California CCW Now Available to Non-Residents

559CCW LLC is pleased to inform out-of-state firearm owners of a major policy change in California. Beginning April 22, 2025, non-California residents will be allowed to apply for a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. This announcement provides an overview of the new policy, clarifies the live-fire qualification requirements, and explains how 559CCW’s DOJ-compliant 16-hour online CCW training course can help non-resident applicants meet California’s standards.

Our course is already accepted by the Fresno, Tulare, Modoc, Alpine, Madera, Merced, Tuolumne, and Kings County Sheriff’s Departments. Additional approvals are in progress. If the county you are applying through does not currently offer an online course option, we encourage you to share this program with them for review.

This fully online training allows individuals across the U.S. to complete California’s required CCW education at their own pace, from the comfort of their home. The course features interactive modules covering firearm safety, legal responsibilities, shooting fundamentals, conflict avoidance, and real-world self-defense strategies. It includes a built-in timer to meet DOJ tracking requirements and a final exam to confirm understanding.

We’re working diligently to provide an affordable, accessible training solution to anyone looking to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly and legally in California.

New California CCW Policy for Non-Residents – Effective April 22, 2025

Legal Eligibility Date: Starting April 22, 2025, residents of other states can legally apply for a California CCW permit. This change stems from a recent court order which mandates that California allow non-residents to undergo the CCW application process (although California still does not honor other states’ CCW permits as reciprocity).
Organizational Membership Required: Applicants must be a member of one of the organizations involved in the legal action that prompted this change (such as the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, or Gun Owners of California). Ensure you obtain membership before applying, as this is a current requirement under the negotiated process.
Choose a California Jurisdiction: Non-resident applicants may apply through the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department in any California county or city where they have a good-faith intention of spending time in the next 12 months. When choosing a jurisdiction, research local policies: processing times, fees, and extra requirements can vary widely. (For example, a few counties require a psychological exam or have specific local forms—these can add time and cost to your application.)
Application Process: Most California jurisdictions use an online CCW application portal. Use the standard application for a CCW license – if a field asks for a California driver’s license, you can provide your out-of-state driver’s license or state ID number instead. Be prepared to supply all other required information (proof of residency, background information, etc.) as instructed by that agency. Note: The California Department of Justice (DOJ) may introduce a separate form for non-residents, but if it’s not available by April 22, 2025, the existing process and forms will be used.

Mandatory 16-Hour CCW Training Requirement

California law requires all CCW applicants (residents and non-residents alike) to complete a 16-hour firearms training course covering specific topics (firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, storage laws, conflict de-escalation, and California firearm laws). Key points about this training requirement include:

State-Approved Curriculum: The 16-hour course content must meet standards set by California law (including new requirements under SB2) and local issuing authorities. Traditionally, local sheriffs or police chiefs maintain a list of approved instructors or courses for their jurisdiction.
Online Training Permitted: Recognizing that traveling to California for 16 hours of instruction may be impractical for non-residents, the court order explicitly allows online training courses to satisfy this requirement. If the agency you apply through has not yet approved any online courses, you are allowed to complete an online CCW training course that has been approved by any other California issuing agency. This flexibility ensures you can fulfill the training from your home state.
Proof of Completion: Upon finishing the course, you must obtain a certificate of completion as documentation. This certificate will be submitted with your CCW application to verify you have met the 16-hour training mandate. (If you use an online course from another jurisdiction’s approved list, be prepared to provide information on which agency has approved that course, if requested.)

Live-Fire Qualification – Updated Requirements

Live-fire shooting qualification is a critical component of California’s CCW training process, and recent guidelines clarify how non-residents can fulfill this in their home state. California requires applicants to qualify with each handgun they intend to carry, and issuing agencies must accommodate non-residents for this requirement. Below are the updated live-fire requirements:

Qualify with Each Firearm: Unlike many states, California CCW permits are weapon-specific. You must demonstrate proficiency (live-fire qualification) with each handgun you plan to list on your permit. Each approved firearm, along with its serial number, will be listed on your CCW permit. (Most issuing agencies limit the number of handguns per permit to 6, and typically allow changes or additions before or when you renew the permit every two years. Plan accordingly when selecting which firearms you want to carry in California.)
Local Live-Fire Training: As a non-resident applicant, you can complete the required live-fire training near your place of residence. You’ll need to find a certified firearms instructor or range in your area that offers a CCW live-fire qualification course. This usually involves demonstrating safe handling and accuracy with each handgun under the supervision of an instructor, following the standards that California law enforcement agencies expect.
Instructor Approval or Alternatives (75-Mile Rule): You must inform your chosen California issuing agency of the instructor/course you intend to use for the live-fire portion. The agency will need to approve your local instructor or course. If the department does not accept your choice, they are required to suggest an alternative instructor or course within 75 miles of your residence. This means the burden is on the issuing agency to help find a nearby solution if your first choice isn’t acceptable. In practice, many agencies will work with you to approve a reputable local trainer in your state, so you can complete the shooting test without undue travel.
Documentation of Qualification: After you successfully qualify with each firearm, ensure you receive documentation or a qualification certificate from the instructor. This proof should list the handguns (by make, model, serial number) that you qualified with. You will submit copies of this documentation to the California issuing agency as part of your final licensing process. The listed firearms will then appear on your CCW permit once issued.

