Key Points
Starting April 22, 2025, California started allowing eligible non-residents to apply for a California CCW license under a court order, as noted in recent sources. Since this is a new development, the reciprocity of this non-resident permit with other states is not yet fully detailed in available data but here is a summary based on current information and California’s existing CCW reciprocity framework.
- California’s Current Stance: California does not honor concealed carry permits from any other state, resident or non-resident, meaning out-of-state permits are invalid within California.
- Non-Resident CCW Permits (After-April 22, 2025): Non-residents can apply for a California CCW starting April 22, 2025, through counties like RIverside and San Bernardino, requiring proof of membership in specific organizations (e.g., SAF.org, CRPA, GOA. GOACA) and an attestation of intent to spend time in the jurisdiction within 12 months.
-
Reciprocity for California CCW: A California CCW permit is recognized by certain states, based on reciprocity agreements. The list here reflects states that honor a California resident CCW permit, and it’s reasonable to assume non-resident permits, once issued, would follow the same reciprocity, though this is not explicitly confirmed in current legislation.
We will do our best to update this page as new information comes in.
States That Recognize a California CCW Permit
Based on available data, the following 24 states honor
a California concealed carry permit (resident, and likely applicable to non-resident permits issued after April 22, 2025, assuming no changes in reciprocity laws):
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah (holder must be 21+)
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin (holder must be 21+)
Important Notes
- Confirmation Needed Post-April 2025: Since non-resident CCW permits are new as of April 22, 2025, you should verify reciprocity with each state’s issuing authority (e.g., state police or attorney general’s office) after permits are issued, as policies may vary.
- State-Specific Restrictions: Some states (e.g., Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Carolina) only honor resident permits from other states, so you’ll need to confirm if they extend reciprocity to California’s non-resident permits.
- California’s Requirements for Non-Resident CCW:
- Applicants must provide a valid driver’s license or ID from their state of residence, proof of membership in approved organizations, and complete our 16-hour firearms training course, including a live-fire qualification that can be completed nationwide with an NRA or USCCA Certified Instructor near you. For qualification instructions please see the CA Non-Resident CCW Qualification page of this website.
- Firearms listed on the permit must be registered to the applicant with the California DOJ and comply with California laws. There is No Roster for Non-Residents. No Extended Magazine Exemptions. 10 Round Magazine Capacity. No Threaded Barrels. You Must Qualify With Each Firearm You Will List On Your Non-Resident CCW Permit.
- Carrying in California: A California CCW (resident or non-resident) is valid statewide, but restrictions apply (e.g., no carry in schools, courthouses, or businesses selling alcohol for consumption).
- Important: States have variations in the Self-Defense Laws i.e.Justifications For Use Of Force Laws, Stand Your Ground, Castle Doctrine and Misconduct with Firearms. While you may be able to legally carry a firearm in other states with your California Non-Resident CCW Permit, it is essential to learn and be knowledgeable of these laws in each state before you carry concealed.
