the person’s identity.

(b) Criminal possession of a firearm is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year.

(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A peace officer in performance of the officer’s duties.

(2) A full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in this state.

(3) Any person summoned by any of the officers enumerated in paragraph (1) or (2) to assist in making an arrest or preserving the peace while that person is actually engaged in assisting that officer.

(4) The possession of an unloaded firearm or a firearm loaded with blank ammunition by an authorized participant in, or while rehearsing for, a motion picture, television, video production, entertainment event, entertainment activity, or lawfully organized and conducted activity when the participant lawfully uses the firearm as part of that production, event, or activity.

(5) The possession of a firearm by a licensed hunter while actually engaged in lawful hunting, or while going directly to or returning directly from the hunting expedition.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 542. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Amending action operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68. Section operative January 1, 2012, pursuant to Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 10.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Miscellaneous Rules Relating to Carrying Firearms


text:
(a) If any section, subdivision, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of any provision in this division is for any reason held unconstitutional, that decision does not affect the validity of any other provision in the division. The Legislature hereby declares that it would have passed the provisions listed in this division and each chapter, section, subdivision, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, and phrase of those provisions irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subdivisions, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.

(b) If any application of any provision in this division to any person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining applications of that provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be severed and shall not be affected. All constitutionally valid applications of this division shall be severed from any applications that a court finds to be invalid, leaving the valid applications in force, because it is the Legislature’s intent and priority that the valid applications be allowed to stand alone. Even if a reviewing court finds a provision of this division to impose an unconstitutional burden in a large or substantial fraction of relevant cases, the applications that do not present an unconstitutional burden shall be severed from the remaining applications and shall remain in force, and shall be treated as if the Legislature had enacted a statute limited to the persons, group of persons, or circumstances for which the statute’s application does not present an unconstitutional burden. If any court declares or finds a provision of this division facially unconstitutional, when discrete applications of that provision can be enforced against a person, group of persons, or circumstances without violating the United States Constitution and the California Constitution, those applications shall be severed from all remaining applications of the provision, and the provision shall be interpreted as if the Legislature had enacted a provision limited to the persons, group of persons, or circumstances for which the provision’s application will not violate the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 7. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 1. Miscellaneous Rules Relating to Carrying Firearms


text:
(a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when the person does any of the following:

(1) Carries concealed within any vehicle that is under the person’s control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(2) Carries concealed upon the person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(3) Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which the person is an occupant any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(b) A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not concealed within the meaning of this section.

(c) Carrying a concealed firearm in violation of this section is punishable as follows:

(1) If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, as a felony.

(2) If the firearm is stolen and the person knew or had reasonable cause to believe that it was stolen, as a felony.

(3) If the person is an active participant in a criminal street gang, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 186.22, under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 186.20) of Title 7 of Part 1), as a felony.

(4) If the person is not in lawful possession of the firearm or the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as a felony.

(5) If the person has been convicted of a crime against a person or property, or of a narcotics or dangerous drug violation, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(6) If both of the following conditions are met, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment:

(A) The pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person is loaded, or both it and the unexpended ammunition capable of being discharged from it are in the immediate possession of the person or readily accessible to that person.

(B) The person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11106 as the registered owner of that pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(7) In all cases other than those specified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(d) (1) Every person convicted under this section who previously has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515 shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for at least three months and not exceeding six months, or, if granted probation, or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that the person be imprisoned in a county jail for at least three months.

(2) Every person convicted under this section who has previously been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, if probation is granted, or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that the person be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.

(e) The court shall apply the three-month minimum sentence as specified in subdivision (d), except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence without the minimum imprisonment required in subdivision (d) or by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence with conditions other than those set forth in subdivision (d), in which case, the court shall specify on the record and shall enter on the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by that disposition.(f) A peace officer may arrest a person for a violation of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c) if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11106 as the registered owner of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, and one or more of the conditions in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c) is met.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 543. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Amending action operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68. Section operative January 1, 2012, pursuant to Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 10.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm > 1. Crime of Carrying a Concealed Firearm


text:
As provided in this article, Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:

(a) Any peace officer, listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, or subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, whether active or honorably retired.

(b) Any other duly appointed peace officer.

(c) Any honorably retired peace officer listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5.

(d) Any other honorably retired peace officer who during the course and scope of his or her appointment as a peace officer was authorized to, and did, carry a firearm.

(e) Any full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California.

(f) Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while the person is actually engaged in assisting that officer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 267, Sec. 1. (AB 703) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm > 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text: A peace officer and an honorably retired peace officer shall, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, secure the handgun in the vehicle pursuant to Section 25140.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 651, Sec. 2. (SB 869) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text:
(a) Any peace officer described in Section 25450 who has been honorably retired shall be issued an identification certificate by the law enforcement agency from which the officer retired.

