text:
(a) For all firearms, the register or record of electronic transfer shall include all of the following information:

(1) The date and time of sale.

(2) The make of firearm.

(3) Peace officer exemption status pursuant to the provisions listed in subdivision (c) of Section 16585, and the agency name.

(4) Any applicable waiting period exemption information.

(5) California Firearms Dealer number issued pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) of Chapter 2.

(6) The purchaser’s firearm safety certificate number issued pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 31610) of Chapter 4 of Division 10 of this title.

(7) Manufacturer’s name if stamped on the firearm.

(8) Model name or number, if stamped on the firearm.

(9) Serial number, if applicable.

(10) Other number, if more than one serial number is stamped on the firearm.

(11) Any identification number or mark assigned to the firearm pursuant to Section 23910.

(12) If the firearm is not a handgun and does not have a serial number, identification number, or mark assigned to it, a notation as to that fact.

(13) Caliber.

(14) Type of firearm.

(15) If the firearm is new or used.

(16) Barrel length.

(17) Color of the firearm.

(18) Full name of purchaser.

(19) Purchaser’s complete date of birth.

(20) Purchaser’s local address.

(21) If current address is temporary, complete permanent address of purchaser.

(22) For transactions on and after September 1, 2025, purchaser’s email address.

(23) Identification of purchaser.

(24) Purchaser’s place of birth (state or country).

(25) Purchaser’s complete telephone number.

(26) Purchaser’s occupation.

(27) Purchaser’s gender.

(28) Purchaser’s physical description.

(29) All legal names and aliases ever used by the purchaser.

(30) Yes or no answer to questions that prohibit purchase, including, but not limited to, conviction of a felony as described in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or an offense described in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9, the purchaser’s status as a person described in Section 8100 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, whether the purchaser is a person who has been adjudicated by a court to be a danger to others or found not guilty by reason of insanity, and whether the purchaser is a person who has been found incompetent to stand trial or placed under conservatorship by a court pursuant to Section 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(31) Yes or no answer to a question that inquires whether the purchaser has, within the past 30 days, checked and confirmed possession of all firearms currently owned or possessed.

(32) Signature of purchaser.

(33) Signature of salesperson, as a witness to the purchaser’s signature.

(34) Salesperson’s certificate of eligibility number, if the salesperson has obtained a certificate of eligibility.

(35) Name and complete address of the dealer or firm selling the firearm as shown on the dealer’s license.

(36) The establishment number, if assigned.

(37) The dealer’s complete business telephone number.

(38) Any information required by Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050).

(39) Any information required to determine whether subdivision (f) of Section 27540 applies.

(40) A statement of the penalties for signing a fictitious name or address, knowingly furnishing any incorrect information, or knowingly omitting any information required to be provided for the register.

(41) A statement informing the purchaser, after taking ownership of a firearm, of all of the following:

(A) Upon application, the Department of Justice shall furnish to the purchaser any information reported to the department as it relates to their ownership of that firearm.

(B) The purchaser is entitled to file a report of their acquisition, disposition, or ownership of a firearm with the department pursuant to Section 28000.

(C) Instructions for accessing the department’s internet website for more information.

(42) For transactions on and after January 1, 2015, the purchaser’s firearm safety certificate number, except that in the case of a handgun, the number from an unexpired handgun safety certificate may be used.

(b) The purchaser shall provide the purchaser’s right thumbprint on the register in a manner prescribed by the department. No exception to this requirement shall be permitted except by regulations adopted by the department.

(c) The firearms dealer shall record on the register or record of electronic transfer the date that the firearm is delivered, together with the firearm dealer’s signature indicating delivery of the firearm.

(d) The purchaser shall sign the register or the record of electronic transfer on the date that the firearm is delivered to them.

(e) This section shall become operative on March 1, 2025.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 4.5 of Stats. 2023, Ch. 245) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 237, Sec. 2.5. (AB 574) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative March 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


kind: section

code: PEN

text:
Where the register is used, the following shall apply:

(a) Dealers shall use ink to complete each document.

(b) The dealer or salesperson making a sale shall ensure that all information is provided legibly. The dealer and salespersons shall be informed that incomplete or illegible information will delay sales.

(c) Each dealer shall be provided instructions regarding the procedure for completion of the form and routing of the form. Dealers shall comply with these instructions, which shall include the information set forth in this section.

(d) One firearm transaction shall be reported on each record of sale document.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 745, Sec. 51. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms > 2. Form of the Register or the Record of Electronic Transfer


text: The dealer or salesperson making a sale shall ensure that all required information has been obtained from the purchaser. The dealer and all salespersons shall be informed that incomplete information will delay sales.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms

article: 2. Form of the Register or the Record of Electronic Transfer


text:
(a) The purchaser’s name, date of birth, and driver’s license or identification number shall be obtained electronically from the magnetic strip on the purchaser’s driver’s license or identification and shall not be supplied by any other means, except as authorized by the department.

(b) The requirement of subdivision (a) shall not apply in either of the following cases:

(1) The purchaser’s identification consists of a military identification card.

(2) Due to technical limitations, the magnetic strip reader is unable to obtain the required information from the purchaser’s identification. In those circumstances, the firearms dealer shall obtain a photocopy of the identification as proof of compliance.

(c) In the event that the dealer has reported to the department that the dealer’s equipment has failed, information pursuant to this section shall be obtained by an alternative method to be determined by the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 745, Sec. 52. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
As used in this article, the following words have the following meanings:

(a) “Purchase” means the purchase, loan, or transfer of a firearm.

(b) “Purchaser” means the purchaser or transferee of a firearm or the person being loaned a firearm.

(c) “Sale” means the sale, loan, or transfer of a firearm.

(d) “Seller” means, if the transaction is being conducted pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050), the person selling, loaning, or transferring the firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms > 3. Submission of Fees and Firearm Purchaser Information to the Department of Justice


text:
(a) Until January 1, 1998, the Department of Justice shall determine the method by which a dealer shall submit firearm purchaser information to the department. The information shall be in one of the following formats:

(1) Submission of the register described in Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150).

(2) Electronic or telephonic transfer of the information contained in the register described in Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150).

(b) On or after January 1, 1998, electronic or telephonic transfer, including voice or facsimile transmission, shall be the exclusive means by which purchaser information is transmitted to the department.

(c) On or after January 1, 2003, except as permitted by the department, electronic transfer shall be the exclusive means by which information is transmitted to the department. Telephonic transfer shall not be permitted for information regarding sales of any firearms.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Submission of Fees and Firearm Purchaser Information to the Department of Justice


text:
(a) (1) Where the register is used, the purchaser of any firearm shall be required to present to the dealer clear evidence of the person’s identity and age.

(2) The dealer shall require the purchaser to sign the purchaser’s current legal name and affix the purchaser’s residence address and date of birth to the register in quadruplicate.

(3) For the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person under 21 years of age pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27510, the salesperson shall visually inspect the hunting license to confirm that it is valid and unexpired and shall record the document number, GO ID, and dates valid.

(4) The salesperson shall sign the register in quadruplicate, as a witness to the signature and identification of the purchaser.

(b) Any person furnishing a fictitious name or address, knowingly furnishing any incorrect information, or knowingly omitting any information required to be provided for the register shall be punished as provided in Section 28250.

(c) (1) The original of the register shall be retained by the dealer in consecutive order.

(2) Each book of 50 originals shall become the permanent register of transactions, which shall be retained for not less than three years from the date of the last transaction.

(3) Upon presentation of proper identification, the permanent register of transactions shall be available for inspection by any peace officer, Department of Justice employee designated by the Attorney General, or agent of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Until January 1, 2014, no information shall be compiled therefrom regarding the purchasers or other transferees of firearms that are not handguns.

(d) On the date of the application to purchase, two copies of the original sheet of the register shall be placed in the mail, postage prepaid, and properly addressed to the Department of Justice.

