Is a North Carolina Non-Resident Permit Valid in California?

Why

• North Carolina does not issue carry permits to non-residents (applicant must have been a north carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (g.s. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits).

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

• 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 North Carolina non-resident permit valid in California?

North Carolina doesn't put this permit on the table for non-residents (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits). See our non-resident permit guide for the states that do, and which of their permits California accepts.

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 North Carolina issue non-resident carry permits?

No. North Carolina issues carry permits to residents only (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits). 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.