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Los Angeles, CA Firearms: Concealed Carry (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Permit issuer
LA County Sheriff or LAPD
Statute
Penal Code 25400, 26150
Training
Minimum 16 hours required
Sensitive places
Per Penal Code 26230

Summary

Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. Los Angeles residents apply through the LA County Sheriff under shall-issue rules following Bruen, but SB-2 sensitive-place limits apply citywide.

(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.

(4) If the person is not in lawful possession of the firearm or the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as a felony.

(5) If the person has been convicted of a crime against a person or property, or of a narcotics or dangerous drug violation, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

Source: California Penal Code section 25400View official code

Full Breakdown

Carrying a concealed handgun in Los Angeles requires a California CCW issued under Penal Code section 26150. After the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision and California SB-2 (2024), the LA County Sheriff and LAPD issue permits on a shall-issue basis to applicants who pass background checks, training, and good-moral-character review. Even with a permit, holders cannot carry in schools, government buildings, parks, hospitals, public transit, bars, or stadiums under Penal Code section 26230. Violations are misdemeanors, charged as felonies if loaded or with prior convictions. LAMC adds no separate concealed-carry rule.

Violations & Fines

Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 25400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines, and a felony with aggravating factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California a shall-issue state for CCW?
Yes since 2024. SB-2 reformed Penal Code section 26150 to require issuance to qualified applicants after Bruen, replacing the old good-cause discretionary standard.
Can I carry concealed in an LA park with my CCW?
No. Penal Code section 26230 lists parks among sensitive places where even permit holders cannot carry, with limited exceptions.

Sources & Official References

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