(e) (1) A photocopy of the register shall be provided to the purchaser by the dealer at the time of delivery of the firearm and after the dealer notes the date of delivery and the dealer’s signature indicating delivery of the firearm, and the purchaser acknowledges the receipt of the firearm.

(2) The requirements of this subdivision apply if a dealer is delivering a firearm pursuant to Section 27540 or Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050).

(f) If the transaction is a private party transfer conducted pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050), a photocopy of the original shall be provided to the seller by the dealer at the time the register is signed by the seller. The dealer shall redact all of the purchaser’s personal information, as required pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 28160 and subdivision (a) of Section 28165, from the seller’s copy, and the seller’s personal information from the purchaser’s copy.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 250, Sec. 16. (SB 715) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) (1) Where the electronic or telephonic transfer of applicant information is used, the purchaser shall be required to present to the dealer clear evidence of the person’s identity and age.

(2) The dealer shall require the purchaser to sign the purchaser’s current legal name to the record of electronic or telephonic transfer.

(3) The salesperson shall sign the record of electronic or telephonic transfer, as a witness to the signature and identification of the purchaser.

(4) For the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person under 21 years of age pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27510, the salesperson shall visually inspect the hunting license to confirm that it is valid and unexpired and shall record the document number, GO ID, and dates valid.

(5) For the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person under 21 years of age pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27510, or to a person without a valid firearm safety certificate pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 31700, if the dealer or salesperson, upon visual inspection of the hunting license, is unable to confirm that it is valid and unexpired, they shall not deliver the firearm.

(b) Any person furnishing a fictitious name or address, knowingly furnishing any incorrect information, or knowingly omitting any information required to be provided for the electronic or telephonic transfer shall be punished as provided in Section 28250.

(c) (1) The original of each record of electronic or telephonic transfer shall be retained by the dealer in consecutive order.

(2) Each original shall become the permanent record of the transaction, which shall be retained for not less than three years from the date of the last transaction.

(3) Upon presentation of proper identification, the permanent record of the transaction shall be provided for inspection by any peace officer, Department of Justice employee designated by the Attorney General, or agent of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

(d) On the date of the application to purchase, the record of applicant information shall be transmitted to the Department of Justice by electronic or telephonic transfer.

(e) (1) A copy of the record of electronic or telephonic transfer shall be provided to the purchaser by the dealer at the time of delivery of the firearm and after the dealer notes the date of delivery and the dealer’s signature indicating delivery of the firearm, and the purchaser acknowledges the receipt of the firearm.

(2) The requirements of this subdivision apply if a dealer is delivering a firearm pursuant to Section 27540 or Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050).

(f) If the transaction is a private party transfer conducted pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050), a copy shall be provided to the seller by the dealer at the time the record of electronic or telephonic transfer is signed by the seller. The dealer shall redact all of the purchaser’s personal information, as required pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 28160 and subdivision (a) of Section 28165, from the seller’s copy, and the seller’s personal information from the purchaser’s copy.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 250, Sec. 17. (SB 715) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) (1) Upon submission of firearm purchaser information, the Department of Justice shall examine its records, as well as those records that it is authorized to request from the State Department of State Hospitals pursuant to Section 8104 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, in order to determine if the purchaser is a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, or is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

(2) Commencing July 1, 2025, for the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person under 21 years of age pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27510, the Department of Justice shall verify the validity of the purchaser’s hunting license with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(b) The Department of Justice shall participate in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), as described in subsection (t) of Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall notify the dealer and the chief of the police department of the city or city and county in which the sale was made, or if the sale was made in a district in which there is no municipal police department, the sheriff of the county in which the sale was made, that the purchaser is a person prohibited from acquiring a firearm under federal law.

(c) If the department determines that the purchaser is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm or is a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, it shall do both of the following:

(1) Immediately notify the dealer and the chief of the police department of the city or city and county in which the sale was made, or if the sale was made in a district in which there is no municipal police department, the sheriff of the county in which the sale was made, of that fact.

(2) Notify the purchaser and explain the process by which the purchaser may obtain a copy of the criminal or mental health record the department has on file for the purchaser. Upon receipt of that criminal or mental health record, the purchaser may report any inaccuracies or incompleteness to the department on an approved form.

(d) If the firearm matches an entry in the registry described in Section 11106 indicating the firearm is stolen, the department shall immediately do all of the following:

(1) Reject the purchase.

(2) Notify the dealer that the firearm matches an entry in the registry described in Section 11106 indicating the firearm is stolen and that the dealer shall retain the firearm until a law enforcement agency is able to retrieve the firearm.

(3) Notify the law enforcement agency that made the stolen entry that the firearm has been located. The reporting agency shall retrieve the firearm from the dealer and report the firearm’s recovery pursuant to Sections 11108.2, 11108.3, and 11108.5. A reporting agency may comply with this section by arranging to have another state or local law enforcement agency retrieve the firearm on their behalf.

(e) If the department determines that the copies of the register submitted to it pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 28210 contain any blank spaces or inaccurate, illegible, or incomplete information, preventing identification of the purchaser or the handgun or other firearm to be purchased, or if any fee required pursuant to Section 28225 is not submitted by the dealer in conjunction with submission of copies of the register, the department may notify the dealer of that fact. Upon notification by the department, the dealer shall submit corrected copies of the register to the department, or shall submit any fee required pursuant to Section 28225, or both, as appropriate and, if notification by the department is received by the dealer at any time prior to delivery of the firearm to be purchased, the dealer shall withhold delivery until the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(f) If the department determines that the information transmitted to it pursuant to Section 28215 contains inaccurate or incomplete information preventing identification of the purchaser or the handgun or other firearm to be purchased, or if the fee required pursuant to Section 28225 is not transmitted by the dealer in conjunction with transmission of the electronic or telephonic record, the department may notify the dealer of that fact. Upon notification by the department, the dealer shall transmit corrections to the record of electronic or telephonic transfer to the department, or shall transmit any fee required pursuant to Section 28225, or both, as appropriate, and if notification by the department is received by the dealer at any time prior to delivery of the firearm to be purchased, the dealer shall withhold delivery until the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(g) (1) The department shall immediately notify the dealer to delay the transfer of the firearm to the purchaser if the records of the department, or the records available to the department in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, indicate one of the following:

(A) The purchaser has been taken into custody and placed in a facility for mental health treatment or evaluation and may be a person described in Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and the department is unable to ascertain whether the purchaser is a person who is prohibited from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, pursuant to Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, prior to the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(B) The purchaser has been arrested for, or charged with, a crime that would make the purchaser, if convicted, a person who is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, and the department is unable to ascertain whether the purchaser was convicted of that offense prior to the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(C) The purchaser may be a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, and the department is unable to ascertain whether the purchaser, in fact, is a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, prior to the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(D) The purchaser may be prohibited from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, and the purchaser’s eligibility to possess, receive, own, or purchase a firearm cannot be ascertained without further research regarding the effect of past criminal convictions or mental health confinements on the purchaser’s eligibility, or without obtaining additional records that could not be obtained prior to the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540.

(2) The department shall notify the purchaser by mail or by other means as determined by the department regarding the delay. This paragraph does not apply to any delivery that has been delayed pursuant to paragraph (6).

(3) If the department is able to ascertain the purchaser’s eligibility to possess, receive, own, or purchase a firearm, for any of the reasons described in paragraph (1), after the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540, but within 30 days of the dealer’s original submission of the purchaser information to the department pursuant to this section, the department shall do the following:

(A) If the purchaser is not a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, and is not prohibited by state or federal law, including, but not limited to, Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, the department shall immediately notify the dealer of that fact and the dealer may then immediately transfer the firearm to the purchaser, upon the dealer’s recording on the register or record of electronic transfer the date that the firearm is transferred, the dealer signing the register or record of electronic transfer indicating delivery of the firearm to that purchaser, and the purchaser signing the register or record of electronic transfer acknowledging the receipt of the firearm on the date that the firearm is delivered to the purchaser.

