FAQ
Q: What documents do I need to purchase a firearm in California?
A: In CA, you must possess a valid drivers license or ID card, as well as a Firearms Safety Card, to purchase a firearm. In addition, you will require secondary government documentation to verify your street address, the best documentation for this requirement is a valid CA vehicle registration, although other forms may suffice in limited circumstances (contact us prior for assistance with supplemental documentation).
Q: When do I need to bring a US passport or birth certificate with me?
A: If you do not have a REAL ID compliant drivers license or ID card, you must bring your valid US Passport or your original birth certificate with you for us to copy, at the time of firearm/ammunition purchase.
Q: What is a Firearms Safety Card (FSC)
A: An FSC is a certification card obtained by a prospective firearms purchaser; in some ways, it functions as a “license to purchase firearms”. You can obtain an FSC from any licensed firearms dealer in CA by taking a quick 25 question test on basic firearms safety. If you do not already have an FSC, you can obtain one the same day that you wish to purchase a firearm, following successful completion of the test. Issuing an FSC will cost $25, $15 for CA DOJ processing and $10 for processing by the firearms dealer.
Q: Can I buy a firearm if I do not have my documents with me?
A: No. You must have all required documentation with you when we begin your background check, we will not be able to begin your background check without these documents in hand at the time of purchase.
Q: What is the CA DROS?
A: The DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) is part of the background check process in California, this is where a firearm dealer collects information about a purchaser and transmits that information to the CA DOJ, who conducts the next stages of the background check.
Q: Is there a waiting period for firearm purchases in CA?
A: Yes, all firearm purchasers in CA must complete a mandatory 10 day waiting period prior to taking possession of a firearm from a firearms dealer, this is true for both new and used firearms. The waiting period begins on the day that the DROS is initiated and is typically completed 10 calendar days later. In some rare cases, the waiting period can be delayed by the state for an additional 20 days.
Q: How do I purchase a firearm online?
A: Every online retailer conducts internet firearms sales differently, in general, online retailers will allow a buyer to purchase a firearm in the same way that you’d purchase any other item. However, during checkout there will be a section for you to select or list your preferred local FFL (hopefully us) to receive the firearm and transfer it to you. In some cases, the seller will need extra documentation from us prior to shipment, and for those cases you can reach us through our FFL Transfer contact page.
Q: Is there a background check for ammunition purchases in CA?
A: Yes, California has required a background check for ammunition purchases since ~2016. In order to satisfy this background check, a purchaser must have already purchased and taken possession of a firearm in CA after 2016. The purchaser must also have a CA firearms dealer record information for the state DOJ to conduct an “Ammunition DROS”.
Q: What documents do I need to conduct an Ammunition DROS?
A: Ammunition purchases require many of the same documents as firearm purchases in CA, such as a REAL ID/DL, or standard CA DL/ID with valid US passport or original birth certificate.
Q: Is there a limit to what type or amount of ammunition I can purchase in CA?
A: No, there is no limit on quantity or caliber of ammunition purchases in CA, as long as a CA Ammunition DROS is conducted.
Q: Can I purchase ammunition online?
A: Yes, you can purchase ammunition online, however it must be shipped to your preferred firearms dealer (again, hopefully us) and an Ammunition DROS must be conducted prior to transfer to you. Ammunition cannot be shipped directly to a purchaser’s home in California. Please see our Ammo transfer page for more information.
Q: What is a “Private Party Transfer” (PPT)?
A: A PPT is a transfer of a used firearm between a private seller and buyer, which occurs at a licensed firearms dealer. Both the seller and buyer must be present at the same time for a PPT to be completed. The dealer takes possession of the firearm(s), enters the seller and buyer’s information in the DROS, and delivers the firearm to the new owner following successful completion of the background check and 10 day waiting period.
Q: Do I need an appointment for a PPT?
A: Generally, yes, we conduct PPT’s on an appointment basis. Use our contact us page to obtain more information and set up an appointment to sell or buy a firearm via a PPT.
Q: What firearm is right for me?
A: This is a very complicated question, but generally, the buyer’s requirements will inform the best firearm for their needs. For example, firearms used for self-defense/ concealed carry have unique attributes vs firearms primarily used for hunting, sporting, and recreation. Come into our store to browse our inventory and decide what firearm fulfills your needs!