(b) The issuing agency may charge a fee necessary to cover any reasonable expenses incurred by the agency in issuing certificates pursuant to this article.

(c) Any officer, except an officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall have an endorsement on the identification certificate stating that the issuing agency approves the officer’s carrying of a concealed firearm.

(d) An honorably retired peace officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall not be required to obtain an endorsement from the issuing agency to carry a concealed firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), no endorsement or renewal endorsement issued pursuant to Section 25465 shall be effective unless it is in the format set forth in subdivision (c).

(b) Any peace officer listed in subdivision (f) of Section 830.2 or in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5, who retired between January 2, 1981, and on or before December 31, 1988, and who is authorized to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to this article, shall not be required to have an endorsement in the format set forth in subdivision (c) until the time of the issuance, on or after January 1, 1989, of a renewal endorsement pursuant to Section 25465.

(c) A certificate issued pursuant to Section 25455 for any person who is not listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5, or for any person retiring after January 1, 1981, shall be in the following format: it shall be on a 2x3 inch card, bear the photograph of the retiree, include the retiree’s name, date of birth, the date that the retiree retired, and the name and address of the agency from which the retiree retired, and have stamped on it the endorsement “CCW Approved” and the date the endorsement is to be renewed. A certificate issued pursuant to Section 25455 shall not be valid as identification for the sale, purchase, or transfer of a firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text: Every five years, a retired peace officer, except an officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall petition the issuing agency for renewal of the officer’s privilege to carry a concealed firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text:
(a) The agency from which a peace officer is honorably retired may, upon initial retirement of that peace officer, or at any time subsequent thereto, deny or revoke for good cause the retired officer’s privilege to carry a concealed firearm.

(b) A peace officer who is listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall have the privilege to carry a concealed firearm denied or revoked by having the agency from which the officer retired stamp on the officer’s identification certificate “No CCW privilege.”

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text:
(a) An honorably retired peace officer who is listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 and authorized to carry a concealed firearm by this article shall meet the training requirements of Section 832 and shall qualify with the firearm at least annually.

(b) The individual retired peace officer shall be responsible for maintaining eligibility to carry a concealed firearm.

(c) The Department of Justice shall provide subsequent arrest notification pursuant to Section 11105.2 regarding honorably retired peace officers listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 to the agency from which the officer has retired.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Peace Officer Exemption


text: In order for a firearm to be exempted under this article, while being transported to or from a place, the firearm shall be unloaded and kept in a locked container, and the course of travel shall include only those deviations between authorized locations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm > 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:

(a) The possession of a firearm by an authorized participant in a motion picture, television, or video production, or an entertainment event, when the participant lawfully uses the firearm as part of that production or event, or while going directly to, or coming directly from, that production or event.

(b) The transportation of a firearm by an authorized employee or agent of a supplier of firearms when going directly to, or coming directly from, a motion picture, television, or video production, or an entertainment event, for the purpose of providing that firearm to an authorized participant to lawfully use as a part of that production or event.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the possession of a firearm in a locked container by a member of any club or organization, organized for the purpose of lawfully collecting and lawfully displaying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms, while the member is at a meeting of the club or organization or while going directly to, and coming directly from, a meeting of the club or organization.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a participant when going directly to, or coming directly from, a recognized safety or hunter safety class, or a recognized sporting event involving that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
(a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not within the excepted classes prescribed by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, directly between any of the following places:

(1) The person’s place of residence.

(2) The person’s place of business.

(3) Private property owned or lawfully possessed by the person.

(b) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person listed in subdivision (a) when going directly from the place where that person lawfully received that firearm to that person’s place of residence or place of business or to private property owned or lawfully possessed by that person.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a fixed place of business or private residential property for the purpose of the lawful repair or the lawful sale, loan, or transfer of that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:

(a) The transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a gun show, swap meet, or similar event to which the public is invited, for the purpose of displaying that firearm in a lawful manner.

(b) The transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a gun show or event, as defined in Section 478.100 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, for the purpose of lawfully transferring, selling, or loaning that firearm in accordance with Section 27545.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a target range, which holds a regulatory or business license, for the purposes of practicing shooting at targets with that firearm at that target range.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a place designated by a person authorized to issue licenses pursuant to Section 26150, 26155, 26170, or 26215, when done at the request of the issuing agency so that the issuing agency can determine whether or not a license should be issued to that person to carry that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
(a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a lawful camping activity for the purpose of having that firearm available for lawful personal protection while at the lawful campsite.

