Is a Georgia Non-Resident Permit Valid in California?

Why

• Georgia does not issue carry permits to non-residents (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. out-of-state residents cannot get a wcl, but under sb 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify).

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

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside California, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• 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

• K-12 schools, school zones and college/university campuses
• Government buildings, courthouses and jails
• Hospitals and other medical facilities
• Bars and establishments serving alcohol for on-site consumption
• Parks, playgrounds, stadiums, casinos and public transit
• Airports and passenger terminals

Frequently asked questions

Is a Georgia non-resident permit valid in California?

None issued, so none recognized. Georgia keeps its permits resident-only (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a Georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. Out-of-state residents cannot get a WCL, but under SB 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify). Your route to carrying in California runs through a permit you are eligible to obtain elsewhere.

Do I have to tell police in California that I am carrying?

No statewide statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; individual issuing authorities may attach notification conditions to the license.

Does California limit magazine capacity?

California limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

Does Georgia issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Georgia issues carry permits to residents only (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a Georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. Out-of-state residents cannot get a WCL, but under SB 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify). 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.