(B) If the purchaser is a person described in subdivision (a) of Section 27535, or is prohibited by state or federal law, including, but not limited to, Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, the department shall immediately notify the dealer and the chief of the police department in the city or city and county in which the sale was made, or if the sale was made in a district in which there is no municipal police department, the sheriff of the county in which the sale was made, of that fact in compliance with subdivision (c).

(4) If the department is unable to ascertain the purchaser’s eligibility to possess, receive, own, or purchase a firearm for any of the reasons described in paragraph (1), within 30 days of the dealer’s original submission of purchaser information to the department pursuant to this section, the department shall immediately do both of the following:

(A) Notify the dealer and the dealer may then immediately transfer the firearm to the purchaser, upon the dealer’s recording on the register or record of electronic transfer the date that the firearm is transferred, the dealer signing the register or record of electronic transfer indicating delivery of the firearm to that purchaser, and the purchaser signing the register or record of electronic transfer acknowledging the receipt of the firearm on the date that the firearm is delivered to the purchaser.

(B) Notify the purchaser of the department’s inability to ascertain the purchaser’s eligibility to possess, receive, own, or purchase a firearm and explain the process by which the purchaser may obtain a copy of the criminal or mental health record the department has on file for the purchaser. Upon receipt of that criminal or mental health record, the purchaser may report any inaccuracies or incompleteness to the department on an approved form.

(5) Commencing July 1, 2025, if the department is unable to ascertain the validity of a hunting license required pursuant to Section 27510, the department shall immediately notify the dealer to cancel the sale of the firearm. The department shall notify the purchaser by mail or by other means as determined by the department, that the hunting license was not valid and unexpired or the Department of Fish and Wildlife was unable to verify the license based upon the information provided.

(6) If, as determined by order of the Attorney General, an emergency of the type described in Section 8558 of the Government Code has caused the department to be unable to obtain or review records to determine a purchaser’s eligibility to purchase, receive, own, or possess a firearm prior to the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540, the department may notify the dealer to delay the transfer of the firearm to the purchaser up to 30 days after the dealer’s original submission of purchaser information to the department.

(h) (1) Upon receipt of information demonstrating that a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to federal or state law, the department shall submit the name, date of birth, and physical description of the person to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Index, Denied Persons Files. The information provided shall remain privileged and confidential, and shall not be disclosed, except for the purpose of enforcing federal or state firearms laws.

(2) This subdivision does not prohibit the department from sharing information pertaining to a person that is prohibited from possessing a firearm if the department is otherwise expressly authorized or required by state law to share that information with the recipient party.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 80, Sec. 108. (SB 1525) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The Department of Justice may require the dealer to charge each firearm purchaser a fee not to exceed one dollar ($1), except that the fee may be increased at a rate not to exceed any increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations.

(b) The fee under subdivision (a) shall be no more than is necessary to fund the following:

(1) The department for the cost of furnishing this information.

(2) The department for the cost of meeting its obligations under paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 8100 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(3) Local mental health facilities for state-mandated local costs resulting from the reporting requirements imposed by Section 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(4) The State Department of State Hospitals for the costs resulting from the requirements imposed by Section 8104 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(5) Local mental hospitals, sanitariums, and institutions for state-mandated local costs resulting from the reporting requirements imposed by Section 8105 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(6) Local law enforcement agencies for state-mandated local costs resulting from the notification requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 6385 of the Family Code.

(7) Local law enforcement agencies for state-mandated local costs resulting from the notification requirements set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 8105 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(8) For the actual costs associated with the electronic or telephonic transfer of information pursuant to Section 28215.

(9) The Department of Food and Agriculture for the costs resulting from the notification provisions set forth in Section 5343.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code.

(10) The department for the costs associated with subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 27560.

(c) The fee established pursuant to this section shall not exceed the sum of the actual processing costs of the department, the estimated reasonable costs of the local mental health facilities for complying with the reporting requirements imposed by paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the costs of the State Department of State Hospitals for complying with the requirements imposed by paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), the estimated reasonable costs of local mental hospitals, sanitariums, and institutions for complying with the reporting requirements imposed by paragraph (5) of subdivision (b), the estimated reasonable costs of local law enforcement agencies for complying with the notification requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 6385 of the Family Code, the estimated reasonable costs of local law enforcement agencies for complying with the notification requirements set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 8105 of the Welfare and Institutions Code imposed by paragraph (7) of subdivision (b), the estimated reasonable costs of the Department of Food and Agriculture for the costs resulting from the notification provisions set forth in Section 5343.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code, and the estimated reasonable costs of the department for the costs associated with subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 27560.

(d) Where the electronic or telephonic transfer of applicant information is used, the department shall establish a system to be used for the submission of the fees described in this section to the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 736, Sec. 13. (AB 1669) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The Department of Justice may charge a fee sufficient to reimburse it for each of the following but not to exceed fourteen dollars ($14), except that the fee may be increased at a rate not to exceed any increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations:

(1) For the actual costs associated with the preparation, sale, processing, and filing of forms or reports required or utilized pursuant to any provision listed in subdivision (a) of Section 16585.

(2) For the actual costs associated with the preparation, sale, processing, and filing of reports utilized pursuant to Sections 26556, 26905, and 28050, or paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 32000.

(3) For the actual costs associated with the electronic or telephonic transfer of information pursuant to Section 28215.

(b) Any costs incurred by the Department of Justice to implement this section shall be reimbursed from fees collected and charged pursuant to this section. No fees shall be charged to the dealer pursuant to Section 28225 for implementing this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 67, Sec. 159. (AB 1170) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The Department of Justice may, in addition to the fee described in Sections 28225 and 28230, require a dealer to charge each firearm purchaser a fee in the amount of thirty-one dollars and nineteen cents ($31.19).

(b) Moneys received by the department pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Dealers’ Record of Sale Supplemental Subaccount, within the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account of the General Fund, which is hereby created, to be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for expenditure by the department to offset the reasonable costs of firearms-related regulatory and enforcement activities related to the sale, purchase, manufacturing, lawful or unlawful possession, loan, or transfer of firearms pursuant to any provision listed in Section 16580.

(c) The fee described in subdivision (a) may be increased at a rate no more than any increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations, but not to exceed the reasonable cost of regulation to the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 736, Sec. 14. (AB 1669) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
Except as otherwise provided in Section 28233, moneys received by the department pursuant to this article shall be deposited in the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account of the General Fund, which is hereby created, to be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for expenditure by the department to offset the costs incurred pursuant to any of the following:

(a) This article.

(b) Section 18910.

(c) Section 27555.

(d) Subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 27560.

(e) Chapter 4.1 (commencing with Section 28010).

(f) Article 6 (commencing with Section 28450).

(g) Section 31110.

(h) Section 31115.

(i) Subdivision (a) of Section 32020.

(j) Section 32670.

(k) Section 33320.

