Is a Colorado Non-Resident Permit Valid in California?

Why

• Colorado does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits. armed-forces members stationed in colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in colorado, are deemed legal residents (c.r.s. 18-12-203(1)(a))).

California DOJ: 'CCW licenses/permits issued in other states are not valid in California' (Pen. Code §§ 25400-25700). No out-of-state permit of any kind is honored.

Carry rules in California

California's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• No statewide statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; individual issuing authorities may attach notification conditions to the license.
• California limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• California is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit California recognizes.
• Without a California CCW license, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and in a locked container or the trunk (Pen. Code § 25610); CCW licensees may carry loaded and concealed.

Off-limits places in California

California bans carry in 6 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• K-12 schools, school zones and college/university campuses
• Government buildings, courthouses and jails

See all 6 places you can't carry in California →

Colorado vs California: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Colorado into California changes 3 rules: magazine limit (15 rounds → 10 rounds); out-of-state permits honored (34 states → None); open carry (Yes, no permit → Restricted).

Going the other way, a California non-resident permit in Colorado: not recognized.

Driving on from California

How a Colorado non-resident permit fares in the states bordering California:

• Arizona — No such permit issued
• Nevada — No such permit issued
• Oregon — No such permit issued

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does California honor a Colorado resident permit?

Not recognized. That differs from the non-resident permit on this page, because California treats the two permit types differently.

Can a California non-resident permit holder carry in Colorado?

Not recognized. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on Colorado's law, not California's.

Does Colorado issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Colorado issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits. Armed-forces members stationed in Colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in Colorado, are deemed legal residents (C.R.S. 18-12-203(1)(a))). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.