California's New Legal Landscape: Non-Residents Now Eligible for Concealed Carry Permits

A significant legal development has emerged from a recent court ruling that changes how non-California residents can apply for concealed carry permits within the state. Following a preliminary injunction in a Second Amendment case, the door has been opened for qualified individuals residing outside California to submit applications for concealed carry permits.

The ruling came in January when U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett issued an injunction in the case "CRPA v. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department," requiring California authorities to accept permit applications from non-residents who meet specific criteria. The case was brought by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) alongside several partner organizations, including the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Gun Owners of California, and individual plaintiffs.

During legal proceedings, a concerning admission surfaced from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which acknowledged that processing a concealed carry weapon (CCW) application sometimes takes between 12 to 18 months—a timeframe Judge Garnett found problematic.

According to SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut, while this new opportunity exists, the application process may present challenges.

"The state of California isn't making this process particularly streamlined for non-residents," Kraut noted in a statement. "However, as an SAF member who lives outside California, you now have the legal right to apply. The most important consideration is that applications must be submitted through the sheriff or police department for the specific county you intend to visit. The court order provides detailed application instructions, making it the definitive resource for applicants."

The injunction, which became effective on April 22, established several key requirements for non-resident applicants:

1. Membership in SAF or another organization that participated in the lawsuit
2. Submission of application to the sheriff or police chief in a county the applicant plans to visit within the next year
3. Status as a U.S. citizen or legal resident without firearm possession prohibitions
4. Understanding that permit holders may only carry handguns and magazines legally permissible under California law

SAF Founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb expressed satisfaction with the court's decision.

"This ruling represents appropriate legal recognition that Second Amendment rights shouldn't disappear when individuals cross state lines," Gottlieb said. "Thanks to the efforts of SAF and our partners, membership in our organization now provides eligibility to apply for a permit regardless of your state of residence. Importantly, you don't need to have been a member when the ruling was issued—you can join today and still apply for a non-resident carry permit."