(l) Section 33700.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. (SB 704) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Except as otherwise specified, each fee prescribed in this article shall only be charged once for a single transaction on the same date for taking title or possession of any number of firearms.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 540, Sec. 14. (AB 3064) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Whenever the Department of Justice acts pursuant to this article as it pertains to firearms other than handguns, the department’s acts or omissions shall be deemed to be discretionary within the meaning of the Government Claims Act pursuant to Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 759, Sec. 8. (AB 2690) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Any person who does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor:

(1) Furnishing a fictitious name or address for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

(2) Knowingly furnishing any incorrect information for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

(3) Knowingly omitting any information required to be provided for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

(4) Violating any provision of this article.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any person who is prohibited from obtaining a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, who does any of the following shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for a term of 8, 12, or 18 months:

(1) Knowingly furnishes a fictitious name or address for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

(2) Knowingly furnishes any incorrect information for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

(3) Knowingly omits any information required to be provided for the register under Section 28210 or the electronic or telephonic transfer under Section 28215.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 546. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Amending action operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68. Section operative January 1, 2012, pursuant to Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 10.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Commencing January 1, 2014, if after the conclusion of the waiting period described in Sections 26815 and 27540, the individual named in the application as the purchaser of the firearm takes possession of the firearm set forth in the application to purchase, the dealer shall notify the Department of Justice of that fact in a manner and within a time period specified by the department, and with sufficient information to identify the purchaser and the firearm that the purchaser took possession of.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 737, Sec. 9. (AB 500) Effective January 1, 2014.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The Firearms Safety and Enforcement Special Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury and shall be administered by the Department of Justice.

(b) The Department of Justice may require firearms dealers to charge each person who obtains a firearm a fee not to exceed five dollars ($5) for each transaction, except that the fee may be increased at a rate not to exceed any increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations, and not to exceed the reasonable cost of regulation to the department. Revenues from this fee shall be deposited in the Firearms Safety and Enforcement Special Fund.

(c) Revenue deposited into the Firearms Safety and Enforcement Special Fund shall be available for expenditure by the Department of Justice upon appropriation by the Legislature for the purpose of implementing and enforcing the provisions of Article 2 (commencing with Section 31610) of Chapter 4 of Division 10, enforcing Section 830.95, Title 2 (commencing with Section 12001) of Part 4, Sections 16000 to 16960, inclusive, Sections 16970 to 17230, inclusive, Sections 17240 to 21390, inclusive, and Sections 21590 to 34370, inclusive, and for the establishment, maintenance, and upgrading of equipment and services necessary for firearms dealers to comply with Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 33, Sec. 38. (SB 843) Effective June 27, 2016.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms > 4. Firearms Safety and Enforcement Special Fund


text:
(a) Article 1 (commencing with Section 28100), Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150), Article 3 (commencing with Section 28200), and Article 4 (commencing with Section 28300) do not apply to any sale, delivery, or transfer of firearms made to an authorized law enforcement representative of any city, county, city and county, or state, or of the federal government, for exclusive use by that governmental agency if, prior to the sale, delivery, or transfer of these firearms, written authorization from the head of the agency authorizing the transaction is presented to the person from whom the purchase, delivery, or transfer is being made.

(b) Proper written authorization is defined as verifiable written certification from the head of the agency by which the purchaser or transferee is employed, identifying the employee as an individual authorized to conduct the transaction, and authorizing the transaction for the exclusive use of the agency by which that person is employed.

(c) Within 10 days of the date a handgun, and commencing January 1, 2014, any firearm, is acquired by the agency, a record of the same shall be entered as an institutional weapon into the Automated Firearms System (AFS) via the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) by the law enforcement or state agency. Any agency without access to AFS shall arrange with the sheriff of the county in which the agency is located to input this information via this system.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 745, Sec. 59. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms > 5. Exceptions Relating to Law Enforcement


text:
Article 1 (commencing with Section 28100), Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150), Article 3 (commencing with Section 28200), and Article 4 (commencing with Section 28300) do not apply to the loan of a firearm if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) The loan is made by an authorized law enforcement representative of a city, county, or city and county, or of the state or federal government.

(b) The loan is made to a peace officer employed by that agency and authorized to carry a firearm.

(c) The loan is made for the carrying and use of that firearm by that peace officer in the course and scope of the officer’s duties.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 5. Exceptions Relating to Law Enforcement


text:
(a) Article 1 (commencing with Section 28100), Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150), Article 3 (commencing with Section 28200), and Article 4 (commencing with Section 28300) do not apply to the sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm by a law enforcement agency to a peace officer pursuant to Section 10334 of the Public Contract Code.

(b) Within 10 days of the date that a handgun, and commencing January 1, 2014, any firearm, is sold, delivered, or transferred pursuant to Section 10334 of the Public Contract Code to that peace officer, the name of the officer and the make, model, serial number, and other identifying characteristics of the firearm being sold, delivered, or transferred shall be entered into the Automated Firearms System (AFS) via the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) by the law enforcement or state agency that sold, delivered, or transferred the firearm, provided, however, that if the firearm is not a handgun and does not have a serial number, identification number, or identification mark assigned to it, that fact shall be noted in AFS. Any agency without access to AFS shall arrange with the sheriff of the county in which the agency is located to input this information via this system.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 745, Sec. 60. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Article 1 (commencing with Section 28100), Article 2 (commencing with Section 28150), Article 3 (commencing with Section 28200), and Article 4 (commencing with Section 28300) do not apply to the sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm by a law enforcement agency to a retiring peace officer who is authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 26300) of Division 5.

(b) Within 10 days of the date that a handgun, and commencing January 1, 2014, any firearm, is sold, delivered, or transferred to that retiring peace officer, the name of the officer and the make, model, serial number, and other identifying characteristics of the firearm being sold, delivered, or transferred shall be entered into the Automated Firearms System (AFS) via the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) by the law enforcement or state agency that sold, delivered, or transferred the firearm, provided, however, that if the firearm is not a handgun and does not have a serial number, identification number, or identification mark assigned to it, that fact shall be noted in AFS. Any agency without access to AFS shall arrange with the sheriff of the county in which the agency is located to input this information via this system.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 745, Sec. 61. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Commencing January 1, 2008, the Department of Justice shall keep a centralized list of persons who identify themselves as being licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code as a dealer, importer, or manufacturer of firearms whose licensed premises are within this state and who declare to the department an exemption from the firearms dealer licensing requirements of Section 26500.

(b) The list shall be known as the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees.

(c) To qualify for placement on the centralized list, an applicant shall do all of the following:

(1) Possess a valid federal firearms license pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code as a dealer, importer, or manufacturer of firearms.

(2) Possess a current, valid certificate of eligibility pursuant to Section 26710.

(3) Maintain with the department a signed declaration enumerating the applicant’s statutory exemptions from licensing requirements of Section 26500.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 6. Recordkeeping, Background Checks, and Fees Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms > 6. Centralized List of Exempted Federal Firearms Licensees


text: Any person furnishing a fictitious name, knowingly furnishing any incorrect information, or knowingly omitting any information for the declaration under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 28450 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 6. Centralized List of Exempted Federal Firearms Licensees


text:
(a) Commencing January 1, 2008, the department shall assess an annual fee of one hundred fifteen dollars ($115) to cover its costs of maintaining the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees prescribed by Section 28450, conducting inspections in accordance with this article, and for the cost of maintaining the firearm shipment verification number system described in Section 27555.

(b) The department may increase the fee at a rate not to exceed the increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations.

(c) The fees collected shall be deposited in the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account.

(d) A person who satisfies all of the following conditions shall not be charged a fee:

(1) The person is not licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive.

(2) The person has been issued a permit pursuant to Section 31005, 32650, or 33300, or pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 18900) of Chapter 1 of Division 5 of Title 2.

(3) The person is placed on the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Any person licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code as a dealer, importer, or manufacturer of firearms whose licensed premises are within this state shall not import or receive firearms from any source unless listed on the centralized list of firearms dealers pursuant to Section 26715, or the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees pursuant to Section 28450, or the centralized list of firearms manufacturers pursuant to Section 29060.

(b) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) All persons on the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees prescribed by Section 28450 shall record and keep on file for three years, the verification number that shall accompany firearms received from other federal firearms licensees pursuant to Section 27555.

(b) A violation of this section is cause for immediate removal from the centralized list.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
Information compiled from the list described in Section 28450 shall be made available for the following purposes:

(a) Requests from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the duly constituted city, county, and city and county licensing authorities.

