How to Get a California Concealed Carry Permit as a Non-Resident (2025 Full Guide)

California now issues Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits to non-residents — effective April 22, 2025. This breakthrough allows responsible gun owners from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and all other states to obtain a California Non-Resident CCW Permit and legally carry while visiting California.

NY Safe Inc. has partnered with 559CCW, a Fresno-based state-authorized training provider, to make the entire California CCW process smooth, efficient, and 100% compliant with current California law.

This guide covers every requirement, including the 16-hour California CCW online training course, the 36-shot CA CCW shooting qualification, membership requirements, approved counties, costs, and the exact steps to apply for your non-resident California concealed carry permit in 2025.

👉 START THE OFFICIAL 16-HOUR CALIFORNIA CCW ONLINE COURSE

California CCW for Non-Residents: What You Need to Know (2025 Update)

California’s new non-resident CCW process requires all applicants—resident or not—to complete:

16-hour California CCW training course (timed online)
Online written test
Live-fire qualification with each firearm you want on your permit (up to 6)
Membership in a verified Second Amendment organization
Application submission to a sheriff’s office that accepts non-resident applicants

The training certificate provided by 559CCW is currently accepted by at least 10 California sheriff’s offices, with more being added regularly.

After completing the online training, NY Safe provides the required 1:1 California CCW shooting qualification at our Long Island facilities.

Step 1: Complete the California 16-Hour CCW Online Course

This online class—hosted by 559CCW—is fully recognized under California Penal Code and is one of the only approved non-resident training options in the state. It is a timed, 16-hour course, meaning it tracks and verifies that you complete the full required duration.

📚 What the California CCW Online Class Covers

California firearms laws and use-of-force principles
Sensitive places, restricted areas, and carry limitations
Firearm safety, storage, and transport laws
Legal responsibilities of carrying in California
Situational awareness and threat avoidance
Interaction with law enforcement
De-escalation and conflict avoidance
Legal aftermath following a defensive shooting
California-specific CCW rules and verification standards

Payment Note: You pay 559CCW directly for the online course.
NY Safe charges only for the in-person shooting qualification.

ENROLL IN THE 16-HOUR CALIFORNIA CCW CLASS NOW

Step 2: Pass the California CCW Written Exam

Once you complete the online instruction, you will take a written test. The test ensures you understand:

Firearm safety
California carry and transport laws
Use-of-force policies
Legal responsibilities of CCW holders
Situational awareness concepts

After passing, 559CCW immediately issues your California CCW training certificate, which is required before your shooting qualification.

Step 3: Complete the California CCW Shooting Qualification

California requires an in-person shooting qualification for each firearm you plan to list on your CCW permit — up to 6 firearms.

🔫 California CCW Qualification Requirements

36 total rounds per firearm
12 rounds at 3 yards
12 rounds at 5 yards
12 rounds at 7 yards
Minimum passing score: 75%

NY Safe provides 1:1 California CCW qualifications once you complete the 559CCW online course. You must bring each firearm that you want listed on your permit.

Pricing:

Pay 559CCW for the online course
Pay NY Safe for the in-person qualification (first firearm + a fee for each additional)

After completing the online class, contact NY Safe to book your qualification:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: (631) 706-8700

SCHEDULE YOUR LIVE-FIRE QUALIFICATION WITH NY SAFE

Step 4: Join a Required 2A Organization

California requires membership in an approved Second Amendment rights organization. Accepted groups include:

Gun Owners of America (GOA)
Second Amendment Foundation (2AF)
Other qualified 2A organizations

You must upload proof of membership during your application process.

Step 5: Apply Through a California Sheriff’s Office That Accepts Non-Resident Permits

The 559CCW California CCW training certificate is currently accepted by the following counties:

559CCW is adding new counties regularly as California finalizes the framework for non-resident applicants.

Already Traveling With Firearms in New York? You Need a NY Permit First.

Important: A California CCW does not authorize carrying or even possessing a handgun in New York.

New York does not honor any out-of-state permits, including California. You must hold a New York pistol permit to lawfully purchase, possess, or carry a handgun in NY.

If you live in New York or spend significant time here, your first step is completing our required New York 18-Hour Concealed Carry Class, which also applies toward several other states.

Other Multi-State Licensing Options

NY Safe offers many additional CCW licensing programs that complement your California non-resident permit:

We help students build a complete multi-state protection portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to be a California resident to get a CA CCW permit?

No. As of April 22, 2025, California allows non-residents to apply through participating county sheriffs.

Does a California CCW permit allow me to carry in New York?

No. New York recognizes no other state’s permits. You must have a valid NY pistol permit to own, possess, or carry a handgun in NY. If you are not yet licensed, your first step is our New York 18-Hour CCW Class.

How long is the California CCW course?

The California CCW non-resident course is a timed, state-required 16-hour online class.

What is the California CCW shooting qualification?

36 rounds per firearm: 12 at 3 yards, 12 at 5 yards, and 12 at 7 yards. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass.

How many firearms can be listed on a California CCW?

California allows up to six firearms on your CCW permit. Each must be qualified individually.

Who provides the official California CCW training?

559CCW provides the state-approved online training. NY Safe provides the in-person shooting qualification after the course is completed.

Which California counties accept the 559CCW training certificate?

Currently Alpine, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties—with more being added regularly.

Start Your California CCW Permit Today

The fastest way to begin is by enrolling in the official 16-hour online California CCW course:

👉 BEGIN THE CALIFORNIA CCW ONLINE COURSE NOW

After completing the course, contact NY Safe to schedule your firearm qualification:

📞 Call/Text: (631) 706-8700
📧 Email: [email protected]

NY Safe Inc. — Your trusted partner for multi-state concealed carry training including CA, NY, NJ, CT, RI, MD, DC, UT, and more.

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California CCW for Non-Residents (2025 Guide): Online Training, Qualification & How to Apply