California Gun Laws (2026 Update)

Purchase process & waiting period

All firearm purchases in California must go through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, even private-party transfers. The process:

1. Buyer selects the firearm at a licensed dealer.
2. Buyer completes a Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) form and pays the DROS fee (currently around $37.19).
3. Buyer provides ID and required documentation (FSC for handguns, thumbprint).
4. Dealer submits background check through the California DOJ Basic Firearms Eligibility Check.
5. Buyer waits the mandatory 10-day waiting period (Pen. Code § 26815). No exceptions — the waiting period applies to everyone including law enforcement (with limited exceptions).
6. If background check clears, buyer returns after 10 days to take possession.

The waiting period runs from the date of the DROS submission, not from the day of purchase. Failing the background check voids the transaction.

Firearm Safety Certificate

To buy a handgun in California, the purchaser must present a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). The FSC is obtained by passing a 30-question multiple-choice test administered by a licensed instructor at gun dealers. The test covers firearm safety, handling, and California-specific laws. Pass score is 75% (23 out of 30). The FSC costs about $25, is valid for 5 years, and permits the holder to purchase both handguns and long guns.

An FSC is not required to possess a handgun you already own — only to purchase or acquire one.

Handgun roster ("unsafe" handgun list)

Under Cal. Penal Code § 32000, only handguns on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale (informally called the "Roster") may be sold at retail in California. To be on the Roster, a handgun must pass state-specific tests including drop-safety and firing tests, and (for semi-automatic pistols added after 2013) must have a chamber-loaded indicator and magazine disconnect. Since 2013, models added must also have "microstamping" capability — a requirement that has effectively frozen the Roster because no manufacturer implements it.

Result: California retail handgun buyers are limited to older models grandfathered onto the Roster. Private-party transfers of off-Roster handguns already in California are permitted, as are transfers to law enforcement or licensed collectors. Individuals moving into California can bring their off-Roster handguns; they must register them within 60 days.

Magazine capacity limits (10 rounds)

California prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, giving, lending, or possession of "large-capacity magazines" (LCMs) defined as any magazine holding more than 10 rounds (Pen. Code § 32310). Existing pre-ban magazines had to be dispossessed under a 2016 update, though the LCM ban has faced repeated federal court challenges. The current enforcement status has been in flux with litigation — verify with the California DOJ before purchasing or possessing any magazine over 10 rounds.

Assault weapons ban

California defines and bans "assault weapons" under Pen. Code §§ 30500–31115. The definition is complex and features-based — a rifle becomes an assault weapon if it is semi-automatic and has certain features (pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, flash suppressor, forward pistol grip, threaded barrel, etc.) in combination with a detachable magazine.

Assault weapons already lawfully owned before the ban dates must be registered with the DOJ. Newly acquiring an unregistered assault weapon is a felony. Certain configurations — "featureless" rifles, "fixed magazine" rifles with 10-round-max fixed mags — are permitted workarounds under the current legal framework.

Ammunition background checks (Prop 63)

Under Proposition 63 (2016), California requires ammunition purchases to go through licensed vendors and imposes a background check for each purchase (or a longer-term Certificate of Eligibility). Fees are approximately $1 per basic check or $19 for the longer-term Certificate. Ammunition sold in California must be purchased in California — mail-order shipments direct to consumers are prohibited (must ship to a licensed vendor for pickup and background check).

Prop 63 has faced federal court challenges; verify current enforcement status before ordering ammunition from out of state.

Concealed carry after Bruen

Before 2022, California was a "may issue" state — county sheriffs and city chiefs of police had wide discretion to deny CCW permit applications, and many did so as a matter of policy. The U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n v. Bruen struck down "good cause" requirements, effectively making California a shall-issue jurisdiction.

After Bruen, applicants who meet objective qualifications must be issued a CCW permit:

• 21 years or older.
• US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Not a prohibited person (no felony convictions, no domestic violence convictions, no active protective orders).
• Resident of the county (or work in the county).
• Completed an approved CCW training course (typically 16 hours in California).
• Passed background check.

