California Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 10-round magazine limit. 10-day waiting period. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

California has some of the strictest firearm laws in the nation. Concealed carry became shall-issue after the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision ended the state's discretionary "good cause" standard, and SB 2 (effective January 2024) rewrote the licensing rules; sheriffs still apply objective eligibility and training requirements. The state bans assault weapons, limits magazines to 10 rounds, requires a 10-day waiting period, and has a red flag (ERPO) law.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (good cause dropped after Bruen in 2022; SB 2 effective Jan. 2024) (Cal. Penal Code § 26150)
• Open Carry: Generally prohibited
• Permit to Purchase: No permit, but a Firearm Safety Certificate is required for all firearm purchases (plus a safe-handling demonstration for handguns)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault weapons banned by name and feature (Cal. Penal Code § 30515)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum (Cal. Penal Code § 32310)
• Waiting Period: 10 days (Cal. Penal Code § 26815)
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (Cal. Penal Code § 28050)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Gun Violence Restraining Order (Cal. Penal Code § 18100)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Cal. Penal Code § 198.5)
• Stand Your Ground: Yes — no duty to retreat under case law and jury instructions (no statute) (CALCRIM Nos. 505, 3470)
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in California?

Yes. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision (and SB 2, effective January 2024), California is a shall-issue state — sheriffs must issue a permit to applicants who meet objective criteria (age, background, training), without requiring "good cause" as they once did.

Do I need a permit to buy a handgun in California?

California has no separate purchase permit, but you need a Firearm Safety Certificate (required for all firearm purchases), a background check through your dealer, and — for handguns — a safe-handling demonstration.

What is the magazine capacity limit in California?

California generally limits magazines to 10 rounds. Possession of larger capacity magazines is restricted.

Does California have a waiting period?

Yes. California imposes a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases.

Does California have a red flag law?

Yes. California has a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) law that allows family members and law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Are assault weapons banned in California?

Yes. California bans assault weapons by specific name and by certain features. Some registered pre-ban weapons may be grandfathered.

Can I carry concealed in California with a permit from my home state?

No. California does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by any other state. A non-resident generally cannot legally carry a concealed handgun in California without a California-issued license. Since January 2026 (AB 1078), non-residents may apply for a California license from the sheriff or police chief of the jurisdiction they primarily intend to visit, with training, live-fire, and psychological-assessment requirements.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.