If you are a gun owner in California, it is important to stay up to date on the ever-changing California gun laws. California has always been on the cutting edge of legislation when it comes to firearms. From its red flag law for restraining orders against dangerous firearm owners to its restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition accessories, there are plenty of rules and regulations in place.
Who Is (and Isn’t) Allowed to Own Guns in California?
Several strict regulations prohibit certain individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms in California. For example, convicted felons and individuals with a history of mental illness or drug addiction are prohibited from owning a firearm.
Additionally, individuals under 21 cannot purchase handguns, while those under 18 cannot purchase shotguns or rifles. To legally possess a firearm in California, you must obtain a permit and comply with all state regulations regarding ownership and storage.
California is one of the top five states with the highest number of registered firearms. In 2024, California had over 418,000 registered firearms. A cumulative 10-year tally put California as the state with the third-highest number of registered guns, reporting 9.3 million registered guns and conventional firearms registered here between 2015 and 2024. Because these numbers are so high, law enforcement, as well as prosecutors, take gun crime charges seriously.
Buying and Selling Firearms
Although some gun lobbyists express concerns about the complexity of the process, purchasing and registering a firearm in California is fairly straightforward with clear guidelines. If you want to legally purchase and register a firearm in the state, follow the steps listed below:
- Obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate. Before you can purchase a gun in California, you must first obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). This involves passing a written test on firearms safety and laws.
- Purchase your gun from a licensed dealer. All firearm purchases and transfers must go through licensed dealers who conduct background checks and record sales using the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) system.
- Wait 10 days. After purchasing your gun, you must wait 10 days before the seller can release or transfer it to you.
By following these steps and complying with all relevant gun laws, you can legally purchase and register your firearm in California. Remember that obtaining a concealed carry permit requires additional steps beyond those outlined above.
Transporting and Storing Firearms
To protect your safety and that of those around you, California has strict guidelines for carrying firearms. Therefore, it’s important to properly transport and store your firearms. In California, carrying a loaded firearm in public is illegal unless you have a concealed carry permit. Firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked container in any vehicle, including motorcycles.
When storing firearms at home, they should be kept out of reach of children and prohibited persons. A safe or lock box is recommended for secure storage. It’s also important to keep ammunition separate from firearms and stored in a locked container as well.
Concealed Carry and Open Carry
In California, it’s legal to carry a concealed weapon with a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit, which requires the completion of a training course and a background check. However, obtaining a CCW permit can be difficult due to restrictions on who qualifies and the discretion of local law enforcement agencies.
Open carry of firearms is generally illegal in California, except for certain circumstances, such as by law enforcement. Some security guards may also lawfully open carry while they are on duty, and exceptions sometimes exist for people who are hunting, camping, or on their own private property, as well.
Overall, the state has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, including bans on certain types of firearms and large-capacity magazines. It’s important to understand and follow all firearm laws in California regarding concealed carry and open carry permissions to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Illegal Firearms and Assault Weapons
Under California weapons laws, certain types of firearms are prohibited from ownership or possession. This includes short-barreled shotguns/rifles, undetectable firearms, zip guns, magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds, wallet guns, and pistols without a bore. Note that possessing these illegal firearms is a violation of California law and can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor offense.
As such, it’s crucial to fully understand the state’s firearm regulations before purchasing any weapon. Before obtaining any firearm in California, you should understand if it falls under the permissible categories outlined by the law to avoid causing trouble for yourself with authorities later.
Prohibited Places
To avoid getting into trouble with the law, be aware of where firearms are prohibited. It’s important to know that carrying a gun in California requires strict adherence to rules and regulations. To help you stay lawful, here are four places where firearms are prohibited:
- Schools. Firearms can’t be carried within 1,000 feet of a school or on school grounds, according to the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995.
- Government buildings. Firearms aren’t allowed in government buildings such as courthouses or post offices.
- Public parks. Guns can’t be carried in parks that are part of the California public parks system.
- Public buildings. You can’t carry a weapon into a state or local public building, like a library.
