California Gun Laws 2025: What Every Gun Owner Needs to Know
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. Whether you're a new gun owner or longtime resident, understanding current regulations is essential for staying compliant.
Purchasing Firearms
- Age Requirements: 21 for handguns and semi-automatic centerfire rifles; 18 for other long guns with hunting license
- Firearm Safety Certificate: Required for all purchases
- Background Check: Required for all sales, including private party
- Waiting Period: 10 days for all purchases
- Handgun Roster: Only rostered handguns can be sold new by dealers
- One Gun Per Month: Limit on handgun and semi-auto centerfire rifle purchases
Assault Weapons
California bans assault weapons. For semi-automatic rifles, this generally means firearms with:
- Detachable magazine AND any of: pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, grenade launcher, flash suppressor, or forward pistol grip
Compliant options include 'featureless' builds (no prohibited features) or fixed magazine configurations.
Magazine Capacity
Magazines holding more than 10 rounds are prohibited from purchase, sale, or import. Possession of previously-owned large capacity magazines remains legally contested.
Storage Requirements
Safe storage is required when you reside with someone prohibited from possessing firearms or a minor without parental permission. Criminal storage laws apply if a child gains access to a loaded firearm you failed to secure.
Transportation
Firearms must be transported:
- Unloaded
- In a locked container (for handguns, required; for long guns, recommended)
- Separate from ammunition (recommended)
Carrying Firearms
- Open carry: Prohibited in incorporated areas
- Concealed carry: Requires CCW permit
- Vehicle: Handguns must be unloaded and locked; long guns unloaded
Recent Changes
Stay informed about ongoing legal challenges and new legislation. Gun laws in California continue to evolve through both legislation and court decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What guns are illegal in California?
California prohibits: assault weapons (as defined by features + detachable magazine), .50 BMG rifles, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, machine guns, and destructive devices. Semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines plus certain features (pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding stock, flash suppressor) are banned unless modified to be 'featureless' or have a fixed magazine.
Can I own a 30-round magazine in California?
It depends on when you acquired it. Magazines legally obtained during 'Freedom Week' (March 29-April 5, 2019) are currently protected for possession under court rulings. However, purchasing, importing, selling, or manufacturing magazines over 10 rounds remains illegal. You cannot acquire new large capacity magazines today.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in California?
Yes. California has a mandatory 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, with very limited exceptions. This applies even if you already own firearms, have a CCW permit, or have passed previous background checks. The waiting period begins when your DROS is submitted.
Can I carry a loaded gun in my car in California?
Without a CCW permit, handguns must be unloaded and in a locked container (not the glove box or console) while in a vehicle. Long guns must be unloaded. With a valid CCW permit, you may carry loaded and concealed according to your permit terms.
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