Bring current ID
Bring a valid California driver license, California identification card, or qualifying military identification.
California purchase guidance
Buying Ammunition in California
Prepare for your visit, understand the available eligibility checks, and know where to find official California DOJ information.
Requirements and fees can change.
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Highland Guns must confirm identification, eligibility, exemptions, fees, and transaction requirements at the time of purchase.
Come prepared
Before you visit
California ammunition sales are processed in person through a licensed ammunition vendor and generally require electronic approval from the California Department of Justice.
Check your information
Your name, date of birth, identification number, and current address should be accurate and consistent with applicable state records.
Federal Limits Apply
If your California ID says “Federal Limits Apply,” bring the additional lawful-presence documentation required by California DOJ.
Allow extra time
A Standard or COE check may be completed quickly, while a Basic check requires a more extensive review and may take several days.
Eligibility review
Ammunition eligibility checks
The appropriate check depends on your records and circumstances. Our team can explain the options, but California DOJ makes the eligibility determination.
01
Standard Ammunition Eligibility Check — $5 DOJ fee
This check compares your identifying information and current address with an entry in California’s Automated Firearms System (AFS), then checks whether you are prohibited from possessing ammunition. DOJ says a determination may be completed in approximately two minutes when the information matches.
02
Basic Ammunition Eligibility Check — $19 DOJ fee
This option uses a more comprehensive DOJ records review and may take several days. The store provides an Ammunition Transaction Number so you can check the status through CFARS. An approval is for one ammunition transaction and must be used within the period stated by DOJ.
Check Status in CFARS03
Certificate of Eligibility Verification — $5 DOJ fee
A purchaser with a current California DOJ Certificate of Eligibility may use the COE verification process. The certificate must be active and the information provided must match.
04
Firearm and ammunition in the same transaction
When a licensed California firearm dealer is delivering an approved firearm and ammunition in the same transaction, the approved firearm eligibility check may be used for the ammunition purchase as provided by DOJ rules.
Common questions
Avoid preventable delays
What if my address has changed?
A Standard check requires your identifying information and current address to match an AFS entry. California DOJ provides an AFS Personal Information Update process through CFARS.
AFS Update InformationWhat if I do not have an AFS record?
You may still be able to purchase ammunition using a Basic eligibility check or, if applicable, an active COE. An ammunition purchase by itself does not create an AFS firearm record.
Can I bring ammunition from another state?
California DOJ states that a California resident generally may not bring ammunition acquired outside California into the state unless it is first delivered to a licensed California ammunition vendor or an exemption applies.
What if a check is rejected?
Keep the Ammunition Transaction Number provided by the vendor. California DOJ directs purchasers to CFARS for status or rejection information. A Basic-check denial reason is also sent by mail.
Open CFARSPrimary sources
Official California resources
Use these California DOJ resources for current program details, required documents, status checks, and updates.
Before you visit
Not sure which documents to bring?
Call Highland Guns before heading in, especially if your identification, name, address, residency, or eligibility records recently changed.