It’s crucial to remember that violating these restrictions can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. If you find yourself facing charges related to the possession of firearms in prohibited places, you should immediately hire a weapons charges attorney who understands California gun laws and can help protect your rights and freedom.
Ammunition and Accessories Restrictions
Large-capacity magazines are illegal in California. You can’t buy, sell, or possess any magazine with more than ten rounds of ammunition.
Apart from this, there are also regulations on other types of ammunition and accessories. For example, armor-piercing rounds are generally prohibited under California’s firearm laws. Similarly, silencers or suppressors for firearms aren’t allowed unless you have a special permit issued by the Attorney General’s Office.
It’s important to stay informed about these restrictions and regulations so that you don’t run afoul of the law when purchasing ammunition or firearm accessories in California.
Penalties for Violating California Gun Laws
Breaking any of these regulations can result in imprisonment for up to seven years. If you violate California gun laws, you may face the penalties listed below:
- You could lose your right to own or possess firearms permanently or temporarily.
- If you use a firearm to commit a crime, such as robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, or murder, you could face severe criminal charges and potentially spend the rest of your life in prison.
It’s important to note that even unintentional violations can have serious consequences. For instance, failing to complete a background check when purchasing firearms could lead to criminal charges. Concealing weapons without proper permits or bringing them into restricted areas like schools and government buildings can also result in significant legal repercussions.
Potential Defenses Against Weapons Charges in California
If you are charged with a crime involving a weapon in California, you can work with your attorney to decide on a compelling defense strategy that fits the parameters of your case. Some potential defenses against such charges include the following:
- Self-defense. Self-defense is often an effective defense strategy against weapons charges because actions that would normally be unlawful can be justified if there was an imminent threat to the physical safety of the accused or of someone else around them.
- Lack of intent. Some crimes require intent to establish an offender’s guilt. If your attorney can successfully argue that you did not intend to commit a crime, this may be a strong defense.
- Mistake of fact. In some cases, people are accused of crimes they simply did not commit. If there was no crime committed, or if there was a crime committed but not by you, your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to assert that in court.
FAQs in Relation to California Gun Laws
How Much Does a Weapons Charges Lawyer Cost in California?
The cost to hire a weapons charges lawyer in California can vary significantly and depends on the seriousness of the offense in question, the complexity of the case, and the amount of time the attorney must spend working for you. Most lawyers require a deposit, called a retainer, to begin working on a case. After you pay the retainer fee, your lawyer can bill their actual working hours against the deposit.
Can You Open Carry in California as of 2026?
No, as of 2026, it is illegal to open carry in California, with very few specific exceptions. Some of these exceptions include law enforcement officers, certain security guards while they are actively working, and people who are lawfully hunting. There are also circumstances in which a person might lawfully open-carry firearms on private property. If you have questions about a specific situation, you can consult an attorney for advice.
Do You Need a Valid ID to Purchase a Firearm in California?
Yes, producing valid identification is part of the pre-purchase requirements for gun ownership in California. The ID must prove the purchaser’s age and true identity for a background check. If a purchaser is a member of the military, they may be able to use their military ID instead of a driver’s license or state identification card.
Can a Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Own a Firearm in California?
No, federal regulation prohibits any person who has been convicted of a domestic violence crime in any state from owning a firearm. This regulation holds up in California. On top of that, many violent criminal convictions trigger state firearm bans in California, so convicted individuals may be banned from gun ownership at the state level, as well.
Get Legal Defense Against Weapons Charges in California – Hire a Weapons Charges Attorney With Experience
If you have a weapons charge in California, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed about the future and the prospect of defending yourself against those charges. The good news is that you do not have to navigate the situation on your own.
At Kolacia Law Firm, we’re committed to helping our clients stay informed and protected. Our experienced weapons charges lawyer can provide the guidance you need to navigate the complexities of California gun laws and ensure you’re complying with all regulations.
Whether you’re a gun owner, a firearms dealer, or a member of law enforcement, it’s essential to be aware of the laws and regulations that affect you. If you find yourself facing weapons charges, you need a strategic defense. Contact us for a case review by our experienced attorneys.
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