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.