(b) This section shall not be construed to override the statutory authority granted to the Department of Parks and Recreation or any other state or local governmental agencies to promulgate rules and regulations governing the administration of parks and campgrounds.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
(a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with or utilize Section 26556, 26892, 27875, 27920, 27925, 29810, or 29830, as it pertains to that firearm.

(b) Section 25400 does not apply to or affect the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 32000 as it pertains to that firearm.

(c) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect the transportation of, a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 6389 of the Family Code.

(d) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect the transportation of, a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 527.9 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(e) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect the transportation of, a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 18120.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 17) and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 544, Sec. 18. (SB 899) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to utilize Section 28000 as it pertains to that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to sell, deliver, or transfer the firearm as specified in Section 27850 or 31725 to an authorized representative of a city, city and county, county, or state or federal government that is acquiring the weapon as part of an authorized, voluntary program in which the entity is buying or receiving weapons from private individuals.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:

(a) The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm, if the person is transporting the firearm in order to comply with Article 1 (commencing with Section 2080) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code as it pertains to that firearm, and, if the person is transporting the firearm to a law enforcement agency, the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency.

(b) The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm and is transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition according to law.

(c) The transportation of a firearm by a person who took the firearm from a person who was committing a crime against the person who took the firearm, and is transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition according to law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 110, Sec. 3. (AB 1292) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 27560 as it pertains to that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm that is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by a person in order to comply with Section 27565 as it pertains to that firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person for the purpose of obtaining an identification number or mark assigned to that firearm from the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 23910.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person if done directly between any of the places set forth below:

(a) A place where the person may carry that firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25400.

(b) A place where that person may carry that firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25850, or a place where the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25850 does not apply.

(c) A place where that person may carry a firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 26350, or a place where the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 26350 does not apply.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 725, Sec. 11. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text: This article does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful carrying or transportation of any handgun in accordance with the provisions listed in Section 16580.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 725, Sec. 12. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Conditional Exemptions


text:
(a) A violation of Section 25400 is justifiable when a person who possesses a firearm reasonably believes that person is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person who has been found to pose a threat to the life or safety of the person who possesses the firearm. This section may not apply when the circumstances involve a mutual restraining order issued pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code absent a factual finding of a specific threat to the person’s life or safety. It is not the intent of the Legislature to limit, restrict, or narrow the application of current statutory or judicial authority to apply this or other justifications to a defendant charged with violating Section 25400 or committing another similar offense.

(b) Upon trial for violating Section 25400, the trier of fact shall determine whether the defendant was acting out of a reasonable belief that the defendant was in grave danger.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm > 4. Other Exemptions


text:
(a) Section 25400 and Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 26350) of Division 5 shall not apply to or affect any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not within the excepted classes prescribed by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, who carries, either openly or concealed, anywhere within the citizen’s or legal resident’s place of residence, place of business, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the citizen or legal resident, any handgun.

(b) No permit or license to purchase, own, possess, keep, or carry, either openly or concealed, shall be required of any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not within the excepted classes prescribed by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to purchase, own, possess, keep, or carry, either openly or concealed, a handgun within the citizen’s or legal resident’s place of residence, place of business, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the citizen or legal resident.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the application of Sections 25850 to 26055, inclusive.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 725, Sec. 13. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text:
Section 25400 shall not be construed to prohibit any citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, from transporting or carrying any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person for any purpose specified in Sections 25510 to 25595, inclusive, provided that either of the following applies to the firearm:

(a) The firearm is unloaded, within a motor vehicle, and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle.

(b) The firearm is unloaded, carried by the person directly to or from any motor vehicle, and, while carrying the firearm, the firearm is contained within a locked container.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 8. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: A person shall, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, secure the handgun in the vehicle pursuant to Section 25140.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 651, Sec. 3. (SB 869) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the possession or transportation of unloaded pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person as merchandise by a person who is engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing, or dealing in firearms and who is licensed to engage in that business, or the authorized representative or authorized agent of that person, while engaged in the lawful course of the business.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States, or the National Guard, when on duty, or any organization that is by law authorized to purchase or receive those weapons from the United States or this state.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the carrying of unloaded pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person by duly authorized military or civil organizations while parading, or the members thereof when going to and from the places of meeting of their respective organizations.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any guard or messenger of any common carrier, bank, or other financial institution, while actually employed in and about the shipment, transportation, or delivery of any money, treasure, bullion, bonds, or other thing of value within this state.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, members of any club or organization organized for the purpose of practicing shooting at targets upon established target ranges, whether public or private, while the members are using pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person upon the target ranges, or transporting these firearms unloaded when going to and from the ranges.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Sections 25140 and 25400 do not apply to, or affect, the transportation of unloaded firearms by a person operating a licensed common carrier or an authorized agent or employee thereof when the firearms are transported in conformance with applicable federal law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 651, Sec. 4. (SB 869) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text:
(a) Upon approval of the sheriff of the county in which the retiree resides, Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any honorably retired federal officer or agent of any federal law enforcement agency, including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the United States Customs Service, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, and any officer or agent of the Internal Revenue Service who was authorized to carry weapons while on duty, who was assigned to duty within the state for a period of not less than one year, or who retired from active service in the state.

