Generally, all firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a California licensed dealer under the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) process. California law imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a purchaser or transferee.
The Sheriff may issue a concealed weapons license to law-abiding residents of the County of Santa Clara who are not prohibited from possessing, owning, or purchasing a firearm capable of being concealed upon his or her person, and comply with the provision of Penal Code Sections 26150–26225.
The California background check is a minimum of 10 days, but can be delayed to 30 days. Some remain undetermined at the 30 day mark, and it is up to the FFL to determine if they release or not.
As of January 1, 2001, no handgun may be manufactured within California, imported into California for sale, lent, given, kept for sale, or offered/exposed for sale unless that handgun model has passed firing, safety, and drop tests and is certified for sale in California by the Department of Justice.
Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). The minimum age is 18 years old, although a licensing authority has the discretion to require applicants to be older than 18 years of age.
Current Processing Times for Employee Applications License TypeApplication TypeTarget Timeframe Firearms Permit (FQ) Initial 75 days Renewal 60 days Baton Permit (BAT) Initial 75 days Renewal 60 days33 more rows
There are currently 1,725 applications in progress, with 1,126 interviews completed — and 690 permits approved — since 2022. Residents have to be 21 years or older to carry a permit.
California does not honor any non-resident concealed firearm permits. Starting April 22, 2025, non-residents can apply for a non-resident CA license-to-carry (LTC). Open and concealed carry is exempted in your home or your business, including camp sites or hotel room (temporary residence).
Be prepared to scan copies of two (2) current and consecutive utility bills/statements that are in your name and reflect your current address in Santa Clara County. If you do not have utility bills in your name, residency documentation provided must be a monthly recurring bill.