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.
California does not honor any non-resident concealed firearm permits. Starting April 22, 2025, non-residents can apply for a non-resident CA license-to-carry (LTC). Open and concealed carry is exempted in your home or your business, including camp sites or hotel room (temporary residence).
What documentation is acceptable proof of residency for handgun purchasers? Utility bill from within the past three months that bears on its face the individual's name and either of the following: The individual's current residential address as declared on the DROS form; or.
There are currently 1,725 applications in progress, with 1,126 interviews completed — and 690 permits approved — since 2022. Residents have to be 21 years or older to carry a permit.
Be prepared to scan copies of two (2) current and consecutive utility bills/statements that are in your name and reflect your current address in Santa Clara County. If you do not have utility bills in your name, residency documentation provided must be a monthly recurring bill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.