Buy a firearm in California

All firearm purchases and transfers, including private party transactions must be made through a licensed California dealer under the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process. Please keep in mind that California imposes a 10 day waiting period before the firearm can be released to the purchaser. 

What do I need in order to purchase a firearm in California?

1. Verify the handgun you want is legal for you to purchase

See:https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search

1. CA REAL ID Driver’s License with your Current Address on it

If your license states "Federal Limits Apply" in the upper right corner, please bring a passport or Certified copy of your US Birth  Certificate or get a REAL ID.

1. Conceal Carry Permit, Law Enforcement ID or Firearm Safety Certicicate (FSC) Card

If you do not have an FSC Card, you can take the test here at the HollowPoint Tactical shop. You can study for the test here: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/forms/hscsg.pdf

1. Proof of Residency

For Proof of residency, you can use a car registration or a current utility bill. See Examples here https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs#14G

How much time will it take?

Paperwork Process – Estimated Time 15-20 minutes

1. You will bring in the Requirements listed above
2. Copies will be made of all your documentation
3. You will fill out a Federal ATF Form 4473
4. Your information will be inputted to the CA DROS System
5. You will Sign and right thumbprint the DROS documentation
6. Your 10 day period starts at the time the DROS is submitted

Pickup Process – Estimated Time 5-10 minutes

1. You will complete a Safe Handling Demonstration with the dealer and sign paperwork.
2. You will sign/complete the ATF Form 4473
3. You will Sign and right thumbprint the DROS documentation