Reciprocity
Where your permit works — and where it doesn’t — depends on which state you’re standing in. Here is the clear version, with links to the official sources.
No. California does not honor concealed carry permits issued by any other state, whether that permit was issued to a Resident or a Non-Resident of that state. To carry concealed in California, you need a California CCW license issued by a California licensing authority such as the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
California DOJ firearms FAQA standard California CCW license issued through Riverside County is generally valid throughout California, subject to the terms and any restrictions on your license and to current California limits on where and how a person may carry. Review your license and the current official guidance before carrying.
California DOJ CCW informationThat depends entirely on the other state’s current rules. Each state decides which permits it recognizes, and some states recognize only permits issued to residents of the issuing state — so a state that honors a California Resident permit may not honor a California permit issued to a Non-Resident. Before you travel, check the destination state’s official licensing or law enforcement website.
The 24 states below are commonly reported to recognize a California CCW permit. Recognition is decided by each state, can change without notice, and some states honor only permits issued to residents of the issuing state — so a state on this list may treat a California Non-Resident permit differently. Always confirm the destination state’s current rules with its official licensing authority before you carry there.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
With restrictions in some contexts
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Must be 21 or older
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Must be 21 or older
Carrying in another state means following that state’s rules, not California’s. Work through this checklist using the destination state’s official sources before you go.
Confirm the destination state currently recognizes a California CCW — and specifically whether it recognizes one issued to a Non-Resident.
Some states honor only Resident permits from other states. Your status can change the answer even when California permits are generally recognized.
Minimum carry ages differ by state; a state may require visiting permit holders to be 21 or older.
Every state sets its own list of places where carry is restricted or prohibited. Check the destination state’s current rules, not California’s.
Magazine capacity limits, roster-style restrictions, and feature rules vary by state. A setup that is lawful in California may not be lawful where you are going.
Self-defense, stand-your-ground, and castle doctrine rules differ widely. Learn the destination state’s laws before you carry there.
No. California does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. Out-of-state residents who want to carry in California can apply for a California CCW through Riverside County’s Non-Resident path.
Yes. A standard California CCW license is generally valid throughout California, subject to the terms on your license and current statewide limits on where and how a person may carry.
Recognition depends on each state’s current laws, and some states honor only Resident permits. Verify with the destination state’s official licensing or law enforcement website before travel. Your California permit still starts with the same training and live-fire qualification.
