Welcome to The High Road. Lots of info in those links for ya. In what are known as "Shall Issue" states, anyone can get a CCW as long as they are over 21, not convicted felons, no disqualifying psych issues (not sure on details) and no domestic violence convictions. You may have to take a class, then fill out paperwork, pay $$, get fingerprinted. Wait a few weeks, then license comes in mail. All states differ on where you can and can't carry.
In discretionary issue states like CA, you have to know who to bribe (I mean "donate" to) or be a gun hating liberal actor or polititian, or in a few cases have someone threatening your life for der commisar to allow you a permit. Sadly, the above was only slightly sarcastic and barely exaggerated.