California doesn’t issue a purchase permit, but most buyers need a Firearm Safety Certificate. It’s a $25 card earned by passing a written test on California gun law and safe handling, valid for five years, and most dealers can administer the test on site. DOJ lists FSC exemptions (for example, holders of a valid California CCW license), but unless one applies, a dealer can’t deliver a firearm to you without it, so it’s worth getting before you shop.
Sources
- The full detail: New California gun owner guide
- CA DOJ: FSC FAQs (exemptions) (retrieved 2026-10-04)
Related answers
- Can I buy a handgun that isn’t on the California roster?
- Can I buy more than one handgun at the same time?
- What do I actually need to bring to the dealer?
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