Skiprr wrote:Yep, Rayden; Jim is correct. California honors no other state's concealed carry permit, and you must be a resident of the State of California to apply for a California CCW license (http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/pubfaqs.htm).seamusTX wrote:As far as I know, California does not have non-resident permits or reciprocity with any other state.
It is a "may issue" state, unlike Texas, Florida, Utah, and others that have "shall issue" policies. In California, you contact your county Sheriff's office or metro Police department to get the CCW ball rolling. There is a statewide, standardized application, but the final approval authority lies with the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction you live. They may issue or refuse to issue at their discretion; anecdotal evidence indicates it is far easier to get a permit in some counties and jusrisdictions than others.
California is one of those states that has firearm laws that me leave me scratchin' my head. You gotta do some hoop-jumping just to buy a handgun, including having to go to a Department of Justice certified instructor to take and pass a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) course, basically "register" your new handgun via a state Dealer Record of Sale process, pay a separate Firearms Safety Testing fee (you have to demonstrate to the dealer your ability to safely operate the firearm even though you have to bring in your valid HSC with you), and pay a separate Safety and Enforcement fee. Whew. Oh, and individuals can't sell a gun in a private transaction: you gotta go through a licensed firearm dealer and all requirements and fees apply, just as if you were buying a new gun.
And if you move to California and intend to bring handguns you currently own with you? Well, then you are considered by the State of California to be to be a personal handgun importer. You may bring your otherwise California-legal guns with you (remember, 10-round maximum magazine capacity), and you have to report all handguns to the Department of Justice within two months. I don't know what the recent micro-stamping law is going to mean to this in the future.
We may be dealing with some permit issuance delays out of Austin, but still I say: God Bless Texas!
Thanks for the detail reply. Looks like I'll be looking at Florida then. I just hope that won't take too long.