Santa Clara County, CA Firearms: Concealed Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- SCC Sheriff CCW Unit
- 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 Santa Clara 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.
Full Breakdown
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.
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 Santa Clara County?
Is California shall-issue for CCW now?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California firearms overview
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