Los Angeles County, CA Firearms: Concealed Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- LA County Sheriff
- Statute
- Penal Code 25400, 26150
- Training
- Minimum 16 hours required
- Sensitive places
- Penal Code 26230
Summary
California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The LA County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
(a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when the person does any of the following: (1) Carries concealed within any vehicle that is under the person's control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (2) Carries concealed upon the person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (3) Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which the person is an occupant any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (b) A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not concealed within the meaning of this section. (c) Carrying a concealed firearm in violation of this section is punishable as follows: (1) If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, as a felony. (2) If the firearm is stolen and the person knew or had reasonable cause to believe that it was stolen, as a felony. (3) If the person is an active participant in a criminal street gang, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 186.22, under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 186.20) of Title 7 of Part 1), as a felony.
Full Breakdown
Carrying a concealed handgun anywhere in LA County requires a California CCW under Penal Code section 26150. The LA County Sheriff is the issuing authority for residents of unincorporated areas and most contract cities, while Long Beach, Pasadena, and a few others run their own permit programs. After the 2022 Bruen decision and California SB-2 (2024), permits issue on a shall-issue basis to applicants who pass background checks, complete 16+ hours of training, and meet character review. Penal Code section 26230 bars carry in schools, hospitals, parks, government buildings, public transit, and stadiums, even with a permit.
Violations & Fines
Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 25400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines, charged as a felony when loaded or with prior convictions on record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues my CCW if I live in unincorporated Altadena?
Is California shall-issue for CCW now?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California firearms overview
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