California Gun Laws 2026

Complete guide to firearms laws in California.

Last updated: 2026-03-14

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in California for guidance.

Quick Reference

Permit to Purchase: Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) required
Background Check: State-run background check (DOJ) for all sales including private
Waiting Period: 10 days
Open Carry: Prohibited in most areas
Concealed Carry: Permit Required
Assault Weapon Ban: Yes
Magazine Limit: 10 rounds
Red Flag Law: Yes

Complete Guide

Purchasing a Firearm in California

California requires firearm safety certificate (fsc) required to purchase firearms. Buyers must be at least 18 years old for long guns (rifles and shotguns) and 21 for handguns when purchasing from a licensed dealer, in accordance with federal law. All buyers must be able to pass a background check and must not be a prohibited person under federal or state law.

California requires background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions between individuals. This universal background check requirement means that even sales at gun shows between private parties must go through a licensed dealer or state-run system. This is one of the more comprehensive background check requirements in the country.

California imposes a 10-day waiting period on firearm purchases. After completing the background check, the buyer must wait 10 days before taking possession of the firearm. Some exemptions may apply, such as for current concealed carry permit holders, law enforcement, or in cases of documented threats.

Concealed Carry in California

California has a permit-based concealed carry system. California requires a concealed carry permit or license to carry a concealed handgun in public. The state operates a shall-issue system, meaning the issuing authority must grant the permit if the applicant meets all legal requirements. There is no discretionary denial. Requirements typically include minimum age, background check, and in some cases a firearms safety training course.

Concealed carry permit holders (where applicable) should be aware of restricted locations where carry is prohibited regardless of permit status. These typically include federal buildings, courthouses, schools and school zones, polling places on election day, and any private property where firearms are prohibited by the owner. Posted signage requirements vary by state — in California, always look for posted signs at building entrances.

Open Carry Laws

Open carry of firearms is generally restricted or prohibited in California. This means carrying a firearm in a visible manner in public is not permitted without specific authorization. Concealed carry with a valid permit remains the primary legal method for carrying a firearm in public.

Assault Weapons and Magazine Restrictions

California has enacted an assault weapons ban. Certain semi-automatic firearms with specific features are classified as assault weapons and are prohibited from sale, transfer, and in some cases possession. The specific definition of "assault weapon" varies — generally it includes semi-automatic rifles and pistols with detachable magazines and one or more military-style features such as a pistol grip, folding stock, or threaded barrel. Firearms lawfully owned before the ban may be grandfathered depending on the state's specific law.

California limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. Magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition are prohibited from sale and, in some cases, possession. Magazines lawfully owned before the restriction took effect may be grandfathered. This applies to both handgun and rifle magazines.

Red Flag Law

California has enacted a red flag law, also known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law. This allows family members, law enforcement, or in some states other designated individuals to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from a person who is deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The process involves a hearing, and the subject has the right to contest the order. If granted, firearms are temporarily confiscated and the individual is prohibited from purchasing new firearms for the duration of the order, typically 6-12 months.

Gun Show Regulations in California

Gun shows in California follow the same laws that apply to all firearm sales. Licensed dealers (FFLs) at gun shows must conduct background checks on all purchases, just as they would at their retail location. All sales at gun shows, including private sales between individuals, require a background check under state law. Gun shows typically require all firearms brought in for sale to be unloaded and secured with cable ties or similar safety devices. Individual show promoters may set additional rules.

FFL Transfer Rules

When purchasing a firearm online, the firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in California for the transfer. The buyer then completes the standard Form 4473 and background check at the FFL's location. FFL transfer fees in California typically range from $20 to $75 per firearm. Use our FFL dealer directory to find transfer-friendly dealers near you.

Key Considerations for California Residents

California maintains a permit-based system for concealed carry, balancing Second Amendment rights with regulatory oversight. Gun owners should stay informed of any legislative changes, as firearms laws are frequently updated. The information on this page reflects the law as of 2026, but laws can change at any time. Always consult the full text of current state statutes or a licensed attorney in California before making legal decisions based on this guide.

