Generally, a firearm sold or transferred in California must come with a DOJ-approved firearm safety device or proof of an approved safe, and a cable lock, trigger lock, or lock box on the state-approved list qualifies, so a full safe isn’t strictly required at the point of sale. The rule has exceptions: DOJ notes it covers firearms other than federally defined antiques, for example. Separately, storing a gun where you know a prohibited person or an at-risk minor could reach it can be a criminal offense, and some cities add stricter rules.
Sources
- The full detail: Storage devices & the law
- CA DOJ: Firearm safety device FAQs (retrieved 2026-10-04)
More answers
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- Is my Glock illegal to own now that AB 1127 passed?
- Can I still get a Glock-pattern pistol after AB 1127?
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