(b) A retired federal officer or agent shall provide the sheriff with certification from the agency from which the officer or agent retired certifying that person’s service in the state, stating the nature of that person’s retirement, and indicating the agency’s concurrence that the retired federal officer or agent should be accorded the privilege of carrying a concealed firearm.

(c) Upon that approval, the sheriff shall issue a permit to the retired federal officer or agent indicating that the retiree may carry a concealed firearm in accordance with this section. The permit shall be valid for a period not exceeding five years, shall be carried by the retiree while carrying a concealed firearm, and may be revoked for good cause.

(d) The sheriff of the county in which the retired federal officer or agent resides may require recertification prior to a permit renewal, and may suspend the privilege for cause. The sheriff may charge a fee necessary to cover any reasonable expenses incurred by the county.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 230. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text: Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the carrying of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by a person who is authorized to carry that weapon in a concealed manner pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150).

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions


text:
(a) The unlawful carrying of any handgun in violation of Section 25400 is a nuisance and is subject to Sections 18000 and 18005.

(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any firearm in the possession of the Department of Fish and Game.

(2) Any firearm that was used in the violation of any provision of the Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

(3) Any firearm that is forfeited pursuant to Section 5008.6 of the Public Resources Code.

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm > 5. Concealed Carrying of Firearm as a Nuisance


text:
(a) Every person who carries a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony is guilty of armed criminal action.

(b) Armed criminal action is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison.

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm

article: 1. Armed Criminal Action

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 1. Armed Criminal Action


text:
(a) A person is guilty of carrying a loaded firearm when the person carries a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city, city and county, or in any public place or on any public street in a prohibited area of an unincorporated area of a county or city and county.

(b) In order to determine whether or not a firearm is loaded for the purpose of enforcing this section, peace officers are authorized to examine any firearm carried by anyone on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or prohibited area of an unincorporated territory. Refusal to allow a peace officer to inspect a firearm pursuant to this section constitutes probable cause for arrest for violation of this section.

(c) Carrying a loaded firearm in violation of this section is punishable, as follows:

(1) Where the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, as a felony.

(2) Where the firearm is stolen and the person knew or had reasonable cause to believe that it was stolen, as a felony.

(3) Where the person is an active participant in a criminal street gang, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 186.22, under the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 186.20) of Title 7 of Part 1), as a felony.

(4) Where the person is not in lawful possession of the firearm, or is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as a felony.

(5) Where the person has been convicted of a crime against a person or property, or of a narcotics or dangerous drug violation, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(6) Where the person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 11106 as the recorded owner of the handgun, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(7) In all cases other than those specified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, as a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(d) (1) Every person convicted under this section who has previously been convicted of an offense enumerated in Section 23515, or of any crime made punishable under a provision listed in Section 16580, shall serve a term of at least three months in a county jail, or, if granted probation or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that the person be imprisoned for a period of at least three months.

(2) The court shall apply the three-month minimum sentence except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence without the minimum imprisonment required in this section or by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence with conditions other than those set forth in this section, in which case, the court shall specify on the record and shall enter on the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by that disposition.

(e) A violation of this section that is punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year shall not constitute a conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year for the purposes of determining federal firearms eligibility under Section 922(g)(1) of Title 18 of the United States Code.

(f) Nothing in this section, or in Article 3 (commencing with Section 25900) or Article 4 (commencing with Section 26000), shall preclude prosecution under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or any other law with a greater penalty than this section.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 836, a peace officer may make an arrest without a warrant:

(1) When the person arrested has violated this section, although not in the officer’s presence.

(2) Whenever the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has violated this section, whether or not this section has, in fact, been violated.

(h) A peace officer may arrest a person for a violation of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c), if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the person is carrying a handgun in violation of this section and that person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11106 as the recorded owner of that handgun.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 9. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 2. Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public


text:
As provided in this article, Section 25850 does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Any peace officer, listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, or subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, whether active or honorably retired.

(b) Any other duly appointed peace officer.

(c) Any honorably retired peace officer listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5.

(d) Any other honorably retired peace officer who during the course and scope of his or her appointment as a peace officer was authorized to, and did, carry a firearm.

(e) Any full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California.

(f) Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while the person is actually engaged in assisting that officer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 267, Sec. 2. (AB 703) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 3. Peace Officer Exemption to the Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public


text:
(a) (1) Any peace officer described in Section 25900 who has been honorably retired shall be issued an identification certificate by the law enforcement agency from which the officer has retired.

