The Wire · CalGunHub

California DOJ issues bulletin summarizing new 2026 firearms and weapons laws

Published October 6, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026

The California Department of Justice published an informational bulletin detailing new firearms and weapons legislation signed in 2025 that largely took effect on January 1, 2026.

Summary by the CalGunHub desk.

Who this affects: If a California resident purchases a firearm barrel, the transaction will now require an in-person transfer through a licensed dealer. Individuals applying for concealed carry licenses will face updated eligibility criteria and background check procedures. Furthermore, if a person attempts to purchase multiple firearms, they will be limited to a maximum of three firearms within a 30-day period beginning April 1, 2026.

The California Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement issued Information Bulletin No. 2026-DLE-02 on January 30, 2026. The document summarizes various firearms and weapons bills signed into law during 2025. The bulletin states, "The laws discussed in this bulletin generally take effect on January 1, 2026; however, certain provisions take effect at later dates, as noted in the specific summaries below."

The bulletin outlines several Assembly and Senate bills. Assembly Bill 1078 requires licensing authorities to issue concealed carry licenses to eligible non-residents and limits individuals to purchasing no more than three firearms cumulatively within a 30-day period starting April 1, 2026. Assembly Bill 1127 expands the definition of a machinegun to include semiautomatic pistols equipped with a pistol converter. Assembly Bill 1263 creates a new misdemeanor for aiding the unlawful manufacture of firearms and expands the definition of digital firearm manufacturing code.

Senate Bill 704 mandates that firearm barrel transfers be completed in person by a licensed dealer, with eligibility checks required starting July 1, 2027. Senate Bill 132 addresses taxation for out-of-state retailers. Other bills cover juvenile firearm relinquishment, electronic restraining order procedures, and a pilot program for Gun Violence Restraining Orders in four counties. The bulletin serves as a final informational summary of these enacted laws.

Reproduced from the official source.

Informational only, not legal advice. Facts are attributed to the sources listed above.