Buying a Gun
The Simplified Process:
*Handguns must be on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale. Make sure the model number of the handgun is IDENTICAL to the number on the list. See the "Policies" tab for details. A gun lock is required by law for handguns and a gun lock or approved gun safe is required for long guns. We'll go over how to comply with this when you buy. Most often, new guns come with approved locks already. |
The Costs:
To purchase a firearm in California, you will need a Firearms Safety Certificate (HSC). If you don't have one, I am a certified firearms safety instructor, so there's no problem. It will cost $25 to take the test and get the FSC card. If I am transferring a gun from one person to another (like buying from someone you know), I only charge $10. CA charges a $25 DROS fee and there would be no sales tax required. A Special Offer: If you've never been an NRA member and would like to join, I'll pay $10 towards your membership on your first gun purchase from me. |
The More-Detailed Process:
All firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a licensed dealer under the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process. California imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a buyer or transferee. A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To purchase any other weapon the person must be at least 21 years of age.
To buy a gun a person must possess an FSC (Firearms Safety Certificate -- see above) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with the handgun being purchased or 2) qualify for an FSC exemption (e.g., law enforcement or CCW holders).
As part of the DROS process, the buyer must present “clear evidence of identity and age” which is defined as a valid, non-expired California Driver’s License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. A military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California is also acceptable.
If the buyer is not a U.S. Citizen, then he or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation which contains his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number.
Purchasers of handguns are also required to provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, residential lease, property deed, or government-issued identification (other than a drivers license or other DMV-issued identification). Other valid forms for proof of residency can be found here. The easiest is your current vehicle registration.
Paperwork Process – Estimated Time 15-20 minutes
Pickup Process – Estimated Time 5 minutes
All firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a licensed dealer under the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process. California imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a buyer or transferee. A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To purchase any other weapon the person must be at least 21 years of age.
To buy a gun a person must possess an FSC (Firearms Safety Certificate -- see above) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with the handgun being purchased or 2) qualify for an FSC exemption (e.g., law enforcement or CCW holders).
As part of the DROS process, the buyer must present “clear evidence of identity and age” which is defined as a valid, non-expired California Driver’s License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. A military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California is also acceptable.
If the buyer is not a U.S. Citizen, then he or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation which contains his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number.
Purchasers of handguns are also required to provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, residential lease, property deed, or government-issued identification (other than a drivers license or other DMV-issued identification). Other valid forms for proof of residency can be found here. The easiest is your current vehicle registration.
Paperwork Process – Estimated Time 15-20 minutes
- You will bring in the paperwork listed above.
- I will make copies of your documentation.
- We will fill out paperwork to satisfy federal ATF requirements – Form 4473.
- I will input your information online for state requirements – DROS.
- You will put your right thumbprint on back of DROS documentation when completed.
- You can pay in cash, by check or by credit card (CC is 3.5% extra because of the loss of the cash discount).
- Your ten "24 hour" waiting periods will begin.
Pickup Process – Estimated Time 5 minutes
- You will complete a Safe Handling Demonstration with the dealer and sign paperwork.
- You will then present an approved Firearms Safety Device (most new guns come with them or I can sell you one cheap) or sign a Gun Safe Affidavit. Note: The Gun Safe Affidavit only applies to non-handguns. All handguns require a lock from the approved Firearms Safety Device list. (Most new guns come with an approved lock.)