A preliminary injunction in a case brought by a major gun rights group has opened the door for nonresident gun owners to apply for a California concealed carry permit.

In the Second Amendment Foundation case, CRPA v. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in January issued an injunction requiring California to accept permit applications from any United States resident outside the state who is a member of SAF or its partner organizations and not prohibited from possessing firearms. The California Rifle & Pistol Association, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Gun Owners of California and several private citizens joined SAF in the action.

During the case, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department admitted it sometimes takes a year to a year and a half to process a CCW application, a fact that the judge did not find appropriate. 

Adam Kraut, SAF executive director, said the process might not be easy, but applying for a nonresident state permit is now possible.

“As you might imagine, the state of California is not wanting to make it easy for non-residents to apply for a carry permit,” Kraut said in a news release. “As an SAF member and non-resident of California, however, you’re allowed to apply. The main thing to keep in mind is that you need to submit your application through the sheriff or police department for the county you plan to visit. The order specifically lists how to apply, so that’s the best place to find the exact information you need.”

The order, which took effect on April 22, outlined the following criteria for prospective applicants. They must be members of SAF or another partner organization included in the lawsuit, must file the application with the sheriff or chief of police in a county they plan to visit within the next 12 months, and must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who are not prohibited from possessing firearms. Additionally, non-residents receiving a California permit can only carry handguns and magazines that are legal to possess in California.

Alan Gottlieb, SAF founder and executive vice president, said the court got this one right.

“This case had the appropriate conclusion—non-residents should not have their Second Amendment rights stripped just because they crossed a state line,” he said. “Now, thanks to SAF and its partners, all you have to do is be a member and you’ll be allowed to apply for a permit no matter where you live. The best part is you didn’t have to be a member of SAF when the ruling was issued, you can still join today and apply for your non-resident carry permit.”