What are the rules for gun shows in California?

No. A licensed dealer may "take possession of firearms and commence preparation of registers" at a gun show, but must follow all applicable laws, including the waiting period (Penal Code 26805(b)). In practice, the paperwork starts at the show and you take delivery from the dealer after the 10 days have passed.

Two people who meet at a show and agree on a private sale are covered as well. When neither party is a licensed dealer, the transfer must be completed through one (Penal Code 27545). Show producers must post a sign at each public entrance saying so, and a second sign at each parking lot entrance that reads: "The transfer of firearms or ammunition on the parking lot of this facility is a crime" (Penal Code 27240).

The Act is Penal Code sections 27300 to 27350. It works alongside the producer rules in sections 27200 to 27245.

If you attend:

• A firearm you bring in is checked, cleared of ammunition, secured so it cannot be operated, and tagged. You sign the tag and add your printed name and ID number (section 27340).
• Ammunition you bring in is checked, secured, and tagged the same way (section 27340).
• Anyone holding a firearm or ammunition at the show must carry government-issued photo ID and show it to security or a peace officer on request (section 27345).
• Members of the public may not possess a firearm and ammunition that fits it at the same time (section 27330).

If you are a vendor, you certify in writing that you will, among other things (section 27305):

• process all firearm transfers through licensed dealers,
• process all ammunition sales through licensed dealers or ammunition vendors,
• keep firearms unloaded and secured except for brief demonstrations to a prospective buyer,
• not display or offer unserialized frames or receivers, and
• not display or offer kits designed to convert a handgun into a short-barreled rifle or an assault weapon.

Vendors and their employees wear name tags with first and last name (section 27325).

If you produce the show, you need a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance (section 27200), plus an annual event and security plan filed with DOJ and local law enforcement (section 27210).

DOJ may inspect dealers and vendors at shows, and since July 1, 2023 it must inspect at least half of all gun shows or events in the state each year (section 27310).

The statutes restrict sales, not gatherings. Four laws apply:

Each one bars state officers, employees, operators, lessees, and licensees from contracting for, authorizing, or allowing the sale of any firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on the covered property. The statewide law took effect January 1, 2023. Its exceptions include law enforcement gun buyback events and sales under contracts entered into before January 1, 2023 (Penal Code 27573(b)).

Shows on private property are not covered by these four laws. They remain subject to every other rule on this page.

A gun show operator challenged the Del Mar, Orange County, and statewide laws under the First and Second Amendments. On June 11, 2024, a Ninth Circuit panel rejected both challenges. The court's summary says the statutes restrict only nonexpressive conduct (contracting for the sale of firearms), and that the plain text of the Second Amendment does not cover contracting for firearm and ammunition sales on state property (opinion).

The Ninth Circuit denied rehearing on August 30, 2024, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied review on April 28, 2025 (Supreme Court docket No. 24-598). The laws remain in effect.

Yes, where sales are allowed. A licensed ammunition vendor may sell at a gun show or event as long as the show is not conducted from a motorized or towed vehicle (Penal Code 30348). The sale must follow the same laws as a store sale, including the DOJ eligibility check before you take possession (Penal Code 30370). Ammunition transfers between private parties at a show go through a licensed dealer or ammunition vendor (section 27340).