California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The Santa Clara County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
Carrying a concealed handgun anywhere in Santa Clara County requires a California CCW under Penal Code section 26150. The Santa Clara County Sheriff is the issuing authority for residents of unincorporated areas and most cities, while San Jose and a few other municipal departments process city-resident applicants. After the 2022 Bruen decision and California SB-2 (2024), permits issue on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants who pass background checks, complete sixteen hours of training, and meet character review. Penal Code section 26230 bars carry in schools, hospitals, parks, courthouses, government buildings, public transit, and stadiums, even with a permit.
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.
See how Palo Alto's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
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