California 10-Day Waiting Period: What You Need to Know
California's 10-day waiting period is one of the state's fundamental firearms regulations. Understanding how it works helps set realistic expectations for your firearm purchase.
What Is the 10-Day Waiting Period?
California law requires a mandatory 10-day waiting period between when you initiate a firearm purchase (submit DROS) and when you can take possession. This applies to:
- All handgun purchases
- All rifle and shotgun purchases
- Private party transfers
- FFL transfers of online purchases
Why 10 Days?
The waiting period serves as a 'cooling off' period intended to:
- Prevent impulsive acts of violence
- Reduce suicide risk
- Allow time for background check completion
Whether you agree with the policy or not, it's the law and applies equally to everyone.
The Waiting Period Does NOT Care About:
- Previous gun ownership - Own 50 guns? Still wait 10 days
- CCW permit - Doesn't exempt you
- Previous background checks - Each purchase starts fresh
- Clean record - Perfect history doesn't speed it up
- Urgency - Threats don't create exemptions for regular citizens
How the 10 Days Works
Day Count
- Day 1: Day you submit DROS and paperwork
- Days 2-9: Waiting
- Day 10: Earliest pickup (after any time on Day 10)
Some dealers allow pickup first thing on Day 10; others wait until the exact time.
Background Check
Your background check runs during the waiting period. If it clears early, you still wait the full 10 days. If it takes longer than 10 days, you wait until it clears (up to 30 days, after which the transaction is cancelled).
Limited Exemptions
Very few exemptions exist:
- Licensed firearms dealers
- Special weapons permit holders
- Certain active law enforcement
- Specific military personnel
- Entertainment industry props (limited)
- Curio & Relic collector situations (specific)
If you're reading this guide, you likely don't qualify for any exemption.
Working With the Waiting Period
Since you can't avoid it, plan around it:
- Don't wait until you 'need' a gun to buy one
- Start the process early before any anticipated need
- Consider your timeline when shopping online (shipping + 10 days)
- Plan range trips and training for after pickup
What Happens During the Wait
While you wait:
- Background check processes
- Your firearm is held at the dealer
- You cannot access or use it
- You should be preparing storage at home
- Research training options and range locations
Pickup Day
When the 10 days complete:
- Return to dealer with valid ID
- Complete safe handling demonstration
- Take possession of your firearm
- Transport home properly (unloaded, locked container for handguns)
Start Your Purchase
Browse our directory of California gun stores to find a dealer and begin your purchase. Remember: the sooner you start, the sooner you can pick up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does California have a 10-day waiting period?
California's 10-day waiting period serves as a 'cooling off' period intended to prevent impulsive acts of violence or suicide. The law applies to all firearm purchases regardless of whether you already own guns, have a CCW permit, or have passed previous background checks.
Can I skip the 10-day waiting period if I already own guns?
No. Unlike some states, California's waiting period applies to all firearm purchases regardless of how many guns you already own. Previous background checks and firearm ownership do not exempt you from the waiting period.
Does CCW exempt you from California waiting period?
No. Even with a valid California CCW permit, you must complete the 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. The CCW permit does not provide any exemption from the waiting period requirement.
Are there ANY exemptions to California's waiting period?
Very limited exemptions exist for: licensed firearms dealers, special weapons permit holders, certain law enforcement and military personnel, and some collector transactions. For the vast majority of Californians, the 10-day wait applies to every purchase.
Find What You Need
Browse our directory to find gun stores, shooting ranges, and training providers throughout California.
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