(2) If the agency from which the officer has retired is no longer providing law enforcement services or the relevant governmental body is dissolved, the agency that subsequently provides law enforcement services for that jurisdiction shall issue the identification certificate to that peace officer. This paragraph shall apply only if the following conditions are met:

(A) The successor agency is in possession of the retired officer’s complete personnel records or can otherwise verify the retired officer’s honorably retired status.

(B) The retired officer is in compliance with all the requirements of the successor agency for the issuance of a retirement identification card and concealed weapon endorsement.

(b) The issuing agency may charge a fee necessary to cover any reasonable expenses incurred by the agency in issuing certificates pursuant to Sections 25900, 25910, 25925, and this section.

(c) Any officer, except an officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall have an endorsement on the identification certificate stating that the issuing agency approves the officer’s carrying of a loaded firearm.

(d) An honorably retired peace officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall not be required to obtain an endorsement from the issuing agency to carry a loaded firearm.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 149, Sec. 1. (SB 303) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Peace Officer Exemption to the Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), no endorsement or renewal endorsement issued pursuant to Section 25915 shall be effective unless it is in the format set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 25460.

(b) Any peace officer listed in subdivision (f) of Section 830.2 or in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5, who is retired between January 2, 1981, and on or before December 31, 1988, and who is authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to this article, shall not be required to have an endorsement in the format set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 25460 until the time of the issuance, on or after January 1, 1989, of a renewal endorsement pursuant to Section 25915.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Every five years, a retired peace officer, except an officer listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall petition the issuing agency, or a successor agency pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 25905, for renewal of the privilege to carry a loaded firearm.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 149, Sec. 2. (SB 303) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The agency from which a peace officer is honorably retired, or a successor agency pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 25905, may, upon initial retirement of the peace officer, or at any time subsequent thereto, deny or revoke for good cause the retired officer’s privilege to carry a loaded firearm.

(b) A peace officer who is listed in Section 830.1 or 830.2, subdivision (a) of Section 830.33, or subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 who is retired prior to January 1, 1981, shall have the privilege to carry a loaded firearm denied or revoked by having the agency from which the officer retired, or a successor agency pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 25905, stamp on the officer’s identification certificate “No CCW privilege.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 149, Sec. 3. (SB 303) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) An honorably retired peace officer who is listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 and authorized to carry a loaded firearm by this article shall meet the training requirements of Section 832 and shall qualify with the firearm at least annually.

(b) The individual retired peace officer shall be responsible for maintaining eligibility to carry a loaded firearm.

(c) The Department of Justice shall provide subsequent arrest notification pursuant to Section 11105.2 regarding honorably retired peace officers listed in subdivision (c) of Section 830.5 to the agency from which the officer has retired, or a successor agency pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 25905.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 149, Sec. 4. (SB 303) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Section 25850 does not apply to members of the military forces of this state or of the United States engaged in the performance of their duties.

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 4. Other Exemptions to the Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public


text:
Section 25850 does not apply to either of the following:

(a) Persons who are using target ranges for the purpose of practice shooting with a firearm.

(b) Members of shooting clubs while hunting on the premises of those clubs.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Other Exemptions to the Crime of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public


text: Section 25850 does not apply to the carrying of any handgun by any person as authorized pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
Section 25850 does not apply to any armored vehicle guard, as defined in Section 7582.1 of the Business and Professions Code, if either of the following conditions is satisfied:

(a) The guard was hired prior to January 1, 1977, and is acting within the course and scope of employment.

(b) The guard was hired on or after January 1, 1977, has received a firearms qualification card from the Department of Consumer Affairs, and is acting within the course and scope of employment.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Upon approval of the sheriff of the county in which the retiree resides, Section 25850 does not apply to any honorably retired federal officer or agent of any federal law enforcement agency, including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the United States Customs Service, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, and any officer or agent of the Internal Revenue Service who was authorized to carry weapons while on duty, who was assigned to duty within the state for a period of not less than one year, or who retired from active service in the state.

(b) A retired federal officer or agent shall provide the sheriff with certification from the agency from which the officer or agent retired certifying that person’s service in the state, stating the nature of that person’s retirement, and indicating the agency’s concurrence that the retired federal officer or agent should be accorded the privilege of carrying a loaded firearm.

(c) Upon approval, the sheriff shall issue a permit to the retired federal officer or agent indicating that the retiree may carry a loaded firearm in accordance with this section. The permit shall be valid for a period not exceeding five years, shall be carried by the retiree while carrying a loaded firearm, and may be revoked for good cause.

