Fiream Information

What You Need to Buy a Firearm

Must be at least 21 years of age to buy any firearm. Purchaser will need provide CA Driver’s License or CA ID Card, Firearm Safety Card and Proof of Residency for handgun, for long gun all you need is your proof of identity and firearm safety card.

Any felony will prevent purchase of any firearm.

General Information

What is CFARS?

CFARS is a acronym for California Firearms Application Reporting System which is a web-based application that will allow an individual to report their firearms to the Department of Justice (DOJ) using California Reporting Information System (CRIS) reporting forms, as outlined in California firearms laws and regulations.

Benefits of Creating a CFARS Account

Creating a CFARS account is quick and free! Take advantage of the following benefits when you have a CFARS account:
1. View and print your firearm account history – You can view your account history by logging on to your account and CFARS will retain your online applications for up to 5 years.
2. E-mail notification – With an account, you will receive electronic complete, incomplete and reject notifications for your firearm submission.
3. Submit an issue – With an account, you may submit an issue by accessing "Report an Issue".
4. Save your cart – When you are logged into your account, any applications you have submitted to your cart will remain in the cart for up to forty-five days.
5. Streamlined processing – Save time completing future applications as your personal information is encrypted and securely stored. Thus, there is no longer the requirement to re-type your personal information for future transactions.

Unsure if you will be able to pass the background check?

Then the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check Program is the way to go:
What is a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check?

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 30105, an individual may request that the Department of Justice perform a firearms eligibility check on that individual. Authorized state records shall be examined to determine if the individual is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

How much does the PFEC cost?

The fee for the PFEC is $20, payable to the Department of Justice by check or money order. DO NOT SEND CASH.

How long will it take to get the results of my PFEC?

The results will be sent via U.S. Mail. The Department of Justice makes every effort to process requests for PFECs within 60 days of receipt.

Under what conditions is someone considered ineligible to possess and/or purchase firearms?

Any person who has been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors, certain firearms offenses, who is addicted to narcotics, who is the subject of a domestic violence restraining order, or has been committed to a mental institution pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 8100, may not possess or have under his or her control any firearm. See Prohibiting Categories, pdf. Certain federal statutes impose lifetime and other more restrictive prohibitions on firearm possession. Additionally, certain statutory conditions exist that allow for the possession of firearms but preclude the acquisition or purchase of additional firearms, such as the subjects of certain restraining orders and those under state or federal indictment.

Firearms Information for New California Residents

Pursuant to Penal Code sections 17000 and 27560, any person who moves into California with a firearm is considered a "Personal Firearm Importer" and is required by California law to do one of the following within 60 days:

Complete and submit a New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership (BOF 4010A), pdf along with $19.00 to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms;

Sell or transfer the firearm to a California licensed firearms dealer or to another individual using a California licensed firearms dealer to conduct the transaction; or

Sell or transfer the firearm to a California police or sheriff's department. Persons choosing this option should contact the law enforcement agency for instructions prior to transporting the firearm to the agency.

Transporting Handguns

Any person transporting handguns into California is required under California law to transport those handguns unloaded and in a locked container other than the glove compartment or utility compartment of a vehicle.

Assault Weapons

Please be advised that it is generally unlawful to bring assault weapons into California. Additionally, machine guns and ammunition feeding devices with the capacity to accept greater than 10 rounds may not be transported into California.