Valid CA Drivers License or CA Identification Card or DOD ID
If you have “federal limits apply” stamped on your DL, then you must also provide proof of citizenship: valid passport, birth certificate, green card, naturalization certificate, etc.
If your birth certificate does not match your current name, then you will also need legal documentation proving the name change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)
Firearm Safety Card or Exemption
Exemption might include: CCW (from CA only), Guard Card, LEO badge, active duty or retired military
2nd proof of residency. Only 1 document is needed, but various options include: (1) current DMV registration (not the renewal bill), (2) land line utility bill in your name at your current address within the last 90 days (no cell phone), (3) state issued license (hunting license, employment certification, etc), (4) residential lease, (5) property deed, (6) CCW (any state)
If the address on your DL is not current, then your 2nd proof MUST be a government issued document. Non-municipal utility bills (i.e. Edison & So Cal Gas) and DMV brown change of address cards do not apply. The document should be printed or typed and not handwritten.
I am purchasing a rifle / shotgun / receiver:
Valid CA Drivers License or CA Identification Card or DOD ID
If you have “federal limits apply” stamped on your DL, then you must also provide proof of citizenship: valid passport, birth certificate, green card, naturalization certificate, etc.
If your birth certificate does not match your current name, then you will also need legal documentation proving the name change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)
Firearm Safety Card or Exemption
Exemption might include: CCW (from CA only), Guard Card, LEO badge, active duty or retired military, valid hunting license
Only if the address on your DL is not current, then you must provide a 2nd proof of residency that is a government issued document. Non-municipal utility bills (i.e. Edison & So Cal Gas) and DMV brown change of address cards do not apply. The document should be printed or typed and not handwritten.
2nd proof of residency. Only 1 document is needed, but various options include: (1) current DMV registration (not the renewal bill), (2) government owned utility bill in your name at your current address within the last 90 days, (3) state issued license (hunting license, employment certification, etc), (4) property deed, (5) CCW (any state)
*This is not a complete list of every exemption and/or possible combination of documents. Please let us know if you have a unique situations which may require additional information.*
All gun sales require proof of identity - typically a CA Driver License or ID card. See the DOJ FAQ.
Hand gun purchases additionally require proof of residency (not 'a second form of ID'); see the DOJ FAQ.
When does the 10-day wait begin?
When the dealer submits the DROS.
Why do some dealers require 11 or more days when the law says 10?
Sometimes it is because the shop will not be open on day 10. Sometimes it is an 'insurance policy' against mistakes - an FFL might lose his license if he is audited and found to have released guns early.
When does the 30 days start for the handgun one in thirty days?
When the dealer submits the DROS.
Must I buy a lock?
Generally, yes.
CA requires a safety device for every gun sale. CA will accept a safe affidavit for both long guns and hand guns. However, Feds require a safety device for hand guns, and will not accept CA's safe affidavit.
An FFL can accept the lock included in the package, simply give you a lock, or sell you one; all three practices have been reported.
What is a Private Party Transfer (PPT)?
A PPT is a special kind of transfer where a seller with CA ID (or military ID and PCS orders to CA) meets a buyer with CA ID (or military ID and PCS orders to CA) at one CA FFL to make the transfer of a gun from seller to buyer.
(To repeat, both parties must be residents of California, and both must appear at the same California FFL.)
Handguns transferred through PPT are exempt from the Roster of Handguns Approved for Sale.
Handgun transfers through PPT are exempt from the one in thirty days limit, except in the City of Los Angeles
Some US states prohibit perceived advertising or marketing of firearm related products to persons under 18 years of age.
Please verify that you are at least 18 years of age.