Firearms Requirements: What You Need

You can’t walk into a store, point at a Glock 19, and walk out with it. In California, purchasing a firearm is a procedural dance with strict legal steps, from the mandatory Firearm Safety Certificate to the 10-day waiting period. Missing one requirement means no sale.

The Foundation: The Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)

The FSC is your non-negotiable entry ticket. It’s a 30-question written test administered by a DOJ-certified instructor at the point of sale. You need a score of at least 75% (23 correct). The test covers safe handling, storage laws, and basic firearm operation. It’s not a marksmanship test, but you must demonstrate safe handling with a dummy firearm. The certificate costs $25 and is valid for five years. You must present it before starting a DROS for any firearm purchase. If you’re buying a handgun, you also need to provide proof of residency, like a utility bill or vehicle registration, dated within the last 90 days. We keep FSC study guides behind the counter at Californiagunshop for customers to review.

Handgun vs. Long Gun: Different Rules Apply

The requirements diverge sharply based on the firearm type. For a handgun, you must be 21. You’ll need a second form of government-issued photo ID, like a passport, plus that proof of California residency. The handgun must also be on the state’s Roster of Certified Handguns, which limits new models. For long guns (rifles and shotguns), the minimum age is 18. You only need one form of government-issued photo ID, typically a driver’s license. While the roster doesn’t apply, all semi-automatic centerfire rifles must be featureless or equipped with a fixed magazine to comply with the state’s assault weapon laws. This is a critical distinction that changes what’s available for purchase.

The DROS Process and 10-Day Wait

Once you’ve selected your firearm and passed the FSC, the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process begins. This is the official background check. You’ll fill out a form with personal details, and the dealer submits it to the California DOJ. The $37.19 DROS fee is paid at this time. The state runs a check through the California Criminal History System, the Armed Prohibited Persons System, and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This is where things like restraining orders, felony convictions, or certain misdemeanors will surface and cause a denial. The 10-day waiting period is a mandatory calendar count, starting the next business day after the DROS is submitted. No exceptions. You must take physical possession of the firearm on or after the 11th day.

Private Party Transfers and Ammunition

Buying from a private individual still requires a dealer intermediary. Both parties must go to a licensed dealer to process the DROS, pay the fee, and observe the 10-day wait. The firearm must be legal for the recipient to possess. For ammunition, the rules changed in 2019. You must now pass an instant background check for each purchase, which costs $1. You must be 21 for handgun ammo and 18 for long gun ammo. The system verifies you are not a prohibited person. Purchasing ammunition online requires shipment to a licensed dealer for the background check before you can take possession. We handle these ammo transfers daily at Californiagunshop for components like FEDERAL RANGE AND TARGET BRASS 9MM.

Common Pitfalls and Prohibiting Factors

The most common denial is an address mismatch. Your DMV address must match the one you provide on the DROS form exactly. A P.O. Box is not valid. Other automatic prohibitions include felony convictions, active restraining orders, certain domestic violence misdemeanors, and being adjudicated as a danger to oneself or others. You cannot purchase a firearm if you are the subject of a gun violence restraining order. Also, remember that magazine capacity is restricted to 10 rounds. Purchasing, importing, or manufacturing large-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds) is generally illegal. This affects accessories and conversions, so ensure any parts you buy, like a trigger, are for a compliant firearm setup.

Can I use a Real ID driver’s license to buy a firearm?

Yes, a Real ID is a valid form of government-issued photo ID. However, for a handgun purchase, you still need a second proof of residency document, like a vehicle registration or utility bill, as the Real ID does not fulfill that separate requirement.

What happens if I fail the FSC test?

You can retake it. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before attempting the test again. The $25 fee covers up to three attempts within that testing appointment. I recommend studying the official DOJ study guide, which covers all the safety and legal questions you’ll be asked.

Is the 10-day wait per firearm or per purchase?

The 10-day waiting period is applied to each DROS application. If you purchase multiple firearms on a single DROS, they all become available after that single 10-day period. If you start a new DROS for another firearm later, a new 10-day wait begins, even if the first one is still pending.

Browse our firearms collection

Last updated: April 16, 2026