Firearms Safety Device Requirement

All firearms (long guns and handguns) purchased in California must be accompanied with a firearms safety device (FSD) that has passed required safety and functionality tests and is listed on the DOJ’s official roster of DOJ-approved firearms safety devices. The current roster of certified FSDs is available on the Bureau of Firearms website at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist. The FSD requirement also can be satisfied if the purchaser signs an affidavit declaring ownership of either a DOJ-approved lock box or a gun safe capable of accommodating the firearm being purchased. Pawn returns and intra-familial transfers are not subject to the FSD requirement. (Pen. Code, §§ 23635-23690.)

Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale in California

No handgun may be sold by a firearms dealer to the public unless it is of a make and model that has passed required safety and functionality tests and is listed on the DOJ’s official roster of handguns certified for sale in California. The current roster of handguns certified for sale in California is available on the Bureau of Firearms website at http://certguns.doj.ca.gov. Private party transfers, intra-familial transfers, and pawn/consignment returns are exempt from this requirement. (Pen. Code, § 32000.)

One-Handgun-per-Thirty-Days Requirement

No person shall make an application to purchase more than one handgun within any 30-day period. Exemptions to the one-handgun-per-thirty-days requirement include pawn returns, intra-familial transfers and private party transfers. (Pen. Code, § 27540.)
Firearm Sales and Transfer Requirements Retail Private Intra-familial Pawn Sales Party Transfers Transfers Returns

Proof-of-Residency

Requirement (handguns)

Yes Yes No Yes Proof-of-Residency Requirement (long guns)* No No No No
Firearm Safety

Certificate Requirement

Yes Yes Yes No Safe Handling Demonstration Requirement Yes Yes No No

Firearms Safety

Device Requirement

Yes Yes No No Roster of Handguns Certified for sale in California Yes No No No

One Handgun Per

30 Days Requirement

Yes No No No

*Federal requirem
ents may apply.