How to apply for a non resident CCW permit in California

Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide (as of 2025) on how to apply for a non-resident CCW permit in California — with steps, legal requirements, and tips if you’re using Nationwide CCW or evaluating providers.

Background — Why Non-Resident CCW Is Now Possible in California

• As of April 22, 2025, non-California residents are eligible to apply for a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit under a federal court ruling.

  
  

Why the Change Matters — Opportunities & Impact

• Broader Access for Responsible Gun-Owners: Non-residents who frequently travel to or stay in California — for work, recreation, family visits, or other reasons — now have a legal path to carry lawfully in the state.

• Consistency with Constitutional & Legal Precedent: The shift aligns with interpretations that license-eligibility should be based on qualification, not residency alone.

• Expanded Market for Training Providers: Training schools like Nationwide CCW can serve a broader audience, offering compliant classes and live-fire qualification for non-residents.

• Uniform Training Standards: All applicants — resident or non-resident — must meet the same training, safety, and background requirements, which upholds public safety and regulatory integrity.

How to qualify, a non-resident must:

• Be a member of one of the approved gun-owner organizations (see below).

• Not be otherwise prohibited under federal or California law from possessing a firearm.

• Apply through a California county or city (sheriff’s office or police department) where they intend to spend time within the next 12 months.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Non-Resident CCW Permit in CA

Here’s the typical process. Details can vary slightly by county — always check with the issuing agency first.

1. Confirm Eligibility & Membership

• You must be a member of one of the following organizations (active membership required at time of application):

  • California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA)

  • Gun Owners of America (GOA)

  • Gun Owners of California (GOCA)

  • Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)

• Provide proof of membership (membership card, receipt, email confirmation, etc.) when you apply.

2. Pick a California Jurisdiction to Apply Through

• As a non-resident, you can choose any California county or city (sheriff’s office or police department) where you expect to spend time within the next 12 months.

• Some counties are already accepting non-resident applications (e.g. Riverside, Nevada, San Diego, Orange — but always verify the current policy).

3. Complete Application & Background/Fingerprinting

• Fill out the standard CCW application form (usually form BOF-4012) or use the county’s online portal.

• Upload a valid out-of-state driver’s license or state ID, plus any required residency verification (if needed) or proof you intend to visit/ stay in that jurisdiction.

• Submit fingerprints (FBI-approved) — non-residents must provide fingerprint cards or digital fingerprints as required by the county.

• Some jurisdictions may require a background check, investigation, and — in rare cases — a psychological evaluation (which, for non-residents, is often allowed via video/remote if applicant resides out-of-state).

4. Complete Required Training & Live-Fire Qualification

• You must complete a CCW training course that complies with California law (e.g. 16-hour training requirement under Penal Code §26165).

• For each handgun you want listed on your permit, you must complete a live-fire qualification with a certified instructor (NRA, POST, BSIS, or other state-approved certifier).

• Submit the training certificate and instructor’s signed live-fire qualification letter to the licensing authority.

5. Pay Application & Issuance Fees

• Non-resident CCW applications typically have both an application fee and an issuance fee. For example, one county lists a non-resident initial application fee + DOJ processing fee + an issuance fee.

• There may also be fingerprinting costs, firearms registration fees (for each gun you want on your permit), and additional administrative costs depending on the county.

6. Wait for Processing — Interview and Decision

• After submission, your application will be processed: background check, references, verification of training and live-fire qualification, etc. Timeframes vary by county.

• If approved, the county will issue the CCW license — many mail the permit to your out-of-state address.

What You Need to Prepare (Checklist for Non-Residents)

• Active membership in CRPA, GOA, GOCA, or SAF (proof required)

• Valid out-of-state driver’s license or ID

• Proof you intend to spend time in the chosen California jurisdiction within the next 12 months

• Completed application (BOF-4012) or online portal form

• Fingerprint cards / Live Scan submission

• Completion certificate of 16-hour CA-approved CCW training

• Live-fire qualification letter signed by a certified instructor (for each handgun you want on your permit)

• Payment for application, DOJ processing, permit issuance, and any range/firearm fees

Important Legal Notes & Limitations

• Non-resident applicants are not eligible for certain CCW license types that are reserved for local residents — e.g. loaded open-carry under certain county- population thresholds, or reserve/auxiliary peace officer licenses.

• Your CCW permit must list each handgun you wish to carry — you cannot simply “add guns later” without undergoing new qualification for each firearm.

• California does not honor CCW permits issued by other states — having an out-of-state permit does not substitute for a California CCW.