You can show military identification instead if you also have permanent duty station orders that prove you’re posted in California.

Any crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Any violent offense (bans from misdemeanors may be temporary) Misdemeanors related to assault, intimidation, stalking, domestic violence, or firearms can lead to a temporary or permanent ban. Some court orders or probation conditions include a firearm ban.

Currently under a restraining order or protective order Currently a ward of the juvenile court due to certain offenses Mentally incompetent or mentally ill, according to a court Addicted to narcotics, or under conservatorship due to alcoholism Dishonorably discharged from the military Reported by a psychotherapist for threats against another person

Must have been in the U. S. for at least 90 days. Must have a hunting license issued in the U. S. , or be an official of a foreign government. Must bring a copy of the visa and I-94 card (or Alien Registration form). Must not have given up U. S. citizenship. Note: Many gun dealers are not familiar with these laws. You may need to try a few before you find one who knows this process.

This costs $20, plus the cost of notarizing the document. [6] X Research source A PFEC is never required. The only reason to have it done is to avoid the hassle of purchasing a gun, then having it denied after the waiting period.

You have a hunting license and are purchasing a long gun. You are in the military or CA/federal police force, or honorably retired from it. You have a Special Weapons Permit or Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit. If you have the old Handgun Safety Certificate, you can use it instead until it expires. If you have a Curio & Relic Collector license, you can use it to purchase antique guns. [8] X Research source

If you fail the test, you can take it again from the same dealership after 24 hours. The questions will be different this time. If you switch to a different dealership or need to take the test a third time, you will need to pay the $25 fee again. [10] X Research source

Choose a handgun. Good for self-defense and concealed carry, but short-range and poor hunting weapons. They require a lot of practice and dexterity to use effectively. Choose a rifle. Used for both hunting and home defense. Bolt action rifles are typically cheaper than semi-automatic rifles. Choose a shotgun. Arguably the most versatile weapon. Shotguns can be loaded with slugs or buckshot, depending on the intended purpose. Choose a firearm for self defense. Each type of gun has its own advantages in this scenario.

Some purchases require extra documents, as described in the eligibility section above. In California, you are only allowed to purchase one handgun within a 30-day period. [12] X Research source There is no time limit for long guns, or for antique guns if you have a collector’s license.

You are not required to do this until you pick up the firearm. However, the state of California recommends you do this before you finalize the sale, to make sure you know how to use the firearm. [13] X Research source

If you are buying from another private party, the gun dealer overseeing the purchase is only allowed to charge $10 per firearm, plus the state fees.

The dealer must give you a copy of your DROS information upon request, proving that you were denied or accepted. [15] X Research source The dealer is legally required to cancel the sale if you do not show up within 30 days of submitting the DROS. [16] X Research source

Proof of ownership of a gun safe requires either an owners manual or a receipt of purchase. Proof of Lock ownership requires a receipt of lock within 30 days of actual pick up date (not date of sale). Most American gun dealers will already include a free original equipment manufacturer (OEM) gun lock that will satisfy this requirement (not all of the free locks are California legal, see your local dealer for more information or visit the California’s Department of Justice website for a complete list of approved locks).

If you have purchased a pistol, you will need your handgun safety certificate and proof of residency (this can be a recent water or electric bill or even valid vehicle registration).