Living on the West Coast and interested in possessing firearms? If so, it’s definitely in your best interest to learn about California gun laws, like carry regulations and licensing. In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate firearm ownership in the Golden State!
Gun control measures in California are some of the strictest in the nation. Gun laws in California are specific to the state and do not apply in other states.
Getting a gun license in California starts with the permit application. A license to carry is not the same thing as a permit to buy a gun. The permit to buy is a 30-question test you can do at most gun shops. A carry license allows you to carry your gun around with some restrictions. You get the carry license from local law enforcement agencies like the sheriff or police department.
The permit to buy applies to long guns, handguns and the “other” class of gun as defined in the BATF federal law enforcement agency regulations.
Is it acceptable for someone to keep concealed firearms in California?
You can keep a concealed firearm on your person in California with a permit.
Can you open carry in California? For the most part, you cannot open carry in California.
The law allows some exceptions. If you live in a county with less than 200,000 people, the sheriff can give you an open carry permit. These permits are only legal in that county. You must pass a background check to get the permit. Visit the local sheriff’s office for specific information.
Can you conceal carry in California? Yes, you can carry concealed in California with the proper license. California concealed carry laws are also specific to the state. Some states allow you to carry with a California permit and California recognizes carry permits from some, but not all, states.
Is it unlawful to carry a firearm in public?
Can you carry a gun in California in public? Yes, you can legally carry a gun in California under certain circumstances. California is a shall-issue state after the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court.
This does not mean you automatically get a concealed carry permit just by applying. You must be legally allowed to possess firearms. You have to be at least 21, complete a firearms safety course and be the registered owner of the gun. The California carry permit is person-specific and gun-specific. In other words, if you want to carry different sidearms, you need a permit for each one. You also have to meet residency requirements.
Concealed carry permits are available from the local police or sheriff’s department. Permits are good for two years and are recognized across the state. You must have the license any time you carry.
The carry permit comes with some restrictions. While carrying, you cannot:
- Drink alcohol, smoke marijuana or use illegal drugs
- Carry any gun not listed on your permit
- Show off the loaded firearm
- Interfere with law enforcement
- Refuse to show your license to law enforcement if requested
- Violate any local, state or federal law
You cannot carry a gun into:
- Schools
- Public buildings and buildings open to the public. This includes government buildings.
- Airports and passenger boats like cruise ships
- Public transport like trains and buses
Are Tasers legal in California?
Yes, Tasers are legal in California. Owning a Taser is easier than owning a gun in the Golden State. Tasers are not registered. Background checks are not required to buy one.
You cannot have a Taser if you are:
- A felon
- A drug addict
- A minor under 18, an exception is you can have one if you are 16 order and have a parent’s permission
- Have a prior conviction for assault or misuse of a stun gun, or have a gun violence restraining order
What are the key conditions for buying a gun in California?
The key conditions for buying a gun in California start with finding a dealer and having some idea of what gun you want. If you are not sure what gun you want, talk to a dealer. A gun for home defense is not the same as a gun for hunting deer.
Here are the steps to buying a gun in California:
- Be at least 21. An exception is allowed for people 18-21 if the person has a current California hunting license and is buying a rifle or shotgun. You have to be at least 21 to buy a handgun.
- Be legally allowed to own a gun.
- Have a valid state or federal ID showing your age and full name. A driver’s license or passport is acceptable.
- Have a valid California Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC). The FSC is a 30-question written test and you can take it at the gun store. A passing score is 23 or better.
- For a handgun, you must show proof of residency. A driver’s license is not acceptable for this. Approved examples are: utility bill, residential lease, property deed, vehicle registration or other government-issued identification like a passport. A handgun purchase also requires a Handgun Safety Certificate and you must prove you can safely handle the gun.
- Fill out the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms gun background check form. The dealer will then call in your information. The FBI will run a background check. That can take several days.
- Once approved, pay for the gun and wait 10 days. California has a 10-day waiting period before you can get a gun.
If you are denied or the waiting period is extended, the gun store should tell you.
All gun sales in the state have to go through a licensed dealer.
Are there waiting periods for purchasing firearms?
Yes. California has a mandatory 10-day “cooling off” period to buy a gun. This law was passed to hopefully prevent people from buying a gun in a fit of passion and then going out and committing a crime.
