California Firearm Laws
- Background Check Required?
- Private Sale: Yes, must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer.
- Licensed Dealer: Yes, federally licensed dealers must conduct a background check.
- Waiting Period: 10 days.
- Registration Requirement: Dealer transfers are recorded with the California Department of Justice. Some firearm owners, such as new residents bringing firearms into California, must report them to the DOJ.
- Permit Required (to purchase): No purchase permit, but a valid Firearm Safety Certificate is generally required.
- Concealed Carry Permit: A valid license is required to carry a concealed firearm in California.
- Magazine Capacity Limits: Large-capacity magazines are restricted (more than 10 rounds).
- Assault Weapons Limits: California law restricts assault weapons, including certain semiautomatic centerfire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specified features, as well as some firearms with fixed magazines holding more than 10 rounds or that meet certain length/configuration thresholds.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 922(t), Cal. Penal Code §§ 16740, 27545, 26815, 31615, 26150, 32310, 30515, 26840