California responded with SB 2 (2023), which imposes additional CCW training and other requirements. Most notably, SB 2 designates numerous "sensitive places" where concealed carry is prohibited even with a permit — much of this has been enjoined by federal courts and is subject to ongoing litigation.

Open carry

Open carry of firearms is generally prohibited in California. It is illegal to openly carry a loaded firearm in public in an incorporated city (Pen. Code § 25850) or in prohibited areas of unincorporated county land. Open carry of an unloaded handgun in most public places has been prohibited since 2012 (Pen. Code § 26350). Open carry of unloaded long guns in incorporated cities has been prohibited since 2014 (Pen. Code § 26400). Limited exceptions exist for hunting, target shooting on licensed ranges, and certain licensed activities.

Safe storage laws

California requires firearms to be stored safely when a child, prohibited person, or resident is likely to access them. Under Pen. Code § 25100, negligent storage that results in a child accessing the firearm is a crime. As of 2020 (SB 172), general safe-storage requirements apply to homes where a prohibited person resides. As of 2023, most firearms transferred in California must be sold with a state-approved gun safe or locking device.

Gun Violence Restraining Orders (red flag)

California was one of the first states to enact a red flag law. Under Pen. Code § 18100 et seq., certain individuals (family members, roommates, coworkers, teachers, employers, and law enforcement) can petition a court for a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) to temporarily remove firearms from a person who poses a significant danger of causing harm to themselves or others. GVROs can be issued for 21 days (emergency ex parte), 1 year (after hearing), or up to 5 years with renewal.

Ghost guns & self-manufactured firearms

California heavily regulates self-manufactured firearms. Under AB 879 (2018) and subsequent legislation, individuals who build or assemble a firearm must:

• Apply to the California DOJ for a serial number before starting the build.
• Engrave the serial number on the firearm within 10 days of manufacture.
• Register the firearm with the DOJ.

Purchasing "80% receivers" or unfinished frames requires a background check under recent legislation. Selling a self-manufactured firearm to another private party in California requires going through a licensed dealer with all standard restrictions.

Prohibited persons

Under Pen. Code § 29800 et seq., certain individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms:

• Persons convicted of any felony.
• Persons convicted of specific misdemeanors (domestic violence, certain violent crimes) — 10-year prohibition.
• Persons subject to certain court orders (domestic violence restraining order, active GVRO).
• Persons found to be dangerously mentally ill.
• Persons committed to a mental health facility.
• Habitual controlled substance users (including marijuana users under federal law).
• Undocumented immigrants (federal prohibition).
• Minors under 18 (for most firearms) or 21 (for handguns and semi-auto centerfire rifles).

Federal preemption limits

Federal firearm laws apply in California in addition to state laws. Notable overlaps:

• ATF Form 4473 requires purchasers to certify they are not a user of any controlled substance including marijuana. California cannabis users are federally prohibited from firearm purchase under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) even where cannabis is state-legal.
• Federal NFA (National Firearms Act) restrictions on machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors apply alongside California prohibitions (most NFA items are additionally banned in California).
• Interstate transport of firearms follows federal FOPA (Firearm Owners Protection Act) rules.

State agency contact

Compared to neighboring states

Related California laws

• California cannabis laws (federal firearm preemption)
• California self-defense laws
• California DUI laws
• California expungement process
• California stand your ground / castle doctrine
• California hunting license requirements
• California domestic violence laws
• California statute of limitations

Related comparisons

Related guides

Recent changes

• 2023
  SB 2 imposed additional CCW training and expanded "sensitive places" where concealed carry is prohibited; substantial portions have been enjoined by federal courts and are under ongoing litigation.
• June 23, 2022
  New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n v. Bruen struck down "good cause" CCW discretion, making California effectively shall-issue for qualifying applicants.
• 2016
  Proposition 63 passed, imposing background checks on ammunition purchases and other firearm restrictions.

Sources

Frequently asked questions