For the first time in nearly six decades, non-residents will soon be able to legally carry concealed firearms in the state of California on April 22. This change didn’t come from lawmakers or a sudden shift in political culture – it came from a courtroom.
Thanks to a federal court ruling stemming from a lawsuit backed by Gun Owners of California (GOC), Gun Owners of America (GOA), the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), California is now required to accept applications for concealed carry permits from people who live outside the state.
As gun rights activist Colion Noir put it in his video announcement, “Welcome to the Constitution, California.”
The Court Ruling That Changed Everything
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Garnett issued the pivotal order that opened this path. According to Colion Noir, the ruling specifically allows non-residents who are members of one of the plaintiff organizations to apply for a concealed carry weapons (CCW) license. This isn’t a free-for-all – membership is required, and the state still enforces strict firearm laws. But the fact that out-of-staters now have any pathway at all to carry legally in California is unprecedented.
Membership Is the Golden Ticket
As explained by L.A. Paredes in a detailed article for Gun Owners of California, this opportunity is currently limited. Only individuals who are members of the organizations involved in the lawsuit – GOC, CRPA, GOA, or SAF – can take advantage of the court’s ruling. This limitation reflects the judge’s intent to offer relief only to the plaintiffs involved in the litigation, not the general public, at least not yet.
Application Process Starts April 22, 2025
Copper Jacket TV host William shared that the application process for non-residents officially opens on April 22, 2025, marking the end of a 90-day preparation window granted by the court. He emphasized the significance of this change, noting that for nearly 60 years, since Ronald Reagan signed the Mulford Act in 1967, California has prohibited public carry without a permit. This ruling is the first time since then that non-residents will be allowed to apply for CCWs.
How the Process Works for Out-of-State Applicants
There are several important steps to follow. First, the applicant must be a member of one of the authorized organizations. Then, they must select a California county where they have a good-faith intention to visit – like Orange County for Disneyland visitors or Ventura County for beachgoers. As William explained, the applicant will then apply through that specific jurisdiction’s online system. Much of the process – including the interview and training – can be done remotely. This alone is a big win, considering how burdensome California’s procedures usually are.
Training, Live-Fire, and the Sheriff’s Role
Applicants must complete a training course approved by the sheriff of the selected county. If the sheriff doesn’t offer a course, the applicant can use one endorsed by another sheriff elsewhere in the state. According to L.A. Paredes, live-fire qualification must happen near the applicant’s residence, and if the sheriff rejects the trainer, they’re obligated to provide another option within 75 miles. The same goes for psychological evaluations, which some counties require – though this part is best avoided, as it isn’t mandated statewide.
Fingerprinting from Afar
One complication non-residents face is California’s Live Scan fingerprint system, which doesn’t work across state lines. However, the lawsuit addressed this issue too. Applicants can submit traditional fingerprint cards via mail through the FBI, as explained in both Paredes’ article and Copper Jacket TV’s breakdown. This is a creative workaround for what could have been a deal-breaking logistical issue.
California’s Red Tape Isn’t Going Anywhere
Despite the court ruling, this is still California. As Colion Noir emphasized, the state didn’t wake up one day and become pro-Second Amendment. He cautioned viewers that the application process will likely be slow and frustrating. “They’re going to try to slow-walk applications, add more loopholes, and push back in every way they can,” Noir warned. But he also called the ruling a “huge victory” and proof that legal fights are worth the effort.
Restrictions Still Apply – This Isn’t Constitutional Carry
It’s important to remember that this isn’t a full victory yet. California still enforces strict restrictions on the types of firearms that can be carried. Applicants must list each firearm by make, model, and serial number, and these weapons must comply with California law – no threaded barrels, no magazines over ten rounds, and certainly no “off-roster” features. As Noir put it, “You can’t sneak in an illegal setup. This is still California we’re talking about.”
Sensitive Areas and Legal Gray Zones
Another complication is California’s patchwork of sensitive areas where even CCW holders can’t carry. As William noted in his Copper Jacket TV video, SB2 tried to make nearly everywhere off-limits to CCW holders. Thankfully, a separate lawsuit resulted in a preliminary injunction against some of these restrictions, meaning that places like businesses and public parks may still be open for carry. Still, applicants must tread carefully – one mistake could turn into a felony fast.
Could National Reciprocity Make This Irrelevant?
In the long term, both L.A. Paredes and Colion Noir point to national reciprocity as the ideal solution. Two bills are currently in Congress that would establish nationwide concealed carry recognition. If either one passes, the current California application process might become obsolete for out-of-state visitors. President Trump has stated he would sign such legislation if it lands on his desk.
Why This Matters So Much
Here’s where things get personal – this ruling is more than just a legal victory. It’s a turning point in how state borders affect your rights. Until now, Californians and visitors alike were boxed in by rigid rules that essentially erased the Second Amendment at the state line. Millions visit California every year – to see family, go to school, hike the redwoods, or enjoy the coast. But until now, every visitor had to disarm just to cross the border. That wasn’t just unfair. It was unconstitutional. Now, there’s finally a way to travel without surrendering your rights.
A Small Step With Big Potential
This isn’t the finish line – it’s the first real mile marker. While California’s process is still filled with red tape, interviews, and arbitrary rules, it’s no longer completely closed to non-residents. The efforts of organizations like CRPA, GOC, GOA, and SAF have forced the state to acknowledge the rights of people it once ignored. As Colion Noir said, “Better late than never.” The door is open – just a crack – for now. And it’s up to all of us to make sure it doesn’t slam shut again.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.