559CCW’s DOJ-Compliant 16-Hour Online CCW Course for Non-Residents

To help non-resident applicants meet the 16-hour training requirement conveniently and confidently, 559CCW offers an online CCW training course that is fully compliant with California Department of Justice guidelines and Senate Bill 2 (SB2) regulations. Our course is designed to satisfy California’s rigorous standards while providing flexibility for those outside the state. Key features of 559CCW’s Online Course:

100% Online & Self-Paced: Complete all 16 hours of required instruction from anywhere in the U.S., on your schedule. The course is accessible on desktop or mobile, allowing you to train at your own pace and convenience without traveling to California.
Comprehensive, DOJ-Approved Curriculum: The content covers all topics mandated by California law – including firearm safety rules, storage and child access prevention, California-specific carry laws, use-of-force and self-defense law, avoidance of conflict, and more – to ensure you meet the state’s educational requirements. The curriculum strictly follows California’s standards (SB2-compliant) to be accepted by issuing agencies statewide.
Interactive & Engaging Lessons: Through a mix of readings, quizzes and a multiple choice final exam, the course provides a thorough understanding of responsible concealed carry. Whether you’re new to California’s laws or an experienced permit holder elsewhere, our training will prepare you for the California CCW norms and legal responsibilities. You’ll also learn best practices for carrying in unfamiliar jurisdictions and how to safely handle firearms in public.
Certificate of Completion: Upon finishing the online course, you will immediately receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion to prove you have fulfilled the 16-hour training requirement. This certificate can be submitted with your CCW application. (Remember to print or save a digital copy of this certificate; you may also present it to your live-fire instructor as proof that you’ve completed the classroom portion.)
Trusted and Experienced Provider: 559CCW has years of experience training California CCW applicants. As a California DOJ-compliant instructor, our online program is already approved in multiple California jurisdictions. Non-resident students can be confident that our training meets the high standards expected by California sheriffs and police chiefs. We stay up-to-date with any changes in state law, so you’re always getting current information.

Next Steps for Non-Resident Applicants

If you are a non-California resident ready to take advantage of this new opportunity, here are your next steps and important reminders to ensure a smooth process:

Enroll in the 559CCW Online Course: Begin your journey by signing up for our 16-hour online CCW permit course. Completing this course is your first step in meeting California’s requirements. (If you prefer a different training option, make sure it meets California’s standards. Online courses from other providers should be approved by a California agency to count.)
Contact Your Chosen Issuing Agency: Before and after training, reach out to the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department in California where you intend to apply:
- Confirm their Process: Verify the application steps, required documents, fees, and any scheduling (some require an in-person interview or have appointment backlogs). Ask if they have any local CCW policies you should know about.
- Verify Training Acceptance: Confirm that the agency will accept the 559CCW online course certificate (or any course you plan to use) as fulfillment of the 16-hour training requirement. Most agencies will, especially if the course is DOJ-compliant and/or approved elsewhere in California, but it’s wise to get confirmation for peace of mind.
- Discuss Live-Fire Arrangements: Inform them you will do the live-fire qualification in your home state. Provide the name of the instructor or range you plan to use for your shooting qualification. Ensure the agency is willing to accept that instructor or see if they have recommendations. Remember, if they have concerns, they are obligated to help find an alternative within 75 miles of you. Open communication will streamline your qualification process.
Complete the Live-Fire Training: After finishing the 16-hour coursework, schedule your live-fire qualification with the approved local instructor or range. Practice with each firearm beforehand so you can confidently meet the proficiency standards. During the qualification session, you’ll typically need to safely draw, fire, and hit targets under timed conditions. Once completed, obtain your qualification documentation listing the firearms you passed with.
Submit Your CCW Application: With your training certificate and live-fire documentation in hand, submit your application (or update your pending application) to the California agency. This will likely include:
- The completed application forms (often done online).
- Electronic copies of your 559CCW training certificate.
- Proof of live-fire qualification for each handgun (signed by your instructor).
- Any other required documents (proof of membership in CRPA/SAF/GOA/GOC, a copy of your driver’s license, character references if required, etc.).
- Payment of applicable fees.
- Scheduling of fingerprinting (California requires Live Scan fingerprint submission for background check).
Follow Through and Await Approval: Monitor any communications from the issuing agency. You may be notified of additional steps or an interview. Processing times can vary – be patient but feel free to politely check in if you experience long delays. Once approved, your California Non-Resident CCW permit will be mailed to you at the address you provided (ensure your mailing address is accurate and remains valid for the expected timeline).

Important Reminders

Stay Legal During Visits: A California non-resident CCW permit will allow you to carry concealed in California, but you must still follow all California laws. This includes not carrying in prohibited locations (“sensitive places” like schools, government buildings, certain public gatherings, etc., as defined by law) and adhering to magazine capacity limits and firearm feature restrictions (no threaded barrels, etc.). Always review the latest California laws before traveling with firearms.
Maintain Membership: Remember that as of now, maintaining membership in the required organization (CRPA, SAF, GOA, or GOC) is part of the deal. If the legal situation changes regarding this requirement, we will update our guidance. For now, ensure your membership is active through the application process.
Two-Year Renewal Cycle: California CCW permits (including for non-residents) are typically valid for two years. Renewal will require refresher training (often 4 hours) and possibly re-qualification with your listed firearms. Mark your calendar to renew on time if you intend to keep the permit active.
559CCW Support: We at 559CCW are here to support you throughout this new non-resident application process. Our mission is to make the training portion straightforward and accessible. Should you have questions about our course or need guidance on the steps, please contact us at paco@559ccw.com or 559-790-3071. We’re proud to assist responsible gun owners nationwide in meeting California’s requirements.

In summary, California’s opening of CCW permits to non-residents is a landmark change, and 559CCW is proud to help applicants seize this opportunity. By completing our online 16-hour CCW course and coordinating with your chosen California agency for live-fire qualification, you can fulfill all the state requirements without traveling to California for training. Just remember to communicate with the issuing agency to ensure you follow their local process and that your training and instructor are accepted. We encourage interested non-residents to get started on the training, prepare the necessary documentation, and apply after April 22, 2025. With proper preparation and our support, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your California CCW permit legally and efficiently.

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