Unless the buyer holds a valid FFL, the seller cannot ship the gun directly to the buyer. Most states have a waiting period before the final transfer of the firearm is permitted. In California, for example, the waiting period is 10 days.
Applicants may apply for Firearms Permit online via BreEZe. The Bureau recommends submitting your application online in BreEZe as it bypasses the Cashiering Office and can reduce application processing by up to two weeks.
The California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) is a web-based application that will allow an individual to report their firearms to the Department of Justice (DOJ) using California Reporting Information System (CRIS) reporting forms, as outlined in California firearms laws and regulations.
Current Processing Times for Employee Applications License TypeApplication TypeTarget Timeframe Firearms Permit (FQ) Initial 75 days Renewal 60 days Baton Permit (BAT) Initial 75 days Renewal 60 days33 more rows
Effective March 1, 2025: Mandates that the register or record of sale include an acknowledgment by the purchaser or transferee that they have, within the last 30 days, confirmed possession of every firearm that they own or possess.
Generally, all firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a California licensed dealer under the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) process. California law imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a purchaser or transferee.
Owning an unregistered handgun in California is not a crime. But possession of an unregistered firearm in California outside of your home or business without a concealed carry license is — whether the weapon is concealed or carried openly.
The California background check is a minimum of 10 days, but can be delayed to 30 days. Some remain undetermined at the 30 day mark, and it is up to the FFL to determine if they release or not.
Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). The minimum age is 18 years old, although a licensing authority has the discretion to require applicants to be older than 18 years of age.