(d) The sheriff of the county in which the retired federal officer or agent resides may require recertification prior to a permit renewal, and may suspend the privilege for cause. The sheriff may charge a fee necessary to cover any reasonable expenses incurred by the county.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 231. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
Section 25850 does not apply to any of the following who have completed a regular course in firearms training approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training:

(a) Patrol special police officers appointed by the police commission of any city, county, or city and county under the express terms of its charter who also, under the express terms of the charter, satisfy all of the following requirements:

(1) They are subject to suspension or dismissal after a hearing on charges duly filed with the commission after a fair and impartial trial.

(2) They are not less than 18 years of age or more than 40 years of age.

(3) They possess physical qualifications prescribed by the commission.

(4) They are designated by the police commission as the owners of a certain beat or territory as may be fixed from time to time by the police commission.

(b) Animal control officers or zookeepers, regularly compensated in that capacity by a governmental agency, when carrying weapons while acting in the course and scope of their employment and when designated by a local ordinance or, if the governmental agency is not authorized to act by ordinance, by a resolution, either individually or by class, to carry the weapons.

(c) Persons who are authorized to carry the weapons pursuant to Section 14502 of the Corporations Code, while actually engaged in the performance of their duties pursuant to that section.

(d) Harbor police officers designated pursuant to Section 663.5 of the Harbors and Navigation Code.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Section 25850 does not apply to any of the following who have been issued a certificate pursuant to subdivision (d):

(1) Guards or messengers of common carriers, banks, and other financial institutions, while actually employed in and about the shipment, transportation, or delivery of any money, treasure, bullion, bonds, or other thing of value within this state.

(2) Guards of contract carriers operating armored vehicles pursuant to California Highway Patrol and Public Utilities Commission authority, if they were hired prior to January 1, 1977.

(3) Guards of contract carriers operating armored vehicles pursuant to California Highway Patrol and Public Utilities Commission authority, if they were hired on or after January 1, 1977, and they have completed a course in the carrying and use of firearms that meets the standards prescribed by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

(4) Private investigators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.3 (commencing with Section 7512) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(5) Uniformed employees of private investigators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.3 (commencing with Section 7512) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(6) Private patrol operators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 7580) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(7) Uniformed employees of private patrol operators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 7580) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(8) Alarm company operators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Section 7590) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(9) Uniformed security guards or night watch persons employed by any public agency, while acting within the scope and course of their employment.

(10) Uniformed security guards, regularly employed and compensated in that capacity by persons engaged in any lawful business, and uniformed alarm agents employed by an alarm company operator, while actually engaged in protecting and preserving the property of their employers, or on duty or en route to or from their residences or their places of employment, and security guards and alarm agents en route to or from their residences or employer-required range training.

(b) Nothing in paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) shall be construed to prohibit cities and counties from enacting ordinances requiring alarm agents to register their names.

(c) A certificate under this section shall not be required of any person who is a peace officer, who has completed all training required by law for the exercise of the person’s power as a peace officer, and who is employed while not on duty as a peace officer.

(d) The Department of Consumer Affairs may issue a certificate to any person referred to in this section, upon notification by the school where the course was completed, that the person has successfully completed a course in the carrying and use of firearms and a course of training in the exercise of the powers of arrest, which meet the standards prescribed by the department pursuant to Section 7583.5 of the Business and Professions Code.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Nothing in Section 25850 shall prevent any person engaged in any lawful business, including a nonprofit organization, or any officer, employee, or agent authorized by that person for lawful purposes connected with that business, from having a loaded firearm within the person’s place of business, or any person in lawful possession of private property from having a loaded firearm on that property.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Nothing in Section 25850 shall prevent any person from carrying a loaded firearm in an area within an incorporated city while engaged in hunting, provided that the hunting at that place and time is not prohibited by the city council.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Nothing in Section 25850 is intended to preclude the carrying of any loaded firearm, under circumstances where it would otherwise be lawful, by a person who reasonably believes that any person or the property of any person is in immediate, grave danger and that the carrying of the weapon is necessary for the preservation of that person or property.

(b) A violation of Section 25850 is justifiable when a person who possesses a firearm reasonably believes that person is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person who has been found to pose a threat to the life or safety of the person who possesses the firearm. This subdivision may not apply when the circumstances involve a mutual restraining order issued pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code absent a factual finding of a specific threat to the person’s life or safety. It is not the intent of the Legislature to limit, restrict, or narrow the application of current statutory or judicial authority to apply this or other justifications to a defendant charged with violating Section 25850 or committing another similar offense. Upon trial for violating Section 25850, the trier of fact shall determine whether the defendant was acting out of a reasonable belief that the defendant was in grave danger.

