Identification Requirements
If you're buying a long gun:
If you're buying a hand gun:
In all instances, you will also need:
For the full rundown, visit https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fscpfaqs#1G.
- California Driver’s License with a current physical address (No PO BOX).
- If your license includes a “Federal Limits Apply” stamp at the top corner, you will need to supplement with your birth certificate or a current passport.
- If the address listed is not current, or a PO BOX is listed, supplement with:
- Other state or local government issued ID with your name and physical address.
- DMV Vehicle registration
- Property tax bill
- Vocational license
If you're buying a hand gun:
- See above, PLUS...
- Additional proof of residency (Utility bill or additional vehicle registration)
In all instances, you will also need:
- A current Firearm Safety Certificate.
- If you need an FSC, we can provide one on site the same day. You will be required to take a 30 question, multiple choice test. The cost of the FSC is $30.
- This can be circumvented if you are a active/retired police officer; active duty or 20 year retired military; or (in the instance of long gun purchases) if you have a current CA hunting license.
For the full rundown, visit https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fscpfaqs#1G.
California Handgun Roster
In California, not every handgun on the market is avaliable for buyers in the state.
Because of the complexity of these rules, we recommend you reach out to us for details.
You may also view the current list of handguns on the roster here.
- New firearms sold to indviduals (who are not police officers) must be on the California handgun roster.
- Private party transfers, curio/relic handguns (except ceritan single-action revolvers) and pawn/consignment returns are exempt from this.
Because of the complexity of these rules, we recommend you reach out to us for details.
You may also view the current list of handguns on the roster here.
Private Party Transfers
- Both parties must be residents of California, and have valid identification. (See requirements above).
- Both parties will have to be present at the same time to start the transfer.
- The cost for a PPT is $37.19 plus $10 for the first firearm and an additional $10 per each firearm after that.
- PPTs are exempt from the one handgun per 30 day restriction.
- A 10 day waiting period is required. (The seller does not have to be present when the firearm is picked up)
Purchasing Ammunition
To purchase ammunition in California, you will be required to provide identification and submit to a background check.
Each time ammunition is purchased, you will have to pay $1 for a background check which is typically completed within 30 seconds. (IF you purchase a firearm and ammunition at the same time, you don't have to pay this cost.)
The information on your identification should match what is listed in the Automated Firearms System.
In most instances, if you have purchased a firearm within the last 6 years, and your information has not changed, you will receive an approval to be able to purchase the ammo on the spot.
If your information has changed (Address, name, etc.), then one of the quickest ways to have your information updated in this system is to purchase a firearm. By providing your new information (See above for identification requirements), the system is subsequently updated.
Alternatively, you can visit the California Firearms Reporting System to update your information.
For more detailed information on this topic, we recommend you visit this website.
Each time ammunition is purchased, you will have to pay $1 for a background check which is typically completed within 30 seconds. (IF you purchase a firearm and ammunition at the same time, you don't have to pay this cost.)
The information on your identification should match what is listed in the Automated Firearms System.
In most instances, if you have purchased a firearm within the last 6 years, and your information has not changed, you will receive an approval to be able to purchase the ammo on the spot.
If your information has changed (Address, name, etc.), then one of the quickest ways to have your information updated in this system is to purchase a firearm. By providing your new information (See above for identification requirements), the system is subsequently updated.
Alternatively, you can visit the California Firearms Reporting System to update your information.
For more detailed information on this topic, we recommend you visit this website.
Purchasing Firearms From Gunbroker/Out of State/etc.
We are more than happy to serve as your designated firearms retailer (FFL) when making purchases through online firearms retailers and auction websites, as well as brick and mortar shops around the country.
While doing so, we need to make sure that your firearm is permitted in the state, so please contact us directly so we may help you confirm.
We currently charge $55 per firearm for this service, which does not include the DROS fee and sales tax if it has not already been collected.
While doing so, we need to make sure that your firearm is permitted in the state, so please contact us directly so we may help you confirm.
We currently charge $55 per firearm for this service, which does not include the DROS fee and sales tax if it has not already been collected.
What You'll Need as a New Gun Owner
Along with the fees you will be required to pay when purchasing a firearm in California, here are some other items you may wish to budget for when making your first firearm purchase.
We have many options avaliable in the store, but if you're looking for something specific, let us know and we will check avalability and pricing with our suppliers.
Required
Niceties
We have many options avaliable in the store, but if you're looking for something specific, let us know and we will check avalability and pricing with our suppliers.
Required
- Personal Protective Equiptment (PPE)
- Eye Protection (Could be simple, clear protective glasses or fancy shades with amenities like transition lenses)
- Hearing Protection (Could be simple foam ear plugs or advanced, noise canceling headphones)
- Cleaning Kit (We have affordable all in one kits for around $20, or you can buy componts piecemeal)
- Carrying Case (Choose from simple fabric cases to hard cases with foam interiors)
- Ammunition
Niceties
- Optics
- Reloading Equiptment for Your Calibur of Choice
- Outdoor Clothing and Wearable Shooting Gear (If you're shooting frequently, gloves can make your experience more comfortable. If you're shooting outdoors, adequite sun protection like hats and lightweight shirts/pants will help in the comfort department as well)
- Additional Magazines/Clips
- Upgraded Grips