What counts as an "assault weapon" in California and can I buy one?

DOJ describes three categories (DOJ FAQ):

1. Category One: firearms on the original Roberti-Roos list (PC 30510(a), (b), and (c)).
2. Category Two: AK and AR-15 series weapons (PC 30510(e) and (f)).
3. Category Three: firearms defined by generic characteristics (PC 30515).

PC 30510 lists specific semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns by make and model. Examples from the rifle list include "all AK series," "Colt AR-15 series," UZI and Galil, Steyr AUG, and "SKS with detachable magazine."

Subdivision (f) says "series" includes all other models that are only variations, with minor differences, of the listed models, regardless of the manufacturer. Under PC 30520, the Attorney General prepares identification descriptions of these firearms for law enforcement and adopts regulations for the chapter.

Section 30515 begins "Notwithstanding Section 30510," so it adds to the named list. In summary (PC 30515(a)):

• Rifles: a semiautomatic, centerfire rifle without a fixed magazine that has any one of six characteristics (pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action, thumbhole stock, folding or telescoping stock, grenade or flare launcher, flash suppressor, forward pistol grip); or one with a fixed magazine that accepts more than 10 rounds; or one with an overall length under 30 inches.
• Pistols: a semiautomatic pistol without a fixed magazine that has any one of four characteristics (a threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer; a second handgrip; a barrel shroud; the capacity to accept a detachable magazine outside of the pistol grip); or one with a fixed magazine that accepts more than 10 rounds.
• Shotguns: a semiautomatic shotgun with both a folding or telescoping stock and a pistol grip, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip; a semiautomatic shotgun without a fixed magazine; or any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
• Other firearms: a semiautomatic centerfire firearm that is not a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and meets one of three tests in paragraphs (9) through (11).

A "fixed magazine" is one that cannot be removed without disassembly of the firearm action (PC 30515(b)). A DOJ regulation defines the other terms (11 CCR 5471).

Subdivision (d) excludes antique firearms and certain listed Olympic target pistols.

The chapter starts from a prohibition. Anyone who manufactures, distributes, transports, or imports into the state, keeps or offers for sale, or gives or lends an assault weapon, "except as provided by this chapter," is guilty of a felony (PC 30600). A person who wishes to acquire one must first obtain a permit from DOJ (PC 31000(c)).

The chapter lists exceptions. One example is a sworn peace officer whose agency head gives written authorization (PC 30630). DOJ says sales of registered assault weapons to such officers must occur at a licensed gun dealer that has a Dangerous Weapons Permit (DOJ FAQ).

DOJ's answer is "Generally, no." The public registration periods it lists closed in 1992, 2001, and 2000 for the three categories (DOJ FAQ). Two later windows have also closed:

• Firearms without a fixed magazine ("bullet-button"): the statute required registration "before July 1, 2018" (PC 30900(b)(1)). A court-ordered reopening for people who had tried to register earlier ended April 12, 2022 (DOJ bullet-button page).
• "Other" category firearms: October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021 (DOJ "Other" page).

• Where it may be possessed: only at the places listed in PC 30945, such as the owner's residence, place of business, or other property; certain target ranges; and while transporting it between those places as the section requires.
• Inheritance: a person who obtains title by bequest or intestate succession must, within 90 days, render it permanently inoperable, sell it to a licensed gun dealer, obtain a DOJ permit, or remove it from the state (PC 30915).
• Moving into California: a person moving in must obtain a DOJ permit before bringing the firearm into the state, or have it delivered to a licensed gun dealer in California (PC 30925).

• On October 19, 2023, a federal district court ruled that the characteristic-based definitions in section 30515(a)(1) through (8), and related provisions, violate the Second Amendment (decision).
• On October 28, 2023, the Ninth Circuit stayed that ruling. As of 2026-11-10, the copy of the docket on CourtListener was last updated September 30, 2026. Its most recent entry is the July 1, 2026 order described next, and it lists no order lifting the stay. That copy does not show whether any order was entered after September 30, 2026 (docket).
• On July 1, 2026, the Ninth Circuit vacated submission of the appeal pending the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions in Viramontes v. Cook County and a companion case (docket). As of 2026-11-10, the Supreme Court docket shows argument set for December 2, 2026. It also shows a motion by one petitioner to be dismissed from the case, filed October 29, 2026, and a suggestion of mootness filed by the Cook County respondents on November 5, 2026, with no ruling on either yet listed (Supreme Court docket).