California Firearm (Gun) Bill of Sale Form

• 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.

New residents can use the official New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership (BOF 4010A).

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 922(t), Cal. Penal Code §§ 16740, 27545, 26815, 31615, 26150, 32310, 30515, 26840

• Anyone who is a minor.
• Anyone fleeing from justice.
• Anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
• Anyone unlawfully using or addicted to controlled substances.
• Anyone legally determined to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
• Anyone unlawfully present in the United States or in the country under a non-immigrant visa.
• Anyone discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
• Anyone who has given up U.S. citizenship.
• Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.
• Anyone with an outstanding warrant for certain firearm-prohibiting offenses.
• Anyone restrained by a qualifying court order involving a partner or child.

Source: Cal. Penal Code § 29800, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)