(c) As used in this section, “immediate” means the brief interval before and after the local law enforcement agency, when reasonably possible, has been notified of the danger and before the arrival of its assistance.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 185, Sec. 7. (AB 2176) Effective January 1, 2019.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Nothing in Section 25850 is intended to preclude the carrying of a loaded firearm by any person while engaged in the act of making or attempting to make a lawful arrest.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Nothing in Section 25850 shall prevent any person from having a loaded weapon, if it is otherwise lawful, at the person’s place of residence, including any temporary residence or campsite.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Nothing in Section 25850 shall prevent any person from storing aboard any vessel or aircraft any loaded or unloaded rocket, rocket propelled projectile launcher, or similar device designed primarily for emergency or distress signaling purposes, or from possessing that type of a device while in a permitted hunting area or traveling to or from a permitted hunting area and carrying a valid California permit or license to hunt.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) It is a misdemeanor for a driver of any motor vehicle or the owner of any motor vehicle, whether or not the owner of the vehicle is occupying the vehicle, knowingly to permit any other person to carry into or bring into the vehicle a firearm in violation of Section 25850 of this code or Section 2006 of the Fish and Game Code.

(b) Any driver or owner of any vehicle, whether or not the owner of the vehicle is occupying the vehicle, who knowingly permits any other person to discharge any firearm from the vehicle is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year or in state prison for 16 months or two or three years.

(c) Any person who willfully and maliciously discharges a firearm from a motor vehicle at another person other than an occupant of a motor vehicle is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for three, five, or seven years.

(d) Except as provided in Section 3002 of the Fish and Game Code, any person who willfully and maliciously discharges a firearm from a motor vehicle is guilty of a public offense punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year or in the state prison.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 5. Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 5. Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle


text:
(a) The unlawful carrying of any firearm in violation of Section 25850 is a nuisance and is subject to Sections 18000 and 18005.

(b) This section does not apply to either of the following:

(1) Any firearm that was used in the violation of any provision of the Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

(2) Any firearm that is forfeited pursuant to Section 5008.6 of the Public Resources Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 534, Sec. 3. (AB 2739) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm > 6. Carrying a Loaded Firearm as a Nuisance


text:
(a) When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county shall issue or renew a license to that California resident upon proof of all of the following:

(1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202.

(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Section 16400.

(3) The applicant is a resident of the county or a city within the county, or the applicant’s principal place of employment or business is in the county or a city within the county and the applicant spends a substantial period of time in that place of employment or business. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicant’s filing of a homeowner’s property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s primary residence is in another county or city within the county.

(4) The applicant has completed a course of training as described in Section 26165.

(5) The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

(b) When a non-California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county shall issue or renew a license to that non-California resident, subject to the following conditions:

(1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive the license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202 and all comparable statutes and provisions of law of the nonresident applicant’s state of residence.

(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age and presents clear evidence of the nonresident’s identity, age, and state of residence. “Clear evidence of the nonresident’s identity, age, and state of residence” means either of the following:

(A) A valid driver’s license from their state of residence.

(B) A valid out-of-state identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(3) The applicant attests, under oath, that the jurisdiction in which they have applied is the primary location in California in which they intend to travel or spend time.

(4) The applicant has completed a course of training that meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 26165 and subdivision (d) of Section 26165, as it pertains to the licensing authority to which the application is submitted. If the licensing authority to which the application is submitted has not approved of any online training courses, the applicant may complete an online training course approved by any other licensing authority that issues licenses under this section.

(5) The applicant has completed live-fire shooting exercises, as required by paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 26165, for each pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry in California. The applicant shall inform the licensing authority to which they have applied of the live-fire course the applicant intends to complete, and the licensing authority shall either approve the course or suggest an alternative acceptable course within 75 miles of the applicant’s residence.

(6) The applicant has identified on the application the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry in California. Identification of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm that cannot lawfully be carried or possessed in California shall be cause for denial of a license as to that pistol, revolver, or other firearm.

(c) The sheriff shall issue or renew a license under subdivision (a) in either of the following formats:

(1) A license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(2) Where the population of the county is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, a license to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(d) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the sheriff of the county from entering into an agreement with the chief or other head of a municipal police department of a city to process all applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, or amendments to licenses pursuant to this chapter, in lieu of the sheriff.

(2) This subdivision shall only apply to applicants who reside within the city in which the chief or other head of the municipal police department has agreed to process applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses, pursuant to this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 570, Sec. 2. (AB 1078) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 4. License to Carry A Pistol, Revolver, or Other Firearm Capable of Being Concealed Upon the Person


text:
(a) When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county shall issue or renew a license to that California resident upon proof of all of the following:

(1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202.

(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Section 16400.

(3) The applicant is a resident of that city or city and county. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicant’s filing of a homeowner’s property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s primary residence is in another county or city within the county.

