Concealed Carry License Information

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Effective January 1, 2024, the new firearm laws mandated by SB 2 require a licensing authority to issue or renew a concealed carry license if the applicant is not classified as a disqualified person and is at least 21 years of age.

As of this bulletin's date, a federal district court has issued a partial preliminary injunction regarding SB 2, specifically enjoining the enforcement of the prohibition on carrying concealed weapons by holders of permits in several specified locations under Cal. Penal Code section 26230, including:

(7) Hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, medical offices, urgent care facilities, and other medical service locations,

(8) Public transportation,

(9) Establishments selling intoxicating liquor for consumption on-site,

(10) Public gatherings and special events,

(11) Playgrounds and private youth centers,

(12) Parks and athletic facilities,

(13) Property under the Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Fish and Wildlife, except in hunting areas,

(15) Casinos and gambling establishments,

(16) Stadiums and arenas,

(17) Public libraries,

(19) Amusement parks,

(20) Zoos and museums,

(22) Places of worship such as churches, synagogues, or mosques,

(23) Financial institutions,

(26) Any other privately owned commercial establishment open to the public, unless a sign indicating that licenseholders may carry firearms is clearly displayed on the property,

as well as the parking areas adjacent to these sensitive places as outlined by Cal. Penal Code section 26230. The remainder of SB 2, addressing concealed carry licensing, became effective on January 1, 2024, and is enforceable.

The new firearm laws under SB 2 remove the previous requirements of good character and good cause for issuing concealed carry licenses. It defines a “disqualified person” as someone who is reasonably likely to pose a danger to themselves, others, or the wider community. Additionally, the law mandates that applicants for a concealed carry license must be the recorded owner of the firearm for which the license is requested, and it allows some applicants to provide a business or alternative mailing address instead of their residential address.

Moreover, the training course for concealed carry license applicants, as outlined in Penal Code sections 26150 or 26155, must now be taught and supervised by firearms instructors certified by the Department. The training will also have specific hour requirements and a written examination for applicants.

If a concealed carry license application is denied or revoked, the licensing authority is required to notify the applicant. In the case of denial or revocation due to being classified as a disqualified person, applicants have the right to request a hearing to contest the decision. For denials or revocations for other reasons, they can seek a writ of mandate from a superior court within 30 days.

SB 2 also revises existing requirements related to concealed carry licenses, mandating that licenses display information such as the licensee’s driver license or identification number, fingerprints, and expiration date. The requirement to detail the reason for requesting a concealed carry license has been eliminated.

Furthermore, starting September 1, 2026, licensing authorities must submit fingerprint images and related information for renewal applicants to the Department. If the Department cannot ascertain the criminal history of an applicant that would prohibit firearm possession, it must notify the licensing authority.

The new firearm laws authorize licensing authorities to charge additional processing fees for license renewals and remove previous prohibitions against extra fees or liability insurance. The Attorney General is also granted the authority to revise the standard application form and design for concealed carry licenses if the committee fails to act.

Additionally, it is now a crime to bring an unloaded firearm onto the grounds of any residence of the Governor or other constitutional officers. A concealed carry licensee is prohibited from carrying a firearm at the locations outlined in Penal Code section 26230, with specific exceptions. Furthermore, individuals are not allowed to possess firearms in areas controlled by airports or passenger vessel terminals. The law has also revised existing exceptions to permit concealed carry licensees to carry in specific areas adjacent to schools, under certain conditions.

Finally, a licensing authority must revoke a concealed carry license if, among other reasons, a licensee provides inaccurate information on their application. While carrying a firearm, a licensee is prohibited from consuming alcohol or controlled substances and cannot misrepresent themselves as a peace officer. For anyone convicted after January 1, 2024, of misdemeanor violations specified in Penal Code sections 25400, 25850, 26350, and 26400, possession of a firearm is banned for ten years following the conviction.