(b) When the information is requested by a person licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code for determining the validity of the license for firearm shipments.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The department may conduct onsite inspections at the business premises of a person on the centralized list described in Section 28450 to determine compliance with firearms laws pursuant to the provisions listed in Section 16575.

(b) The department shall work in consultation with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to ensure that licensees are not subject to duplicative inspections.

(c) During the inspection the following firearm records shall be made available for review:

(1) Federal records referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 478.125 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations and the bound book containing the same information referred to in Section 478.124a and subdivision (e) of Section 478.125 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) Verification numbers issued pursuant to Section 27555.

(3) Any other records requested by the department to determine compliance with the provisions listed in Section 16575.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 103, Sec. 10. (AB 1798) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: The department may remove from the centralized list described in Section 28450 any person who violates a provision listed in Section 16575.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: The department may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this article, Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 26800) of Chapter 2, and Sections 27555 to 27570, inclusive. The department shall work in consultation with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to ensure that state regulations are not duplicative of federal regulations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 103, Sec. 11. (AB 1798) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A person shall not manufacture more than three firearms within this state in a calendar year unless that person is licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29030).

(b) If a person required to be licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29030) ceases operations, then the records required pursuant to Section 29130 and subdivision (b) of Section 29115 shall be forwarded to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives within three days of the closure of business.

(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 243, Sec. 3. (AB 1089) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. License Requirement for Manufacture of Firearms


text:
In this chapter, “licensee” means a person, firm, or corporation that satisfies both of the following:

(a) Has a license issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 29050.

(b) Is among those recorded in the centralized list specified in Section 29060.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 1. Preliminary Provisions

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Issuance, Forfeiture, and Conditions of License to Manufacture Firearms > 1. Preliminary Provisions


text:
(a) The Department of Justice shall accept applications for, and shall grant licenses permitting, the manufacture of firearms within this state.

(b) No license shall be granted by the department unless and until the applicant presents proof that the applicant has all of the following:

(1) A valid license to manufacture firearms issued pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code.

(2) Any regulatory or business license required by local government.

(3) A valid seller’s permit or resale certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization, if applicable.

(4) A certificate of eligibility issued by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 26710.

(c) A license granted by the department shall be valid for no more than one year from the date of issuance and shall be in the form prescribed by the Attorney General.

(d) The department shall inform applicants who are denied licenses of the reasons for the denial in writing.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Licensing Process

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Issuance, Forfeiture, and Conditions of License to Manufacture Firearms > 2. Licensing Process


text:
(a) The department shall adopt regulations to administer this chapter and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 29010).

(b) The department shall recover the full costs of administering the program by collecting fees from license applicants. Recoverable costs shall include, but not be limited to, the costs of inspections and maintaining a centralized list of licensed firearm manufacturers.

(c) The fee for licensed manufacturers who produce fewer than 500 firearms in a calendar year within this state shall not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per year or the actual costs of inspections and maintaining a centralized list of firearm manufacturers and any other duties of the department required pursuant to this chapter and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 29010), whichever is less.

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 2. Issuance, Forfeiture, and Conditions of License to Manufacture Firearms

article: 2. Licensing Process


text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 20965, the Department of Justice shall maintain a centralized list of all persons licensed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 29050.

(b) The centralized list shall be provided annually to each police department and county sheriff within the state.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Licensing Process


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the license of any licensee who violates this chapter may be revoked.

(b) The license of any licensee who knowingly or with gross negligence violates this chapter or violates this chapter three times shall be revoked, and that person, firm, or corporation shall become permanently ineligible to obtain a license pursuant to this chapter.

(c) Upon the revocation of the license, notification shall be provided to local law enforcement authorities in the jurisdiction where the licensee’s business is located and to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 234. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Licensing Process


text:
(a) The department shall make information concerning the location and name of a licensee available, upon request, for the following purposes only:

(1) Law enforcement.

(2) When the information is requested by a person licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code for determining the validity of the license for firearm shipments.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the department shall make the name and business address of a licensee available to any person upon written request.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Licensing Process


text:
The Department of Justice shall maintain and make available upon request information concerning all of the following:

(a) The number of inspections conducted and the amount of fees collected pursuant to Section 29055.

(b) The number of licensees removed from the centralized list described in Sections 29060 and 29065.

(c) The number of licensees found to have violated this chapter.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Licensing Process


text: A licensee shall comply with the prohibitions and requirements described in this article.

title: 4. FIREARMS

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Issuance, Forfeiture, and Conditions of License to Manufacture Firearms > 3. Prohibitions and Requirements Applicable to Licensee


text: The business of a licensee shall be conducted only in the buildings designated in the license.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Prohibitions and Requirements Applicable to Licensee


text: A licensee shall display the license or a copy thereof, certified by the department, on the premises where it can easily be seen.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Whenever a licensee discovers that a firearm has been stolen or is missing from the licensee’s premises, the licensee shall report the loss or theft within 48 hours of the discovery to all of the following:

(1) The Department of Justice, in a manner prescribed by the department.

(2) The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

(3) The police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located.

(4) If there is no police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located, the sheriff of the county where the building designated in the license is located.

(b) For at least 10 years, the licensee shall maintain records of all firearms that are lost or stolen, as prescribed by the Department of Justice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 235. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A licensee shall require that each employee obtain a certificate of eligibility pursuant to Section 26710, which shall be renewed annually, before being allowed to come into contact with any firearm.

(b) A licensee shall prohibit any employee who the licensee knows or reasonably should know is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm from coming into contact with any firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Each firearm a licensee manufactures in this state shall be identified with a unique serial number stamped onto the firearm utilizing the method of compression stamping.

(b) Licensed manufacturers who produce fewer than 500 firearms in a calendar year within this state may serialize long guns only by utilizing a method of compression stamping or by engraving the serial number onto the firearm.

(c) The licensee shall stamp the serial number onto the firearm within one business day of the time the frame or receiver is manufactured.

(d) The licensee shall not use the same serial number for more than one firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A licensee shall record the type, model, caliber, or gauge, and serial number of each firearm manufactured or acquired, and the date of the manufacture or acquisition, within one business day of the manufacture or acquisition.

(b) The licensee shall maintain permanently within the building designated in the license the records required pursuant to subdivision (a).

(c) Backup copies of the records described in subdivision (a), whether electronic or hard copy, shall be made at least once a month. These backup records shall be maintained in a facility separate from the one in which the primary records are stored.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A licensee shall allow the department to inspect the building designated in the license to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

(b) A licensee shall allow any peace officer, authorized law enforcement employee, or Department of Justice employee designated by the Attorney General, upon the presentation of proper identification, to inspect facilities and records during business hours to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: A licensee shall store in a secure facility all firearms manufactured and all barrels for firearms manufactured.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
Except as otherwise provided in Section 29142, as used in this chapter, “secure facility” means that the facility satisfies all of the following:

(a) The facility is equipped with a burglar alarm with central monitoring.

(b) All perimeter entries to areas in which firearms are stored other than doors, including windows and skylights, are secured with steel window guards or an audible, silent, or sonic alarm to detect entry.

(c) All perimeter doorways are designed in one of the following ways:

(1) A windowless steel security door equipped with both a deadbolt and a doorknob lock.

(2) A windowed metal door equipped with both a deadbolt and a doorknob lock. If the window has an opening of five inches or more measured in any direction, the window is covered with steel bars of at least one-half of an inch diameter or metal grating of at least nine gauge affixed to the exterior or interior of the door.

(3) A metal grate that is padlocked and affixed to the licensee’s premises independent of the door and doorframe.

(4) Hinges and hasps attached to doors by welding, riveting, or bolting with nuts on the inside of the door.

(5) Hinges and hasps installed on doors so that they cannot be removed when the doors are closed and locked.