For more information on firearms in California, visit our FFL dealer directory for California, browse upcoming gun shows in California, or check the concealed carry reciprocity map to see which states honor California's carry permits.

Key Statutes & Citations

Cal. Penal Code § 16250 — Assault Weapons
Cal. Penal Code § 25400 — Carrying Concealed Firearm
Cal. Penal Code § 26150 — Issuance of Concealed Carry Permit
Cal. Penal Code § 30600 — Manufacture, Distribution, Transportation, or Import of Assault Weapon
Cal. Penal Code § 32310 — Prohibition on Large-Capacity Magazine

What Changed in 2026

No significant firearms legislation was enacted in California during the 2026 legislative session. The state's assault weapon ban, magazine capacity restrictions, and concealed carry permit requirements have remained in place since the last major changes in the early 2020s.

Legislative Landscape

California maintains some of the strictest firearms laws in the United States. In recent years, the state legislature has continued to pass legislation further restricting access to assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and concealed carry permits. The political landscape remains focused on gun control measures, with little indication of loosening regulations in the near future.

Buying a Handgun

To purchase a handgun in California, the buyer must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). A state-run background check conducted by the Department of Justice is required for all handgun sales, including private party transactions. There is a mandatory 10-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a handgun. Handgun purchases are also subject to a registration requirement with the state.

Buying a Rifle or Shotgun

The rules for purchasing a rifle or shotgun in California are similar to those for handguns, with a few key differences. The minimum age to purchase a long gun is 18 years old, rather than 21 for handguns. Additionally, there is no registration requirement for long gun purchases. Otherwise, the Firearm Safety Certificate, background check, and 10-day waiting period apply to both handgun and long gun sales.

Private Sales

Private party firearms transfers in California, also known as person-to-person sales, require the involvement of a licensed firearms dealer. Both the seller and the buyer must undergo a background check through the California Department of Justice, and the transaction must be processed through a dealer, who will charge a fee for facilitating the transfer. A state-mandated 10-day waiting period also applies to private party sales.

Permits & Licensing Details

California requires a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) to purchase or receive any firearm. To obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit, applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete a training course, pass a background check, and demonstrate good cause. CCW permits are issued at the discretion of the local sheriff's department and have a duration of 2-4 years, depending on the issuing agency. Non-residents are generally not eligible for a California CCW permit, but may be able to obtain a permit from their home state that is recognized in California through reciprocity agreements.

Carrying in a Vehicle

In California, it is generally legal to transport firearms in a vehicle, provided they are unloaded and locked in a container. Handguns must be transported in a locked container, while long guns can be carried in a locked rack or container. A valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required to transport any type of firearm. Loaded firearms may only be carried in a vehicle by individuals with a valid Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit.

No-Carry Zones

California prohibits the carrying of firearms, even with a valid permit, in the following locations:

Schools and school grounds
Polling places
Government buildings and facilities
Hospitals and health care facilities
Places where firearms are prohibited by federal law
Any private property where the owner has prohibited firearms

Shipping & FFL Transfers

Firearms shipped into California from out-of-state must be transferred through a licensed firearms dealer, who will conduct a background check and observe the state's 10-day waiting period. Additional fees may be charged by the dealer for this service. California residents are generally prohibited from receiving handguns directly from out-of-state sources, with limited exceptions. Long guns may be shipped directly to the purchaser, but the transfer must still be facilitated through a dealer.

Revision History

2026-03-14 — Comprehensive content update: added statute citations, vehicle carry rules, no-carry zones, permit details, buying rules by firearm type, and shipping/transfer notes.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity

California honors concealed carry permits from 0 states.

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Verify current recognition with your state attorney general before traveling with a firearm.

Full reciprocity map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in California?

Yes. California requires: Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) required.

Is California a permitless carry state?

No. California requires a concealed carry permit or license to carry concealed in public.

What is the waiting period for buying a gun in California?

California has a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases.

Can I openly carry a firearm in California?

Prohibited in most areas

Does California have a red flag law?

Yes. California has an Extreme Risk Protection Order (red flag) law that allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger.

Does California ban assault weapons or limit magazine capacity?

Yes. California has an assault weapons ban. Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds.