Is a Kentucky Non-Resident Permit Valid in California?

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter California, these rules replace the ones you know from Kentucky.

• 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 Kentucky non-resident permit valid in California?

A Kentucky non-resident permit isn't something you can hold — the state doesn't issue one (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). The question for California is which resident or non-resident permits from other states it honors.

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 Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). 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.