California CCW permits must currently be renewed every two years. Under AB 1948 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2026), the maximum license term rises to three years for licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027. Renewal requires a refresher training course, updated Live Scan, and that the applicant not be a disqualified person under Section 26202. Permit holders have ongoing obligations including change-of-address notification and compliance with firearm listing requirements.
California CCW permits have a limited validity period and must be actively renewed to remain in effect. Penal Code Sections 26200 and 26220[1] govern the renewal process and ongoing obligations of permit holders.
Renewal Timeline
CCW permits in California are currently valid for up to two years from the date of issuance, a term capped by Penal Code Section 26220.[1] AB 1948 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2026) amends PC 26220 to raise that cap to three years. The act has no urgency clause and takes effect January 1, 2027, so the longer term applies to licenses issued on or after that date. A standard permit issued in 2026 remains subject to its stated expiration date and the two-year maximum. You should begin the renewal process at least 90 days before your permit expires to ensure continuous coverage. If your permit lapses, you must reapply as a new applicant.
Renewal Training Requirements
Renewal applicants must complete a minimum of 8 hours of refresher training, which must include a live-fire proficiency qualification. Under SB 2[2], renewal training must cover updated legal standards, including the current sensitive-place restrictions and use-of-force law. The Ninth Circuit's September 2024 ruling in May v. Bonta left restrictions enforceable in 20 of the 26 specifically listed SB 2 sensitive-place categories. Except for the mental health and mental health resources component, the course must be taught and supervised by DOJ-certified firearms instructors or in a manner prescribed by regulation.
Renewal Background Check
A new Live Scan background check is required at renewal. The DOJ[3] processes the fingerprints and checks for any disqualifying events since the original issuance or last renewal. Any new criminal convictions, restraining orders, or mental health holds may result in denial of renewal.
Notification Obligations
CCW permit holders have notification obligations to their issuing authority, including the following.
- Change of residential address within the same jurisdiction
- Change of name
- Loss or theft of the permit
- Any arrest, charge or conviction of a crime referenced in Section 26202
- Any restraining order or GVRO issued against them
If residence was the basis for your license, it expires 90 days after you move out of the issuing county, or earlier if its original term ends first. You must notify the issuing authority in writing within 10 days of any change of residence. You may apply through the new county's issuing authority, or qualify through your principal place of employment or business if you spend a substantial period of time there. Renewal of an employment-based license requires concurrence of the original issuing authority and the licensing authority where you reside.
Firearm Listing Requirements
California CCW permits list the specific firearms the holder is authorized to carry. Most issuing authorities allow up to three firearms on the permit. To add or remove a firearm, you must submit a modification request to your issuing authority. For licenses issued under Sections 26150 and 26155, you must be the recorded owner of each listed firearm with DOJ. Under Section 26170, a qualifying deputized or appointed peace officer may instead be authorized to carry a firearm registered to the appointing agency.
Sensitive Places: Current Restrictions
Following the Ninth Circuit's ruling in May v. Bonta[4] (September 2024, mandate issued January 23, 2025), restrictions in 20 of the 26 specifically listed SB 2 sensitive-place categories remain enforceable. Permit holders are prohibited from carrying in government buildings, courthouses, schools, colleges, polling places, airports, law enforcement buildings, nuclear facilities, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, youth centers, state parks, casinos, stadiums, libraries, amusement parks, zoos, museums, and associated parking areas.
The September 2024 ruling left injunctions in place for hospitals, public transit, places of worship, financial institutions, permitted gatherings, and the default "opt-in" requirement for private commercial property. Property owners may still prohibit firearms, and other applicable carry restrictions remain.
Carrying in an enforceable sensitive place violates Penal Code Section 26230 and may result in permit revocation. Monitor the DOJ's website and your issuing authority for updates, as the litigation is ongoing.
Permit Restrictions and Revocation
The issuing authority may impose restrictions under Section 26200. Section 26195 requires revocation if the authority determines that a licensee has breached conditions or restrictions under Section 26200, knowingly supplied inaccurate or incomplete application information, become a disqualified person under Section 26202, or failed to comply with the reporting duty in Section 26195(c). Revocation is also required when DOJ notifies the authority that the licensee is prohibited from possessing firearms.[5]