FIREARMS PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS
In California, all firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a licensed dealer under the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process.
California imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a buyer or transferee. During that period, the firearm is kept in our Secure Gun Room.
Long guns -- 6 steps
1. Purchaser must be 18 years of age.
2. Purchaser must fill out a Federal Form 4473.
3. Purchaser must pass a CA DOJ background check.
4. Purchaser must have a valid Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) as well as successfully perform a Safe Handling demonstration with the purchased firearm.
5. Purchaser must be a California resident with a valid California Identification Card (CID) or Drivers License (CDL)*.
*Military Identification Cards can be accepted in place of CID or CDL if accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California.
6. Purchaser must have accurate proof of residence.
Note: If CID or CDL do not show the current correct residence, a government issued document (by Federal, State, or Local Government) with current residence must be supplied. Example: vehicle registration, property taxes, jury summons, DMV print-out of driving record.
Handguns -- 7 steps
1. Purchaser must be 21 years of age.
2. Purchaser must fill out a Federal Form 4473.
3. Purchaser must pass a CA DOJ background check.
4. Purchaser must have a valid Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) as well as successfully perform a Safe Handling demonstration with the purchased firearm.
5. Purchaser must be a California resident with a valid Calfornia Identification Card (CID) or Drivers License (CDL)*.
*Military Identification Cards can be accepted in place of CID or CDL if accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California.
6. Purchaser must have accurate proof of residence.
Note: If CID or CDL do not show the current correct residence, a government issued document (by Federal, State, or Local Government) with current residence must be supplied. Example: vehicle registration, property taxes, jury summons, DMV print-out of driving record.
7. The purchaser of a handgun is required, by California, to present a second proof of California residency besides the CID or CDL.
This second proof of residency (as far as California law is concerned) can be a utility bill, residential lease or property deed, or vehicle or vessel registration. (Bank statements and Passports are NOT acceptable proof of residence.)
The information on the second proof of residence must match the address shown on the 4473.
Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC)
We administer this Test for the state stipulated fee: $25
Must be renewed every 5 years to purchase firearms (both handguns and long guns) in California.
Some Individuals are exempt from the FSC, as listed in paragraph 12807 of article 8: Handgun Safety Certificate. Everybody who was exempt from the HSC (Handgun Safety Certificate) is still exempt from the FSC.
People who hold a valid HSC may continue to use it until it expires but for handguns only. To purchase a long gun they must obtain an FSC.
Handgun 30-Day Limitation
You can buy only one NEW handgun every 30 days in California.
Pre-owned ("used") handguns are exempt from this restriction, which means most Private Party Transfers are also exempt.
However, the handgun must have been owned and used in the state of California. As soon as you bring a handgun in from out of state, it's effectively a "new" gun.