(6) (A) A windowed or windowless steel door that is equipped with panic hardware that operates a multipoint lock that bolts into the interior frame of the door.

(B) The door shall have a latch guard over the bolt closest to the primary locking bolt to protect it from prying or cutting.

(C) If the door is windowed and the window has an opening of five inches or more measured in any direction, the window shall be covered with steel bars of at least one-half of an inch diameter or metal grating of at least nine gauge affixed to the exterior or interior of the door.

(d) Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and service openings are secured with steel bars, metal grating, or an alarm system.

(e) No perimeter metal grates are capable of being entered by any person.

(f) Steel bars used to satisfy the requirements of this section are not capable of being entered by any person.

(g) Perimeter walls of rooms in which firearms are stored are constructed of concrete or at least 10-gauge expanded steel wire mesh utilized along with typical wood frame and drywall construction. If firearms are not stored in a vault, the facility shall use an exterior security-type door along with a high security, single-key deadbolt, or other door that is more secure. All firearms shall be stored in a separate room away from any general living area or work area. Any door to the storage facility shall be locked while unattended.

(h) Perimeter doorways, including the loading dock area, are locked at all times when not attended by paid employees or contracted employees, including security guards.

(i) Except when a firearm is currently being tested, any ammunition on the premises is removed from all manufactured guns and stored in a separate and locked room, cabinet, or box away from the storage area for the firearms. Ammunition may be stored with a weapon only in a locked safe.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 40, Sec. 2. (AB 584) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) For purposes of this chapter, any licensed manufacturer who produces fewer than 500 firearms in a calendar year within this state may maintain a “secure facility” by complying with all of the requirements described in Section 29141, or may design a security plan that is approved by the Department of Justice or the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

(b) If a security plan is approved by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the approved plan, along with proof of approval, shall be filed with the Department of Justice and the local police department. If there is no police department, the filing shall be with the county sheriff’s office.

(c) If a security plan is approved by the Department of Justice, the approved plan, along with proof of approval, shall be filed with the local police department. If there is no police department, the filing shall be with the county sheriff’s office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 236. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A licensee shall notify the chief of police or other head of the municipal police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located that the licensee is manufacturing firearms within that city or city and county and the location of the licensed premises.

(b) If there is no police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located, the licensee shall notify the sheriff of the county where the building designated in the license is located that the licensee is manufacturing firearms within that county and the location of the licensed premises.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) For purposes of this chapter, “manufacturing” or “assembling” a firearm means to fabricate or construct a firearm, including through additive, subtractive, or other processes, or to fit together the component parts of a firearm to construct a firearm.

(b) Before manufacturing or assembling a firearm, a person manufacturing or assembling the firearm shall, for any firearm that does not have a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification imprinted on the frame or receiver, do all of the following:

(1) (A) Apply to the Department of Justice for a unique serial number or other mark of identification pursuant to Section 29182.

(B) Each application shall contain a description of the firearm that the applicant intends to assemble, the applicant’s full name, address, date of birth, and any other information that the department may deem appropriate.

(2) (A) Within 10 days of manufacturing or assembling a firearm in accordance with paragraph (1), the unique serial number or other mark of identification provided by the department shall be engraved or permanently affixed to the firearm in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements imposed on licensed importers and licensed manufacturers of firearms pursuant to subsection (i) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

(B) If the firearm is manufactured or assembled from polymer plastic, 3.7 ounces of material type 17-4 PH stainless steel shall be embedded within the plastic upon fabrication or construction with the unique serial number engraved or otherwise permanently affixed in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements imposed on licensed importers and licensed manufacturers of firearms pursuant to subsection (i) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

(3) After the serial number provided by the department is engraved or otherwise permanently affixed to the firearm, the person shall notify the department of that fact in a manner and within a time period specified by the department, and with sufficient information to identify the owner of the firearm, the unique serial number or mark of identification provided by the department, and the firearm in a manner prescribed by the department.

(c) Any person who owns a firearm or firearm precursor part that does not bear a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification shall be deemed to be in compliance with subdivision (b) of Section 23920 if they comply with all of the following:

(1) (A) By no later than January 1, 2024, or if a new resident of the state, within 60 days after arriving in the state with a firearm that does not have a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification, apply to the Department of Justice for a unique serial number or other mark of identification pursuant to Section 29182.

(B) An application to the department for a serial number or mark of identification for a firearm precursor part shall include, in a manner prescribed by the department, information identifying the applicant and a description of the firearm that the applicant intends to manufacture or assemble with the firearm precursor part, and any other information that the department may deem appropriate.

(2) Within 10 days of receiving a unique serial number or other mark of identification from the department, engrave or permanently affix that serial number or mark of identification to the firearm in accordance with regulations prescribed by the department pursuant to Section 29182 and in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements imposed on licensed importers and licensed manufacturers of firearms pursuant to subsection (i) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code and regulations issued pursuant thereto. If the firearm is manufactured or assembled from polymer plastic, 3.7 ounces of material type 17-4 PH stainless steel shall be embedded within the plastic upon fabrication or construction.

(3) After the serial number provided by the department is engraved or otherwise permanently affixed to the firearm, notify the department of that fact in a manner and within a time period specified by the department and with sufficient information to identify the owner of the firearm, the unique serial number or mark of identification provided by the department, and the firearm in a manner prescribed by the department.

(d) (1) Except by operation of law, a person, corporation, or firm that is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer shall not sell or transfer ownership of a firearm, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 16520, if any of the following are true:

(A) That person, corporation, or firm manufactured or assembled the firearm.

(B) That person, corporation, or firm knowingly caused the firearm to be manufactured or assembled by a person, corporation, or firm that is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer.

(C) That person, corporation, or firm is aware that the firearm was manufactured or assembled by a person, corporation, or firm that is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to the transfer, surrender, or sale of a firearm to a law enforcement agency.

(3) Any firearms confiscated by law enforcement that do not bear an engraved serial number or other mark of identification pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c), or a firearm surrendered, transferred, or sold to a law enforcement agency pursuant to paragraph (2) shall be destroyed as provided in Section 18005.

(4) Sections 26500 and 27545, and subdivision (a) of Section 31615, do not apply to the transfer, sale, or surrender of firearms to a law enforcement agency pursuant to paragraph (2).

(e) A person, corporation, or firm shall not knowingly allow, facilitate, aid, or abet the manufacture or assembling of a firearm by a person who is within any of the classes identified by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this code, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(f) A person, corporation, or firm shall not knowingly manufacture or assemble, or knowingly cause, allow, facilitate, aid, or abet the manufacture or assembling of, a firearm that is not imprinted with a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification.

(g) If the firearm is a handgun, a violation of this section is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. For all other firearms, a violation of this section is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. Each firearm found to be in violation of this section constitutes a distinct and separate offense. This section does not preclude prosecution under any other law providing for a greater penalty.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 76, Sec. 22. (AB 1621) Effective June 30, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 3. Assembly of Firearms

path: 4. FIREARMS > 3. Assembly of Firearms


text:
(a) The Department of Justice may accept applications from, and may grant applications in the form of serial numbers pursuant to Sections 23910 and 29180 to, persons who wish to own a firearm or firearm precursor part that does not have a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification.

(b) An application made pursuant to subdivision (a) shall only be granted by the department if the applicant does all of the following:

(1) For each transaction, completes a firearms eligibility check pursuant to Section 28220 demonstrating that the applicant is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

(2) Presents proof of age and identity as specified in Section 16400 demonstrating that person is 21 years of age or older.

(3) Provides a description of the firearm that the applicant owns or intends to manufacture or assemble, in a manner prescribed by the department.

(4) Has a valid firearm safety certificate.

