CCW licensing for Service members

[Jaywalker]

I am grateful to have found this informative site, as I was in a daze with my PCS orders from TX to CA this summer, since I've heard of all the restrictions and regulations I have to comply by as a civil gun owner...

So, my question is that of obtaining CCW permit while stationed in CA. I've seen maps of counties indicating CCW permit difficulty level etc., and wanted to find out from all of you out there who may have obtained or was denied of, or any other information regarding it.

We're forecasting Orange County residency for now, as San Diego county and Orange have the same level of Moderate Difficulty level in the CCW map. Thanks in advance for your input!

[9Cal_OC]

OC would be easier to obtain.

First, you need to establish a domicile in OC (need two docs for proof).
Here’s the page for OC subforum:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=352774&page=108

[norcalAF]

Also, obtain any handguns you desire prior to pcsing to CA. The roster makes its expensive and tedious to obtain anything recently released.

[Jaywalker]

Thanks norcalAF, I plan on doing just that as I've seen premium++ pricing on off roster guns.

[SkyHawk]

But also know that it could take a long time for any guns you bring and register to show up in AFS. Which typically means you cannot add them to your CCW right away. You may need to plan on buying a temp gun in CA to carry while you wait (up to 2 years) for your new resident import form to process.

You could try a pawn/redeem to get one of your's into AFS faster.

[Jaywalker]

But also know that it could take a long time for any guns you bring and register to show up in AFS. Which typically means you cannot add them to your CCW right away. You may need to plan on buying a temp gun in CA to carry while you wait (up to 2 years) for your new resident import form to process.

You could try a pawn/redeem to get one of your's into AFS faster.

I've read numerous posts stating that the Military are exempt from Registering guns in CA and can even sell their off roster handguns without going through the registration process as well? Which I took it as that once we are able to obtain CCW license as a non resident Military, the guns we've "imported" should be allowed on the CCW carry list? This is just so confusing... if you could please kindly explain...

[Librarian]

I've read numerous posts stating that the Military are exempt from Registering guns in CA and can even sell their off roster handguns without going through the registration process as well? Which I took it as that once we are able to obtain CCW license as a non resident Military, the guns we've "imported" should be allowed on the CCW carry list? This is just so confusing... if you could please kindly explain...

Some issuing agencies will allow only guns listed in the Automated Firearms System (registered, as far as CA now takes it) to be added to a CCW.

You cannot talk them out of it; it's within their power to impose that on applicants, though state law does not require it.

Best solution I've heard: buy another gun!

[SkyHawk]

I wonder if any IA even issues to military members here on orders? If they are not 'residents' then can an IA issue CCW?

But for those that do issue to military non-residents, perhaps they make exceptions for the AFS listing. Who knows the answers to these questions - certainly not me.

Rules and policies for CCW in CA vary by issuing agency. Add non-resident military to the mix and anything could happen. Please let us know what happens OP if you do go through the process of applying for CCW and which county you go through. Thanks!

[RickD427]

I wonder if any IA even issues to military members here on orders? If they are not 'residents' then can an IA issue CCW?

But for those that do issue to military non-residents, perhaps they make exceptions for the AFS listing. Who knows the answers to these questions - certainly not me.

Rules and policies for CCW in CA vary by issuing agency. Add non-resident military to the mix and anything could happen. Please let us know what happens OP if you do go through the process of applying for CCW and which county you go through. Thanks!

Please keep in mind that residency is defined quite differently for the application of federal law, and for state law regarding firearms.

Under federal law, a military member station in California under PCS orders is a California resident. Nothing else must be shown. Please refer to 18USC921(b).

For the purposes of California law, a military member may, or may not, be a California resident. Please refer to the criteria contained in Penal Code section 17000(b). California law is not a clear-cut as the is the federal law.

It is not necessary to be a resident in order to receive a CCW permit. The permit can be issued to non-residents who have their principal place of employment within the IA's jurisdiction. The problem is that such non-resident permits are only good for 90 days. Please refer to Penal Code section 26220(b).

As a military member on active duty, you are not required to register your firearms with the state. There is no statutory requirement that a weapon listed on your CCW permit be registered. Some IA's do impose that as a condition of issue.

[SkyHawk]

I was thinking of those 90 day permits but wasn't sure if they would or could be issued to out of state residents. Because any renewal or extension of the 90 day permit requires concurrence of the IA where the permitee "resides". So if the service member "resides" out of state per CA's definition of residency, then like I said - it gets weird.

Also IIRC they are only good within the county they are issued. And usually only issued for employment related matters, and I thought the military frowned on anyone but MPs being armed on base.