How can I transfer gun ownership in California?
Gun transfers have to go through a licensed firearms dealer in California. An exception is allowed for a spouse or registered domestic partner to transfer a gun to the other person in the relationship. Guns can be inherited without going through a dealer.
In all cases, the person getting the gun must be legally allowed to own it. The gun also has to be legal in the Golden State.
Can I lend or borrow a firearm in California?
You can loan or borrow a gun in California within the rules. California Penal Code 27545 says you can loan or borrow a gun once in a while within the following family group: spouse, registered domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild. This applies to all guns.
Can I purchase ammunition without completing a background check?
Right now, you must have a background check or permit to buy ammo in California. The court system is currently reviewing background checks for ammunition purchases in the Golden State.
Can I legally carry a gun in my car in California?
You can legally carry a gun in your vehicle in California. You must be allowed to legally own the gun. All guns must be unloaded. Handguns have to be in a locked container or in the trunk of a car. A locked toolbox on the back of a truck qualifies. Small gun safes are also allowed for this purpose.
An exception is allowed for handguns for people who have the appropriate carry permit.
What is the California firearm safety practice test?
To get a California Firearm Safety Certification, you must pass the California Firearm Safety Practice Test. This 30-question test asks you questions about guns, ammo and safety measures. A minimum score of 23 is required to pass.
Most gun stores have someone in the shop who can give the test. The test fee is not refundable.
The state provides this study guide. NAGR recommends reviewing the guide before taking the test.
Can I apply for a gun license online in California?
You can get a gun license online in California.
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services offers new firearm permits and renewals online.
Some counties let you apply for a carry permit online. Some counties require an in-person application.
You have to do the safety certificate test in person. Passing this test lets you buy a gun.
Are assault weapons legal in California?
Assault weapons, as defined under California law, are allowed with certain restrictions. Pistol grips are not allowed. Magazines over 10 rounds are not allowed.
California specifically bans certain guns. They are the Beretta AR-70, Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48, Steyer AUG, Sterling MK-6, and the Bushmaster Assault Rifle. The .50 BMG rifle is banned entirely, no matter who makes it. .50 BMG rifles owned before the ban went into place are legal for that owner only.
California also bans guns when configured in a certain way.
Read more about the bans here.
What is a “zip gun,” and are they legal in California?
A zip gun is a firearm made from parts that were never intended to be part of a gun. Examples include using a pipe for a barrel, a nail for the firing pin and non-firearm springs for any spring work needed.
Zip guns are illegal in California.
You can make your own gun in California, but it has to be made from real gun parts. Once completed, it must have a serial number registered with the BATF, or else it is considered a ghost gun. The law targets ghost guns, as they are highly illegal. There are many measures targeting ghost guns aimed at getting these weapons off the streets. If you purchase a home-built gun in California, gun dealers can provide the serial number to ensure its legality.
What are the limitations of large-capacity magazines?
California bans removable magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. This applies to shotguns, rifles, pistols and the other category of guns.
The mag ban has gone through the court system and remains in place. The fight is not over. Many are saying a recent US Supreme Court decision could revive challenges.
What are the consequences of breaching California’s gun laws?
If you break California’s gun laws, you can be fined, face jail time and be barred from owning guns from that point on.
Jail time varies depending on which law or laws you broke.
If you are convicted of a crime and lost your right to own a gun, the only way to get that right back is to get a pardon from the Governor or the President of the United States.
When should you seek advice from a gun lawyer in California?
You should get advice from a California gun lawyer if:
- You are facing criminal charges, whether a gun was involved or not. A conviction could strip you of the right to own a gun.
- You are thinking about opening a gun business.
- You need help understanding California’s gun laws.
- You want your gun rights restored.
- You had to use a gun for self-defense, whether fired or not.
What are the rules for owning a gun in California?
The rules for owning a gun in California include all the federal laws. The top two are:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be legally allowed to own the gun.
Beyond that, California adds some rules of its own.
- You must be a resident of the state or in the state temporarily.
- Pass the handgun safety training and possess a valid handgun safety certificate to own a handgun.
- Have a valid state ID.
- Pass the state background check required for all gun owners.
Read more here.