(c) The department shall inform applicants who are denied an application of the reasons for the denial in writing. The reason for denial may include, without limitation, any of the following:

(1) Based on a firearm eligibility check conducted pursuant to Section 28220, the department has determined that the applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

(2) Based on a firearm eligibility check conducted pursuant to Section 28220, the department is unable to ascertain the disposition of an arrest or criminal charge, is unable to ascertain the outcome of a mental health evaluation or treatment, or otherwise is unable to conclusively determine that the applicant is not ineligible.

(3) The applicant’s description of the firearm that the applicant owns or intends to manufacture or assemble indicates that the firearm would be considered any of the following:

(A) An unsafe handgun.

(B) An assault weapon, as defined in Section 30510 or 30515.

(C) A machinegun.

(D) A .50 BMG rifle.

(E) A destructive device, as defined in Section 16460.

(F) A short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun.

(G) An unconventional pistol.

(H) Any other firearm prohibited by this part.

(d) (1) All applications received on or after January 1, 2024, shall be granted or denied within 90 calendar days after the receipt of the application by the department.

(2) Any application received before January 1, 2024, may be granted or denied within a period of time prescribed by the department.

(e) (1) This chapter does not authorize a person to manufacture, assemble, or possess a weapon prohibited under Section 16590, an assault weapon as defined in Section 30510 or 30515, a machinegun as defined in Section 16880, a .50 BMG rifle as defined in Section 30530, or a destructive device as defined in Section 16460.

(2) This chapter does not authorize a person to manufacture or assemble an unsafe handgun, as defined in Section 31910.

(f) The department shall adopt regulations to administer this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 76, Sec. 24. (AB 1621) Effective June 30, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: The Department of Justice may charge an applicant a fee for each distinguishing number or mark it issues in an amount sufficient to reimburse it for the actual costs associated with assigning a distinguishing number or mark to a firearm pursuant to Sections 29180 and 29182 and for conducting a firearms eligibility check pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 29182. All money received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account of the General Fund, to be available upon appropriation by the Legislature.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 780, Sec. 6. (SB 746) Effective January 1, 2019.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
The Department of Justice shall maintain and make available upon request information concerning both of the following:

(a) The number of serial numbers issued pursuant to Section 29182.

(b) The number of arrests for violations of Section 29180.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 60, Sec. 4. (AB 857) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) No person, other than a state-licensed firearms manufacturer, shall use a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine or three-dimensional printer to manufacture a firearm.

(b) It is unlawful to sell, offer to sell, or transfer a CNC milling machine or three-dimensional printer that has the sole or primary function of manufacturing firearms to any person in this state, other than a state-licensed firearms manufacturer.

(c) It is unlawful for any person in this state other than a state-licensed firearms manufacturer to possess, purchase, or receive a CNC milling machine or three-dimensional printer that has the sole or primary function of manufacturing firearms.

(d) Subdivisions (b) and (c) do not apply to any of the following:

(1) A person who is engaged in the business of selling manufacturing equipment to a state-licensed firearms manufacturer, and who possesses a CNC milling machine or three-dimensional printer with the intent to sell or transfer the CNC milling machine or three-dimensional printer to a state licensed firearms manufacturer.

(2) A common carrier licensed under state law, or a motor carrier, air carrier or carrier affiliated with an air carrier through common controlling interest that is subject to Title 49 of the United States Code, or an authorized agent of any such carrier, when acting in the course and scope of duties incident to the receipt, processing, transportation, or delivery of property.

(3) A person who, before June 30, 2022, possessed a CNC milling machine that has the sole or primary function of manufacturing firearms and who, within 90 days after that date, does one of the following:

(A) Sells or transfers the machine to a federally licensed firearms manufacturer or importer.

(B) Sells or transfers the machine to a person described in paragraph (1).

(C) Removes the machine from this state.

(D) Relinquished the machine to a law enforcement agency.

(E) Otherwise lawfully terminates possession of the machine.

(4) A person who, before July 1, 2024, possessed a three-dimensional printer that has the sole or primary function of manufacturing firearms and who, within 90 days after that date, does one of the following:

(A) Sells or transfers the machine to a state-licensed firearms manufacturer.

(B) Sells or transfers the machine to a person described in paragraph (1).

(C) Removes the machine from this state.

(D) Relinquishes the machine to a law enforcement agency.

(E) Otherwise lawfully terminates possession of the machine.

(e) This section does not apply to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, while on duty and acting within the scope and course of employment, or any law enforcement agency or forensic laboratory.

(f) A violation of this section is punishable as a misdemeanor.

(g) As used in this section, the following terms are defined as follows:

(1) “State-licensed firearms manufacturer” has the same meaning as the term “licensee” is defined in Section 29030.

(2) “Three-dimensional printer” means a computer-aided manufacturing device capable of producing a three-dimensional object from a three-dimensional digital model through an additive manufacturing process that involves the layering of two-dimensional cross sections formed of a resin or similar material that are fused together to form a three-dimensional object.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 243, Sec. 4. (AB 1089) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) It is unlawful to knowingly or willfully cause another person to engage in the unlawful manufacture of firearms, or to knowingly or willfully aid, abet, promote, or facilitate the unlawful manufacture of firearms.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the “unlawful manufacture of firearms” includes any of the following:

(1) The manufacture of a firearm by a minor, or by a person who is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under California law.

(2) The manufacture of four or more firearms within the state in the same calendar year by an individual who is not licensed to manufacture firearms pursuant to California law, in violation of Section 29010.

(3) The manufacture of any firearm using a three-dimensional printer or computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine by an individual who is not licensed to manufacture firearms pursuant to California law, in violation of Section 29185.

(4) The manufacture of a firearm by a person who is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer, for the purpose of selling or transferring ownership of that firearm to another person who is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer, in violation of subdivision (d) of Section 29180.

(5) The manufacture of a firearm for the purpose of selling, loaning, or transferring the firearm to another person, with the intent to complete the sale, loan, or transfer without a required background check on the transferee initiated by a licensed firearms dealer, in violation of Section 27520.

(6) The manufacture of any of the following:

(A) Assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles, in violation of Section 30600.

(B) Firearms that are not immediately recognizable as firearms, in violation of Section 24510.

(C) Firearms that are not imprinted with a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification, in violation of subdivision (f) of Section 29180.

(D) Large-capacity magazines or large-capacity magazine conversion kits, in violation of Section 32310 or 32311.

(E) Machineguns, in violation of Section 32625.

(F) Multiburst trigger activators, in violation of Section 32900.

(G) Short-barreled rifles or short-barreled shotguns, in violation of Section 33215.

(H) Undetectable firearms, in violation of Section 24610.

(I) Unsafe handguns, in violation of Section 32000.

(J) Zip guns, in violation of Section 33600.

(K) Any other weapon defined as a “generally prohibited weapon” under Section 16590.

(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 636, Sec. 6. (AB 1263) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a firearm of any nature owned or possessed in violation of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 29610), Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800), or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 8100) of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or used in the commission of any misdemeanor as provided in this code, any felony, or an attempt to commit any misdemeanor as provided in this code or any felony, is, upon a conviction of the defendant or upon a juvenile court finding that an offense which would be a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult was committed or attempted by the juvenile with the use of a firearm, a nuisance, and is subject to Sections 18000 and 18005.

(b) A finding that the defendant was guilty of the offense but was insane at the time the offense was committed is a conviction for the purposes of this section.

(c) A firearm is not a nuisance pursuant to this section if the firearm owner disposes of the firearm pursuant to Section 29810.

(d) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any firearm in the possession of the Department of Fish and Game.

(2) Any firearm that was used in the violation of any provision of the Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

(3) Any firearm that is forfeited pursuant to Section 5008.6 of the Public Resources Code.

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 1. Miscellaneous Provisions

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Miscellaneous Provisions


text:
(a) The Department of Justice shall collect and report data on arrests made by law enforcement agencies for offenses related to firearms without a valid state or federal serial number. The department shall collect and report the following data:

(1) The number of arrests for violations of Section 23920.

