Frequently Asked Questions

A California licensed dealer generally may not sell or transfer a firearm to anyone under 21. California identifies limited exemptions for certain non-handgun transfers to eligible people age 18 or older, including specified hunting-license, military, and law-enforcement circumstances.

Because an exemption depends on the firearm and the purchaser's documentation, contact our team before visiting.

Unless exempt, you must present a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) before beginning a firearm transaction. The FSC test contains 30 questions and requires at least 23 correct answers. The test-and-certificate fee is $25, and the FSC is valid for five years.

Highland Guns offers FSC testing during normal store hours. Bring a valid California driver license or California identification card.

Unless exempt, the purchaser or recipient must complete a safe handling demonstration for the firearm under the supervision of a DOJ Certified Instructor. The demonstration covers specified safety, loading, and unloading steps and must be completed before delivery.

California and federal law contain numerous prohibiting categories, including certain felony and misdemeanor convictions, specified restraining orders, and other circumstances. Highland Guns cannot determine personal eligibility or provide legal advice.

If you are uncertain about a California record, the DOJ offers a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check. A California PFEC does not include the separate federal NICS check.

DROS means Dealer's Record of Sale. A California licensed dealer submits the purchaser and transaction information to the California Department of Justice through the DROS Entry System. The background-check and waiting-period process begins when the submission is accepted.

The waiting period is ten consecutive 24-hour periods beginning when the DROS is accepted by DOJ. Your earliest delivery date and time will appear on the transaction paperwork. Limited statutory exemptions exist, but they generally do not apply to the public.

The firearm must be delivered within the valid 30-day DROS window. If it is not picked up within that period, the transaction must be restarted, including a new DROS submission, fee, and waiting period.

The California DOJ DROS fee as $37.19. Other store, transfer, tax, or transaction charges may apply depending on the purchase. Fees are confirmed before the transaction is started.

California DOJ currently states that a person generally may not apply to purchase more than three firearms cumulatively within any 30-day period. Limited exemptions apply. The rule is based on applications and transaction timing, so confirm your situation with our team before starting another transaction.

California generally restricts dealer sales of handguns to models currently listed on the state's Roster of Certified Handguns unless a transaction or purchaser qualifies for an exemption. A model's status can change, and similar-looking versions may have different roster status.

Firearm deliveries are subject to California and federal safety-device requirements. Whether the device included with a firearm qualifies—or whether another device or documentation is needed—depends on the firearm and transaction. We will confirm the requirement before delivery.

California ammunition purchases require an eligibility check and acceptable identification. The type of check and any additional documentation depend on the purchaser's records and circumstances.