California Non-Resident CCL?

[Kythas]

Does anyone know if California grants a non-resident CCL? I'm getting a job which will require travel all over the US, and will likely be fairly heavy in California. I'd hate to go to Compton or L.A. unarmed.

From what I can tell in California law, concealed carry licenses are issued by local or county law enforcement officials and not the state. Here's what I've found regarding California law:

California is a "may-issue" state, meaning that local law enforcement has discretion when issuing concealed weapons licenses. A license may be issued only after a finding that: 1) the applicant is "of good moral character;" 2) good cause exists for the issuance of a license; 3) the applicant has completed a firearms safety course (see the California Licensing of Gun Purchasers/Owners section); and 4) the applicant is not prohibited from possessing firearms (see the California Background Checks section). Section 12050(a)(1). Unless otherwise restricted, the license is valid throughout the state. Id.

A license to carry a concealed handgun may be granted to residents of a city by the local police department, or to residents of a county, or a city within the county, by the county sheriff. Section 12050(a). Any person who spends “a substantial period of time� in his or her principal place of employment or business in the county also may apply to that county’s sheriff for a concealed weapons license. Section 12050(a)(1)(D)(ii). A city or county may be considered an applicant’s “principal place of employment or business� only if the applicant is physically present in the jurisdiction during a substantial part of his or her working hours for purposes of that employment or business. Section 12050(a)(3).

Additional concealed weapons license application and background check requirements, as well as license suspension or disqualification information, are detailed under sections 12050, 12051, 12052, 12052.5 and 12054.


From what it sounds like to me, the chances of getting a non-resident license are slim to none. Does anyone have any other information regarding this? Does anyone here actually have a non-resident CA CCL?

[foodawg]

2) good cause exists for the issuance of a license;

I lived in California for a couple of years. The "good cause" clause pretty much was interpreded as being a private detective, body gaurd, etc. from what I was told. But that was in Navato.

[WildBill]

There is no such thing as a CA Non-Resident CHL. In fact, there is hardly such a thing as a CA Resident CHL. For self defense, you will have to rely on martial arts and your awareness.

[nitrogen]

or establish residence in a county that is de-facto shall-issue, like Kern county

[Kythas]

Thanks. Gotta love it on the Left Coast.