(4) The applicant has completed a course of training as described in Section 26165.

(5) The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued.

(b) When a non-California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county shall issue or renew a license to that nonresident, subject to the following conditions:

(1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive the license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202 and all comparable statutes and provisions of law of the nonresident applicant’s state of residence.

(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the nonresident’s identity, age, and state of residence. “Clear evidence of the nonresident’s identity, age, and state of residence” means either of the following:

(A) A valid driver’s license from their state of residence.

(B) A valid out-of-state identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(3) The applicant attests, under oath, that the jurisdiction in which they have applied is the primary location in California in which they intend to travel or spend time.

(4) The applicant has completed a course of training that meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 26165 and subdivision (d) of Section 26165, as it pertains to the licensing authority to which the application is submitted. If the licensing authority to which the application is submitted has not approved of any online training courses, the applicant may complete an online training course approved by any other licensing authority that issues licenses under this section.

(5) The applicant has completed live-fire shooting exercises, as required by paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 26165, for each pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry in California. The applicant shall inform the licensing authority to which they have applied of the live-fire course the applicant intends to complete, and the licensing authority shall either approve the course or suggest an alternative acceptable course within 75 miles of the applicant’s residence.

(6) The applicant has identified on the application the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each pistol, revolver, or other firearm they intend to carry in California. Identification of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm that cannot lawfully be carried in California shall be cause for denial of a license as to that pistol, revolver, or other firearm.

(c) The chief or other head of a municipal police department shall issue or renew a license under subdivision (a) in either of the following formats:

(1) A license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(2) Where the population of the county in which the city is located is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, a license to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city from entering an agreement with the sheriff of the county in which the city is located for the sheriff to process all applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses, pursuant to this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 570, Sec. 3. (AB 1078) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 4. License to Carry A Pistol, Revolver, or Other Firearm Capable of Being Concealed Upon the Person


text: Each licensing authority shall publish and make available a written policy summarizing the provisions of Section 26150 and subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 26155.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Prior to the issuance of a license, renewal of a license, or amendment to a license pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 26150 or subdivision (a) of Section 26155, each licensing authority with direct access to the designated Department of Justice system shall determine if the applicant is the recorded owner of the particular pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person reported in the application for a license or the application for the amendment to a license under this chapter.

(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), an agency with direct access to the designated Department of Justice system shall confirm the applicant’s information with firearm ownership maintained in the system. An agency without access to the system shall confirm this information with the sheriff of the county in which the agency is located.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 570, Sec. 4. (AB 1078) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) For new license applicants, the course of training for issuance of a license under Section 26150 or 26155 may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority that meets all of the following minimum criteria:

(1) The course shall be no less than 16 hours in length.

(2) The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal methods to transport firearms and securing firearms in vehicles, laws governing where permitholders may carry firearms, laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm, and laws regarding the permissible use of lethal force in self-defense.

(3) The course shall include a component, no less than one hour in length, on mental health and mental health resources.

(4) Except for the component on mental health and mental health resources, the course shall be taught and supervised by firearms instructors certified by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 31635, or in a manner to be prescribed by regulation.

(5) The course shall require students to pass a written examination to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics.

(6) The course shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.

(b) A licensing authority shall establish, and make available to the public, the standards it uses when issuing licenses with regards to the required live-fire shooting exercises, including, but not limited to, a minimum number of rounds to be fired and minimum passing scores from specified firing distances.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the licensing authority may require a community college course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, up to a maximum of 24 hours, but only if required uniformly of all license applicants without exception.

(d) For license renewal applicants, the course of training may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority, shall be no less than eight hours, and shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (2) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a). No course of training shall be required for any person certified by the licensing authority as a trainer for purposes of this section, in order for that person to renew a license issued pursuant to this chapter.

(e) The applicant shall not be required to pay for any training courses prior to the initial determination of whether the applicant is a disqualified person pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 26202.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 13. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Upon proof of all of the following, the sheriff of a county, or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county, shall issue to an applicant a new license or license renewal to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person:

(1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202.

(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age, as defined in Section 16400.

(3) The applicant has been deputized or appointed as a peace officer pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 830.6 by that sheriff or that chief of police or other head of a municipal police department.

(4) The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued, or, the applicant is authorized to carry a firearm that is registered to the agency for which the licensee has been deputized or appointed to serve as a peace officer.

(b) Direct or indirect fees for the issuance of a license pursuant to this section may be waived.

(c) The fact that an applicant for a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person has been deputized or appointed as a peace officer pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 830.6 shall be considered only for the purpose of issuing a license pursuant to this section, and shall not be considered for the purpose of issuing a license pursuant to Section 26150 or 26155.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 14. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS