Steps to Buy a Handgun in California |
| Maximum 1 Handgun per month - Unless Exempt |
| 1. You must be at least 21 years old with no prohibiting background |
| 2. You must have a valid California Drivers Licence. No temporary license accepted. |
| 3. You must have a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC - unless exempt). The 30-Question HSC written test costs $25.00 |
| 4. The handgun must be on the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Certified List (unless exempt) or be sold/transferred in a Private-Party transfer through a California dealer. |
| 5. You must provide the dealer with California Proof of Residency which may be a copy of your utility bill or phone bill (non cellular) within the last 3 months, rental agreement, or DMV Registration etc. |
| 6. You must perform a Safe Handling Demonstration (unless exempt) with the handgun. |
| 7. You must have or buy a approved Safe, Lock Box, Trigger or Gun lock (unless exempt) |
| 8. You must fill-out and sign ATF Form 447B, answer questions and sign the DROS, supply thumbprint, pay the $25.00 state fees, and wait 10 days unless exempt from the "wait" |
|
Steps to Buy a Long Gun in California |
| No Long-Gun purchase limit per month |
| 1. You must be at least 18 years old with no prohibiting background; age 21 if pistol gripped shotgun |
| 2. You must have a valid California Drivers Licence. No temporary license accepted. |
| 2. You must have or buy a approved Safe, Lock Box, Trigger or Gun lock (unless exempt) |
| 4. You must fill-out and sign ATF Form 447B, answer questions and sign the DROS, supply thumbprint, pay the $25.00 state fees, and wait 10 days unless exempt from the "wait" |
| Since California unlicensed residents may not sell/transfer firearms to other non-licensees (except for long guns over 50 years old), all such Private Party Transfers must go through a California Dealer with $25 State fees and a maximum $10 Dealer fee ($35 total) - Handguns in these private party transfers do not have to be on the CA DOJ Certified List. |
