What do I need to bring to a California gun store to buy a firearm?

DOJ says a purchaser must present "clear evidence of identity and age," which it defines as a valid, non-expired California driver license or identification card issued by the DMV. A military ID with permanent duty station orders showing a California posting is also acceptable (DOJ FAQ).

DOJ also says a purchaser who is not a U.S. citizen must give the dealer documentation containing their Alien Registration Number or I-94 number (DOJ FAQ).

If your California license or ID is the federal non-compliant kind, with "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" on the front, a state regulation requires one more document proving lawful presence in the United States (11 CCR 4045.1, DOJ text). The regulation lists seven options: a valid U.S. passport or passport card; a certified U.S. birth certificate; a State Department record of birth abroad; a valid foreign passport with a U.S. immigrant visa and approved I-94; a certified birth certificate from a U.S. territory; a Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship; or a valid Permanent Resident Card.

If the name on that document differs from your license, a certified linking document, such as a marriage certificate, is also required.

Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. A dealer cannot deliver a firearm unless you present a valid FSC (PC 26840).

Per the DOJ FSC FAQ:

• The test has 30 questions, true/false and multiple choice. Passing is 23 correct (75%).
• The fee is $25 and covers two attempts with the same instructor.
• You must be 18 to take it.
• DOJ Certified Instructors give the test and are generally located at firearm dealerships.

Exemptions are listed in PC 31700. One common example: a valid, unexpired hunting license exempts an adult from the FSC requirement for long guns, but not for handguns.

A handgun cannot be delivered unless you present documentation that you are a California resident. The statute names a utility bill from the last three months, a residential lease, a property deed, or military permanent duty station orders showing assignment in California, plus other evidence DOJ permits (PC 26845). DOJ's FAQ adds government-issued identification other than a driver license or other DMV-issued ID (DOJ FAQ).

Before delivery you perform a short demonstration with the firearm you are receiving, for a DOJ-certified instructor:

• Handguns: required by PC 26850. The steps depend on the handgun type (PC 26853, 26856, 26859).
• Long guns: required by PC 26860.

The dealer signs an affidavit that it was completed and obtains your signature on it.

Every firearm a dealer sells or transfers must include or be accompanied by a firearm safety device from DOJ's roster of approved devices (PC 23635). The same section has exceptions, including:

• You own a gun safe that meets state standards and present an original receipt or other proof of ownership.
• You purchased an approved safety device no more than 30 days before you take possession and present that device to the dealer at pickup. The section sets further conditions.

If you plan to rely on an exception, bring the receipt or the device.

A dealer cannot deliver a firearm within 10 days of the application to purchase (PC 26815). The firearm must leave the store unloaded and either securely wrapped or in a locked container.

DOJ says that if you do not take physical possession within 30 days of the DROS submission, the dealer must cancel the sale. Starting over means new fees and a new wait (DOJ FAQ).

As of today, a person may not apply to purchase firearms in a way that would result in more than three firearms within any 30-day period, with listed exemptions (PC 27535). DOJ confirms it began April 1, 2026 (DOJ bulletin 2026-DLE-02).

The earlier limit was one per 30 days. The Ninth Circuit held that law unconstitutional in Nguyen v. Bonta on June 20, 2025, and AB 1078 (Stats. 2025, ch. 570) replaced it.