TRANSFER PROCESS SUMMARY
We do NOT offer firearm sales or transfers.
The following is a brief summary of the gun transfer process. Numerous exceptions, exemptions, and unique situations exist. So, if you have exact questions for your circumstances please let me know and we will try to answer your questions. Otherwise contact your FFL transfer dealer directly.
What are the requirements for buying a firearm?
- You must be 21 years of age or older
- Exceptions to the minimum age for purchasing long guns: Active Duty Service Members with a Military ID and a copy of purchaser’s current orders showing a permanent duty station in California. An individual with current and valid California hunting license. A few other long gun exemptions exist.
- You must either be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien with a Green Card or I-94 documentation
- You cannot be a under indictment for a felony, convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, a fugitive from justice, an unlawful user or addicted to controlled substances*, adjudicated to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, subject to a restraining order, someone who has renounced their citizenship to the United States, or an alien admitted illegally into the United States.
What documents do I need to present in order to buy a handgun?
- A valid, unexpired California Driver’s License or ID card for “clear evidence of identity and age”
- Service Members with a Military ID and a copy of current orders showing a permanent duty station in California qualify
- If the address on your California Driver’s License or ID card is not your current address you will also need a valid, unexpired Proof of Address (see below)
- IF you are not a U.S. citizen you will also need your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your I-94 documentation.
- A valid, unexpired Firearms Safety Certificate or exempt
- A valid, unexpired Proof of Residence (in addition to the above)
What documents do I need to present in order to buy a long gun (rifle or shotgun)?
- A valid, unexpired California Driver’s License or ID card for “clear evidence of identity and age”
- Service Members with a Military ID and a copy of current orders showing a permanent duty station in California qualify
- If the address on your California Driver’s License or ID card is not your current address you will also need a valid, unexpired Proof of Address (see below)A valid, unexpired Firearms Safety Certificate
- IF you are not a U.S. citizen you will also need your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your I-94 documentation.
- A valid, unexpired Firearms Safety Certificate or exempt
If your California Driver’s License or ID reads “FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY” you will need additional documents for verification. The acceptable documents are as follows:
- Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Certified Copy of U.S. Birth Certificate
- Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545), Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240), issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- Valid, unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. immigrant visa and approved Record of Arrival/Departure (I-94) form.
- Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory.
- Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship.
- Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
What is a Firearms Safety Certificate?
A Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) is a card issued to you after you take and pass a 30 question written test on general firearms safety and specific California gun laws. FSC cards are issued immediately upon passing the test and are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. A study guide and practice test can be found online here:
What are the exemptions to a FSC? Presenting proof of one of the following:
- X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
- X02 = Operation of Law Representative
- X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
- X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
- X21 = Military – Active Duty
- X22 = Military – Reserve
- X25 = Military – Honorably Retired
- X31 = Peace Officer – California – Active
- X32 = Peace Officer – Federal – Active
- X33 = Peace Officer – California – Honorably Retired
- X34 = Peace Officer – California – Reserve
- X35 = Peace Officer – Federal – Honorably Retired
- X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
- X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
- X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
- X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
- X96 = Transaction is to replace a broken or defective handgun frame
- X98 = Valid Hunting License (long guns only)
- X99 = DOJ Certified Instructor
What is Proof of Residence?
Proof of Residence (POR) is a state requirement for purchasing a handgun that serves as proof that you live where you say you live. It must include your name and the current address. If using a bill, your correct address must be listed as the service address and the bill must have a service date within the last 90 days. It must not be an over-due bill.
Examples include:
- CA DMV Vehicle Registration
- Water and Power Bill
- Gas Bill
- Trash Pickup Bill
- Landline Phone Bill
- Internet Access Bill
- Cable/Satellite Television Bill
- Residential Lease Agreement
- CA Concealed Carry Weapons License
- Private Security Guard Card
- Private Security Firearms Card
Proof of Address. What if my CA DL or CA ID does not have my current residence listed?
The Federal Government requires that you provide Government Issued proof of your current residence when purchasing a firearm. If your CA DL or CA ID doesn’t have your current address listed on it or if the address reflects a business address or P.O. Box, you will be required to provide another Government issued, valid, unexpired, document that reflects your current residence address.
Examples of Government Issued proof of residency include:
- CA DMV Vehicle Registration or Renewal
- Property Tax Statement
- Property Deed / Certificate of Title
- USPS Confirmation of Change of Address Letter
- Jury Summons Notice
- Proof of Voter Registration
- Concealed Weapons Permit
- Private Security Guard Card or Firearms Card
- FAA Pilot License
- License issued by Department of Fish and Wildlife
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