(2) The number of arrests for violations of Section 29180.

(3) Until January 1, 2029, the disposition of violations of Sections 23920 and 29180, including, without limitation, the number of cases resulting in each of the following dispositions:

(A) An arrest was made, but the arresting law enforcement agency did not submit charges to the district attorney or other prosecuting agency.

(B) An arrest was made, but no charges were filed by the district attorney or other prosecuting agency.

(C) The case was dismissed after charging, either by the court or the district attorney.

(D) The defendant was acquitted.

(E) The defendant was convicted, whether by trial or by plea.

(4) Commencing on January 1, 2029, the disposition of violations of Sections 23920 and 29180 based on the information reported to the department pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 13370, including, without limitation, the number of cases resulting in each of the following dispositions:

(A) An arrest was made, but the arresting law enforcement agency did not submit charges to the district attorney or other prosecuting agency.

(B) An arrest was made, but no charges were filed by the district attorney or other prosecuting agency.

(C) The case was dismissed after charging, either by the court or the district attorney.

(D) The defendant was acquitted by trial.

(E) The defendant was convicted by plea.

(F) The defendant was convicted by trial.

(b) Commencing on July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the department shall issue a report that includes the data collected pursuant to subdivision (a). This report shall be made available in the same manner as described in subdivision (g) of Section 13010.

(c) This section shall remain in effect until January 1, 2033, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 233, Sec. 1. (AB 97) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2033, by its own provisions.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Any person who is at least 21 years of age may apply for an entertainment firearms permit from the Department of Justice. An entertainment firearms permit authorizes the permitholder to possess firearms loaned to the permitholder for use solely as a prop in a motion picture, television, video, theatrical, or other entertainment production or event.

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 2. Entertainment Firearms Permit

path: 4. FIREARMS > 2. Entertainment Firearms Permit


text:
(a) Requests for entertainment firearms permits shall be made on application forms prescribed by the Department of Justice that require applicant information, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Complete name.

(2) Residential and mailing address.

(3) Telephone number.

(4) Date of birth.

(5) Place of birth.

(6) Country of citizenship and, if other than United States, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services-assigned number.

(7) Valid driver’s license number or valid identification card number issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

(8) Social security number.

(9) Signature.

(b) All applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee as specified in Section 29510.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 296, Sec. 52. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) The Department of Justice shall recover the full costs of administering the entertainment firearms permit program by assessing the following application fees:

(1) For the initial application: one hundred four dollars ($104). Of this sum, fifty-six dollars ($56) shall be deposited into the Fingerprint Fee Account, and forty-eight dollars ($48) shall be deposited into the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account.

(2) For each annual renewal application: twenty-nine dollars ($29), which shall be deposited into the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account.

(b) The department shall annually review and shall adjust the fees specified in subdivision (a), if necessary, to fully fund, but not to exceed the actual costs of, the permit program provided for by this chapter, including enforcement of the program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 285, Sec. 27. (AB 1402) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) Upon receipt of an initial or renewal application submitted as specified in Sections 29505, 29520, and 29525, the department shall examine its records, records the department is authorized to request from the State Department of State Hospitals pursuant to Section 8104 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and records of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System as described in subsection (t) of Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code, in order to determine if the applicant is prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms.

(b) The department shall issue an entertainment firearms permit only if the records indicate that the applicant is not prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms pursuant to any federal, state, or local law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 24, Sec. 58. (AB 1470) Effective June 27, 2012.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) An initial application for an entertainment firearms permit shall require the submission of fingerprint images and related information in a manner prescribed by the department, for the purpose of obtaining information as to the existence and nature of a record of state or federal level convictions and state or federal level arrests for which the department establishes that the individual was released on bail or on the individual’s own recognizance pending trial as needed to determine whether the applicant may be issued the permit. Requests for federal level criminal offender record information received by the Department of Justice pursuant to this chapter shall be forwarded by the department to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(b) The Department of Justice shall review the criminal offender record information specified in subdivision (l) of Section 11105 for entertainment firearms permit applicants.

(c) The Department of Justice shall review subsequent arrests, pursuant to Section 11105.2, to determine the continuing validity of the permit as specified in Section 29530 for all entertainment firearms permitholders.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: Any person who furnishes a fictitious name or address or knowingly furnishes any incorrect information or knowingly omits any information required to be provided on an application for an entertainment firearms permit is guilty of a misdemeanor.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) An entertainment firearms permit issued by the Department of Justice shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

(b) If at any time during that year the permitholder becomes prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms pursuant to any federal, state, or local law, the entertainment firearms permit shall be no longer valid.

title: 4. FIREARMS


text: The implementation of Sections 29500, 29505, 29515, 29520, and 29525, and of subdivision (a) of Section 29510, by the department is exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

title: 4. FIREARMS


text:
(a) A minor shall not possess a handgun.

(b) A minor shall not possess a semiautomatic centerfire rifle.

(c) Commencing July 1, 2023, a minor shall not possess any firearm.

(d) The provisions of this section are cumulative, and shall not be construed as restricting the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by different provisions of this code shall not be punished under more than one provision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 250, Sec. 21. (SB 715) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

chapter: 1. Juvenile

article: 1. Possession of Firearm

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Juvenile > 1. Possession of Firearm


text:
Section 29610 shall not apply if one of the following circumstances exists:

(a) The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves this use of a firearm.

(b) The minor is accompanied by a responsible adult, the minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

(c) The minor is at least 16 years of age, the minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

(d) The minor has the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian, the minor is on lands owned or lawfully possessed by the parent or legal guardian, and the minor is actively engaged in, or is in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

(e) The minor possesses, with the express permission of their parent or legal guardian, a firearm, other than a handgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle, and both of the following are true:

(1) The minor is actively engaged in, or in direct transit to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or an agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

(2) The minor is 16 years of age or older or is accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while the minor is possessing the firearm.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 362, Sec. 2. (AB 383) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 1. Possession of Firearm


text: A minor shall not possess live ammunition.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Possession of Live Ammunition

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Juvenile > 2. Possession of Live Ammunition


text:
Section 29650 shall not apply if one of the following circumstances exists:

(a) The minor has the written consent of a parent or legal guardian to possess live ammunition.

(b) The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(c) The minor is actively engaged in, or is going to or from, a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 2. Possession of Live Ammunition


text:
Every minor who violates this chapter shall be punished as follows:

(a) By imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or in a county jail if one of the following applies:

(1) The minor has been found guilty previously of violating this chapter.

(2) The minor has been found guilty previously of an offense specified in Section 29905, 32625, or 33410, or an offense specified in any provision listed in Section 16590.

(3) The minor has been found guilty of possessing a handgun in violation of Section 29610.

(b) Violations of this chapter other than those violations specified in subdivision (a) shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 250, Sec. 23. (SB 715) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Punishment

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Juvenile > 3. Punishment


text: In a proceeding to enforce this chapter brought pursuant to Article 14 (commencing with Section 601) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the court may require the custodial parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates this chapter to participate in classes on parenting education that meet the requirements established in Section 16507.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 3. Punishment


text:
(a) In enacting the amendments to former Sections 12078 and 12101 by Section 10 of Chapter 33 of the Statutes of 1994, First Extraordinary Session, it was not the intent of the Legislature to expand or narrow the application of the then-existing statutory and judicial authority as to the rights of minors to be loaned or to possess live ammunition or a firearm for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others.

(b) In enacting the act that adds this subdivision, it is not the intent of the Legislature to expand or narrow the application of existing statutory and judicial authority as to the rights of minors to be loaned or to possess live ammunition or a firearm for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 250, Sec. 24. (SB 715) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 4. FIREARMS

article: 4. Legislative Intent

path: 4. FIREARMS > 1. Juvenile > 4. Legislative Intent