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If you're a resident of California and are thinking of purchasing a gun, there are certain criteria you must meet and procedures you must follow to ensure that your purchase is legal. This guide is designed to teach you how to buy a gun in California.
For some people, owning a gun makes them feel more secure and is seen as a way for them to protect themselves and their families. For others who enjoy hunting or target practice, gun ownership is an aspect of their hobby and leisure time. Whatever your reasons for buying a gun, always be sure that you follow any and all laws when buying, transporting and using your weapon.
NOTE: There is no way to absolutely determine the safety or legality of any given circumstance. The information presented here was current as of 2009, but is subject to change at any time. Please use Mahalo and all information on the Internet as a starting point for your research. -
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Please contact your legal adviser or a law enforcement officer before using the information presented here.-
Step 1: Do you Qualify?
- To legally purchase a shotgun in California, you must be at least 18 years of age. To purchase a handgun, you must be at least 21 years old. In addition, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or, if you are not a citizen, provide your Alien Registration or I-94 Number.
- Provide proof of age and identity by providing a valid driver's license, a state-issued identity card or military identification indicating that you are posted in California.
- If you are purchasing a handgun, you must provide proof of California residence in addition to your state-issued identification.
Prohibitions
Certain people are prohibited from purchasing a gun in the state of California, including those who:
- Have been convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors
- Have been deemed a danger to themselves or others due to a mental illness
- Are prohibited from carrying a firearm by a court order
- Are subject to certain restraining or protective orders
- Are addicted to drugs
- Have received a dishonorable discharge from the military
If you are uncertain whether you meet the criteria for firearms prohibition, you can apply to have a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) completed. To have a PFEC performed, you must submit a completed PFEC application form, a photocopy of your California identification card and a $20 fee. Your PFEC application must be signed, contain your thumbprint, and notarized by a registered notary public.Step 2: Get a Handgun Safety Certificate
In addition to the above noted requirements, you must also possess a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) demonstrating that you have passed a Department of Justice (DOJ) handgun safety test administered by a DOJ certified instructor. For more information on taking the course or finding a certified instructor, contact the Department of Justice.
Certain people may qualify for an HSC exemption, including:
- Active or retired police officers
- Active or retired military personnel
- Those who hold a valid California Concealed Weapons Permit
- Certified firearm instructors
Step 3: Visit a Licensed Gun Dealer
- Your gun must be purchased by a dealer licensed by the state to legally sell firearms. The purchase will be completed through the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process. As part of the DROS process, you will have to provide the dealer with proof of your identity and age in the form of a government-issued identification card, your HRS or proof of exemption status, and a $25 fee for a background check. The dealer will then submit your DROS application to the Department of Justice and you will have to wait 10 days before you can complete the purchase
- If your application is approved by the DOJ, you will be able to pick up your gun from the dealer after the 10-day waiting period has expired. You will have to complete a safety demonstration before the dealer to prove that you know how to safely handle your new gun. You will also have to purchase a state-approved trigger lock or lock box before leaving the store.
Conclusion
- When purchasing, handling, transporting or storing a firearm, always ensure that you obey all state and federal laws. For more information on the legalities of buying a gun in California, contact the Department of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, or a legal professional experienced with state gun laws.
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