A California firearm bill of sale is a document proving gun ownership transfer. Anyone who wants to own, sell, purchase, or carry must register, pass a background check, and prove a high level of firearm handling competence.
California has some of the strictest firearm laws in the United States, so sales, ownership, registration, and public carry are highly regulated. A bill of sale is required for every gun purchase. The document must be notarized and signed by two witnesses.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in California
Minimum Age to Purchase
In California, all firearm purchases and transfers, including private transactions and gun show sales, must go through a licensed dealer using the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) process, with a 10-day waiting period before release. Licensed dealers cannot sell or transfer firearms to anyone under 21, except for specific exemptions allowing non-handgun firearms to be sold or transferred to individuals aged 18 and older. [1]
Permit for Purchase
Before purchasing or acquiring a firearm in California, you must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) unless exempted. The FSC must be presented to the dealer at the start of the transaction and at the time of delivery. The dealer must keep the FSC documentation or proof of exemption with the DROS paperwork. [2] The DROS is an electronic report record of firearms sales and transactions that goes to the California Department of Justice.
Register a Gun
The state does require firearm registration with the Department of Justice. If you already own a firearm, you do not have to register it. The rule only applies to new purchases and registration if you move into the state.
If you move to California, you have 60 days to register. If you buy a new firearm, the licensed dealer will register it as part of the purchase process.
You will not get a card or anything denoting your registration.
Open Carry Permit
In California, individuals who are not convicted felons may openly or concealed carry firearms without a license in their home, business, or lawfully possessed private property. However, once they leave these locations, a license is required.
Carrying a weapon in response to an immediate self-defense threat is permitted. Licenses for “loaded and exposed” carry can only be issued in counties with fewer than 200,000 residents, and the permit allows for either concealed or open carry. [3]
Concealed Carry Permit
You may not conceal carry in California without a permit. [4] The only exception to this is for individuals who have a restraining order against someone and feel their life is in danger from that person. [5]
Additionally, California’s concealed carry law allows each county to issue licenses. [6] In Los Angeles County, for example, you must go through the Sheriff’s Department to obtain it.
The minimum age to carry a concealed weapon is 21. All applicants must be of good moral character, have a reasonable cause to obtain a permit, and be a resident of or work in the county where they are applying.
Applicants must also complete a firearm training course. [7]
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a concealed carry permit:
- Step 1 – Apply: Complete a Standard Initial and Renewal Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon.
- Step 2 -Submit Evidence: Attach all required evidence that supports your good cause and moral character statements.
- Step 3 – Turn in Application: Submit your application to your local county sheriff or law enforcement agency handling concealed carry permits.
- Step 4 – Pass a Background Check: All applicants in California must pass a federal background check.
- Step 5 – Receive Approval or Denial: The California Department of Justice will approve or deny your application within 90 days.
Gun Reciprocity
California does not honor licenses or permits for concealed carry rights issued by other states. [8]
You also cannot get a license to carry in California unless you are a state resident.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
The laws prohibiting the ownership of firearms in California align with federal restrictions and include people who: [9]
- Have been convicted of or have an active warrant for a felony crime including brandishing. [10]
- Have been convicted of or have an active warrant for certain misdemeanor offenses. [11]
- Have a substance abuse problem or addicted to using narcotics.
- Are court-ordered not to own or possess firearms.
- Are court designated as mentally ill or incompetent.
- Have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
- Are illegal aliens.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
You can inherit a firearm in California, but you must still go through a formal process for the transfer to be legal. You must register it with the state and ensure that you are legally allowed to own a firearm. If you do not wish to keep it or you are not allowed to have the firearm, you must dispose of it. The transfer may differ depending on how the person leaves the firearm to you.
For example, if the person is a resident of California, you are over the age of 21, and you are receiving six or fewer firearms, then you probably will not have to go through a licensed dealer to complete the California firearm transfer form.
In addition, transfers between husband and wife, registered domestic partners, parent, and child, or grandparent and grandchild are exempt from the licensed dealer requirement.
Still, you must meet certain requirements as if purchasing the device. You must complete a firearms safety course and submit to the California Department of Justice an Intra-Familial Firearm Transaction report.
Since people are generally prohibited from possessing assault weapons in the state, you cannot receive an inheritance of that type of weapon regardless of the situation.
