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Serving Highland and the Inland Empire

Incoming dealer transfers

Firearm Transfers Made Clear

Have a firearm purchased from another dealer shipped to Highland Guns. Start with us before ordering so we can confirm acceptance, California eligibility, fees, and shipping instructions.

California-compliant firearms may be shipped to Highland Guns.

You do not need to contact us for approval before shipment. Please make sure the firearm is legal for transfer in California and that the seller or shipping dealer includes all required documentation. Transfers remain subject to inspection, purchaser eligibility, and all applicable California requirements.

Know the costs

Incoming Transfer Fees

The final total depends on the purchase price, seller documentation, taxes, firearm, and transaction requirements.

Highland Guns $50

Receiving Fee

Charged for each standard incoming firearm transfer unless another arrangement applies.

California DOJ $37.19

State Fee

The currently published California state firearm transaction fee.

When applicable Tax

California Taxes

Applicable sales or use tax and California's firearm excise tax are calculated from the transaction documents.

Bring a complete sales receipt or invoice.

It must identify the purchaser, seller, firearm, purchase price, and any separately stated charges. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay processing.

Before anything ships

How the Transfer Process Works

Follow these steps in order. Tracking information alone does not mean a firearm is ready for paperwork.

  1. 01

    Submit Your Request

    Complete the transfer request form with your contact information, order number, firearm description, and shipping dealer details.

  2. 02

    Confirm California Compliance

    Before shipment, make sure the firearm is legal for transfer in California. You do not need to wait for approval from Highland Guns before the sending dealer ships it.

  3. 03

    The Dealer Ships

    The shipping dealer sends the firearm with its FFL, required California shipment approval, and a detailed invoice or sales receipt.

  4. 04

    Wait for Our Call

    After delivery, staff must receive, inspect, log, and process the firearm. Do not come in based only on carrier tracking. We will contact you when it is ready.

  5. 05

    Complete the Transaction

    Bring the required identification and transaction documents. If eligible, you will complete the DROS and other required paperwork, pay applicable charges, and begin the waiting period.

Review before purchasing

Transfer Requirements

The Firearm Must Qualify

  • A handgun generally must be on the current California roster unless the transaction or purchaser qualifies for an exemption.
  • Long guns and firearm configurations must comply with current California requirements.
  • Firearms or accompanying items that cannot legally be received or transferred may be refused.

The Shipping Dealer Must Include

  • A signed or otherwise acceptable copy of the dealer's current Federal Firearms License.
  • The required California Firearms Licensee Check shipment approval letter when applicable.
  • A detailed sales receipt or invoice showing the purchaser and purchase amount.
  • Your name and order information so the shipment can be matched to your request.

The Customer Must Bring

  • Valid, unexpired California identification and any additional documents required for the transaction.
  • A valid Firearm Safety Certificate or qualifying exemption.
  • Acceptable proof of residency when required.
  • Any exemption documentation being relied upon.

Start here

Transfer Request Form

Submit one request for each order or shipment. Our team will review the information and contact you about the next step.

Prefer to speak with us? (909) 862-3434 2600 E. Highland Ave., Suite A
Highland, CA 92346

Do not submit Social Security numbers, identification numbers, payment-card information, or photographs of identification through this form.

Common questions

Before Your Transfer

Can I come in as soon as tracking shows “delivered”?

No. Delivery is followed by receiving, inspection, acquisition logging, documentation review, and internal processing. Wait until Highland Guns contacts you.

What happens if the firearm cannot be transferred?

Prior approval from Highland Guns is not required before shipment. However, the customer is responsible for confirming that the firearm is legal for transfer in California. If the firearm cannot be transferred, the customer remains responsible for Highland Guns’ $50 receiving fee, along with any return shipping, seller fees, or other applicable costs. The final outcome will also depend on why the transfer cannot be completed and the seller’s return policy.

Can a private seller ship a firearm?

A private seller may ship an eligible rifle or shotgun to Highland Guns when all required identification and transaction documentation are included. Highland Guns does not accept handguns shipped directly by private sellers. A handgun must be shipped by a licensed firearms dealer (FFL). All firearms must be legal for transfer in California.

Is this the same as a private-party transfer?

No. A California private-party transfer generally requires both California residents to appear together in person at a licensed California dealer. This page is for incoming shipments from another seller or dealer.

Not sure where to begin?

Call Before You Place the Order

Give us the exact manufacturer, model, SKU, seller, and intended purchaser information available to you. We will explain the next step.