Buying a Gun in California

A California licensed dealer may not sell, deliver or transfer any firearm to a person under 21 (Pen. Code § 27510). The exemptions apply only to firearms that are not handguns, for persons 18 or older who hold a valid hunting license, are active peace officers or federal officers authorized to carry, are active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or reserves, or are honorably discharged members. Because private-party sales must go through a dealer, the same age rules apply to private sales. Handgun buyers must also show proof of California residency and hold a Firearm Safety Certificate.

Yes, universal. '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.' A private party transfer must be done with both parties in person at a licensed dealer; the dealer may charge up to $10.00 per firearm on top of the state fee of $37.19 (DROS fee $31.19, $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee, $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee). Exceptions include transfers between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses or registered domestic partners (handgun recipients must have a Firearm Safety Certificate and report the transfer to DOJ with a $19 fee within 30 days), and antique and certain curio or relic long guns. Buyers must present a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). A person may not apply to buy more than three firearms within any 30-day period, with limited exceptions.

10 days for all firearms: 'California law imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a purchaser or transferee,' calculated as ten 24-hour periods from when the DROS information is submitted to DOJ. If the buyer does not take possession within 30 days of DROS submission, the sale must be cancelled. Exemptions do not apply to the general public (e.g. dealers, special permit holders, certain curio and relic collectors, peace officers with agency authorization).

Since January 1, 2024, knowingly possessing a firearm or firearm precursor part (unfinished frame or receiver) without a valid state or federal serial number is generally a misdemeanor; AB 1621 (2022) halted the sale of unserialized precursor parts. Anyone who owns such a firearm or part, or intends to build or assemble a firearm, must apply to DOJ for a unique serial number before building it; new residents must apply within 60 days of arrival.