California § 26150 - When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 26150 — When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26150. When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry
(a) When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county shall issue or renew a license to that California resident upon proof of all of the following: (1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive such a license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202. (2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age, and presents clear evidence of the personâs identity and age, as defined in Section 16400. (3) The applicant is a resident of the county or a city within the county, or the applicantâs principal place of employment or business is in the county or a city within the county and the applicant spends a substantial period of time in that place of employment or business. Prima facie evidence of residency within the county or a city within the county includes, but is not limited to, the address where the applicant is registered to vote, the applicantâs filing of a homeownerâs property tax exemption, and other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the county or a city within the county is more than temporary or transient. The presumption of residency in the county or city within the county may be rebutted by satisfactory evidence that the applicantâs primary residence is in another county or city within the county. (4) The applicant has completed a course of training as described in Section 26165. (5) The applicant is the recorded owner, with the Department of Justice, of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the license will be issued. (b) When a non-California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, the sheriff of a county shall issue or renew a license to that non-California resident, subject to the following conditions: (1) The applicant is not a disqualified person to receive the license, as determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 26202 and all comparable statutes and provisions of law of the nonresident applicantâs state of residence. (2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age and presents clear evidence of the nonresidentâs identity, age, and state of residence. âClear evidence of the nonresidentâs identity, age, and state of residenceâ means either of the following: (A) A valid driverâs license from their state of residence. (B) A valid out-of-state identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (3) The applicant attests, under oath, that the jurisdiction in which they have applied is the primary location in California in which they intend to travel or spend time. (4) The applicant has completed a course of training that meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 26165 and subdivision (d) of Section 26165, as it pertains to the licensing authority to which the application is submitted. If the licensing authority to which the application is submitted has not approved of any online training courses, the applicant may complete an online training course approved by any other licensing authority that issues licenses under this section. (5) The applicant has completed live-fire shooting exercises, as required by paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 26165, for each pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry in California. The applicant shall inform the licensing authority to which they have applied of the live-fire course the applicant intends to complete, and the licensing authority shall either approve the course or suggest an alternative acceptable course within 75 miles of the applicantâs residence. (6) The applicant has identified on the application the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each pistol, revolver, or other firearm for which the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry in California. Identification of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm that cannot lawfully be carried or possessed in California shall be cause for denial of a license as to that pistol, revolver, or other firearm. (c) The sheriff shall issue or renew a license under subdivision (a) in either of the following formats: (1) A license to carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (2) Where the population of the county is less than 200,000 persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, a license to carry loaded and exposed in only that county a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (d) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the sheriff of the county from entering into an agreement with the chief or other head of a municipal police department of a city to process all applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, or amendments to licenses pursuant to this chapter, in lieu of the sheriff. (2) This subdivision shall only apply to applicants who reside within the city in which the chief or other head of the municipal police department has agreed to process applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses, pursuant to this chapter.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 26150
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 26150 cover?
Section 26150 ("When a California resident applies for a new license or license renewal to carry") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 26150?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 26150" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 26150 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.