OVERVIEW

This page is meant as a general overview to purchasing a firearm. For additional information not covered here, please reference the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) website and/or the California DOJ website.


WHAT IS NEEDED TO PURCHASE A HANDGUN?


  • Generally, all firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a California licensed dealer under the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) process.
  • California law imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a purchaser or transferee.
  • Must be at least 21 yrs old (except as specifically exempted)
  • Provide "clear evidence of identity and age"
  • Defined as a valid, non-expired California REAL ID compliant license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  • A military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California is also acceptable.
  • If the purchaser is not a U.S. Citizen:
  • He or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation containing his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number.
  • If he or she is a non-immigrant allien provide proof of exemption
  • Provide proof of California residency, such as a:
  • Utility bill
  • Residential lease
  • Property deed
  • Government-issued identification (other than a driver license or other DMV-issued identification)
  • Must (1) possess a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with their recently purchased handgun or (2) qualify for a FSC exemption


FEES


The total state fee is $37.19. The DROS fee is $31.19 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee, and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee. In the event of a private party transfer (PPT), the firearms dealer may charge an additional fee of up to $10.00 per firearm.

If the transaction is not a PPT the dealer may impose other charges as long as this amount is not misrepresented as a state fee. When settling on the purchase price of a firearm, you should ask the dealer to disclose all applicable fees.

WHO IS PROHIBITED FROM PURCHASING A HANDGUN?


Any person who has a conviction for any misdemeanor listed in Penal Code section 29805 or for any felony, or is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug, or has been held involuntarily as a danger to self or others pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 8103 is prohibited from buying, owning, or possessing firearms or ammunition. There are also prohibitions based on mental conditions, domestic restraining/protective orders, conditions of probation, and specific offenses committed as a juvenile. A list of prohibited categories is available on the Bureau of Firearms website.