Everything you need to know about purchasing your first handgun in California — eligibility, paperwork, fees, the 10-day wait, and what comes after.
Before you walk into a gun store, confirm that you're legally able to purchase a firearm in California. The state runs a thorough background check, but knowing your status ahead of time prevents wasted trips and denied transactions.
Not sure about your status? You can request a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check from the CA DOJ before attempting a purchase. It costs $20, takes about 60 days, and tells you definitively whether you'll pass or fail the background check. Apply at oag.ca.gov/firearms/pfecapp.
California is strict about documentation. If your name, address, or ID type doesn't match exactly, you'll be turned away. Gather everything before you go to the store.
Must be current and not expired. Your legal name and current residential address must appear on the ID. A REAL ID is strongly recommended — it eliminates the need for supplemental citizenship documents.
If your ID says "Federal Limits Apply," you must also bring a valid U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization. This is a common point of failure for first-time buyers.
You need a valid FSC card before purchasing any firearm. If you don't have one, most gun stores administer the test on-site for $25. Valid for 5 years. See Step 1 below for details on the test itself.
If your ID address doesn't match your current residential address, bring one of these: a utility bill within the last 90 days, a signed and notarized residential lease, a property deed, or a DMV vehicle registration. All documents must show matching name and address.
If your legal name has changed due to marriage or divorce, bring your marriage license or dissolution paperwork — especially if you have a "Federal Limits Apply" ID with your previous name.
Buyers aged 18–20 need a valid CA Hunting License, which only permits long gun purchases — not handguns. Non-citizens of any age also need a hunting license for all firearm purchases.
Get a REAL ID first. This is the single best thing you can do to simplify the process. A "Federal Limits Apply" ID means extra documents, extra verification, and more chances for a mismatch. A REAL ID streamlines everything. Start at dmv.ca.gov.
Here's exactly what happens from the moment you walk into a gun store to the moment you walk out with your handgun.
Before you can purchase any firearm in California, you need a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). The test covers basic firearm safety and California gun laws — 30 true/false and multiple choice questions, administered by a DOJ-certified instructor at the gun store.
You need 23 correct answers (75%) to pass. If you fail, you can retake it after 24 hours. Once you pass, you receive your FSC card on the spot. The DOJ study guide is free and covers everything on the test.
California only allows dealers to sell handguns that appear on the DOJ's Certified Handgun Roster — that's what CaliRoster exists to help you navigate. Not every model you see online or in other states is available here.
Take your time at the store. Ask to hold different models. Talk to the staff about what you're looking for — home defense, range shooting, concealed carry. They work with first-time buyers every day and can help you find the right fit.
Once you've chosen your handgun, the dealer will have you fill out ATF Form 4473 — a federal form with personal information and yes/no questions about your eligibility. Answer honestly. Lying on this form is a federal crime.
The dealer then enters your information into the DROS Entry System (Dealer Record of Sale) and submits it electronically to the California DOJ. This triggers the background check and starts the mandatory waiting period.
California law mandates a 10-day waiting period before any firearm can be released — ten consecutive 24-hour periods from the time the DROS is submitted. During this time, the DOJ runs your background check through multiple state and federal databases.
The dealer will give you an exact date and time to return. Your gun stays at the store until then. If the DOJ needs more time to verify your records, the check can take up to 30 days — though this is uncommon for clean backgrounds.
Before the dealer hands you the gun, you must complete a Safe Handling Demonstration (SHD) under the supervision of a DOJ-certified instructor. This is done with the specific make and model you're purchasing.
You'll demonstrate that you can safely verify the firearm is unloaded, apply a safety lock, load a dummy round, unload it, and re-lock. The instructor walks you through it — it's a demonstration, not a pass/fail test. You'll sign an affidavit confirming completion.
If your background check clears, return to the store on or after the date given. Bring your ID again. You'll sign the final paperwork, complete the safe handling demonstration, and take possession of your handgun.
Every firearm sold in California must include a DOJ-approved safety device — typically a cable lock or trigger lock. Most stores include one or sell it at cost. From this point forward, you are legally responsible for the safe storage and handling of your firearm.
Beyond the price of the gun itself, California adds several mandatory fees and taxes. Here's the full breakdown so you're not caught off guard at the counter.
| Fee | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FSC Test | Firearm Safety Certificate fee. Covers up to two attempts with the same instructor. | $25.00 |
| DROS | Dealer Record of Sale fee. Covers background check processing by the CA DOJ. | $37.19 |
| Safety Device | DOJ-approved cable lock or trigger lock. Required with every purchase. | $10 – $20 |
| Excise Tax | California's 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition (AB 28, effective July 2025). | 11% |
| Sales Tax | Standard CA sales tax. Rate varies by county. | 7.25 – 10.75% |
Real-world example: A $500 handgun in Los Angeles County (9.5% sales tax + 11% excise tax) comes to roughly $500 + $82 in fees + $102.50 in taxes = ~$685 out the door. Plan accordingly.
Don't forget ammunition. California requires a background check to buy ammo. If you've purchased a firearm in CA after January 2014, the standard check is $5. Otherwise, you'll pay $19 for a basic eligibility check. Both are processed at the point of sale.
Ownership comes with legal responsibilities. Here's what you need to know from day one.
California law requires firearms to be stored securely, especially if minors may be present. You are legally liable under Penal Code § 25100 if a child accesses an unsecured firearm. Invest in a gun safe or locking case — at minimum, use the cable lock included with your purchase whenever the firearm is stored.
Owning a firearm and knowing how to use it safely are different things. Take a basic handgun course from a certified instructor. Most ranges offer beginner packages that include range time, instruction, and rental guns to try. Practice regularly.
You need a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public. Open carry is generally prohibited in California. When transporting in a vehicle, the firearm must be unloaded and in a locked container — not the glove box or center console.
When you purchase from a licensed dealer, your firearm is automatically registered with the CA DOJ through the DROS system. There's no separate step. If you later sell or transfer the gun, it must go through an FFL dealer as a Private Party Transfer ($47.19 total fees).
The DOJ study guide is free and covers everything on the test. Read it the night before. Don't rely on random internet quizzes — they often have outdated information.
Ask what documents they need, whether they have the model you want in stock, and if there are any wait times for the FSC test. Not all stores carry every rostered model, and some have limited testing hours.
This is the number one reason people get turned away. The address on your California ID must match your current residential address exactly. If it doesn't, update it at the DMV or bring valid proof of residency.
The firearm price is just part of it. Plan for ~$82 in mandatory fees, sales and excise taxes, plus ammunition, a cleaning kit, range time, and a storage solution. Budget $200–$400 on top of the gun price for first-time essentials.
Research your specific model while you wait. Watch reviews, read the owner's manual online, find a range near you, and look into a beginner handgun course. Walk in prepared on pickup day.
You have 30 days from DROS submission to collect your firearm. After that, the transaction is cancelled and you'd need to start and pay for the entire process again.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your FFL dealer and the California DOJ Bureau of Firearms before making a purchase.
Search all 956 handguns currently certified for sale in California.