Gun laws in the United States by state
Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:10:18 PM Wikipedia source
Gun laws in the United States regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. State laws (and the laws of the District of Columbia and of the U . territories) vary considerably, and are independent of existing federal firearms laws, although they are sometimes broader or more limited in scope than the federal laws. Forty-five states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment of the U . Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. In New York, however, the statutory civil rights laws contain a provision virtually identical to the Second Amendment. Additionally, the U . Supreme Court held in McDonald v. Chicago that the protections of the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms for self-defense in one's home apply against state governments and their political subdivisions. Firearm owners are subject to the firearm laws of the state they are in, and not exclusively their state of residence. Reciprocity between states exists in certain situations, such as with regard to concealed carry permits. These are recognized on a state-by-state basis. For example, Idaho recognizes an Oregon permit, but Oregon does not recognize an Idaho permit. Florida issues a license to carry both concealed weapons and firearms, but others license only the concealed carry of firearms. Some states do not recognize out-of-state permits to carry a firearm at all, so it is important to understand the laws of each state when traveling with a handgun. In many cases, state firearms laws can be considerably less restrictive than federal firearms laws. This does not confer any de jure immunity against prosecution for violations of the federal laws. However, state and local police departments are not legally obligated to enforce federal gun law as per the U . Supreme Court's ruling in Printz v. United States.
Tables
· Alabama
State permit required to purchase?
State permit required to purchase?
Subject / law
State permit required to purchase?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Firearm registration?
Firearm registration?
Subject / law
Firearm registration?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Assault weapon law?
Assault weapon law?
Subject / law
Assault weapon law?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Magazine capacity restriction?
Magazine capacity restriction?
Subject / law
Magazine capacity restriction?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Owner license required?
Owner license required?
Subject / law
Owner license required?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Permit required for concealed carry?
Permit required for concealed carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for concealed carry?
Long guns
N/A
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
13A-11-75
Notes
Alabama is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older.
Permitless concealed carry for residents 18 years or older took effect on January 1, 2023.
Permit required for open carry?
Permit required for open carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for open carry?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
13A-11-7
Notes
May carry openly without permit, except handgun must be secured in a holster.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Subject / law
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
13A-3-23
State preemption of local restrictions?
State preemption of local restrictions?
Subject / law
State preemption of local restrictions?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
13A-11-61
Notes
".. Legislature hereby occupies and preempts the entire field of regulation in this state touching in any way upon firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories..."
NFA weapons restricted?
NFA weapons restricted?
Subject / law
NFA weapons restricted?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
13A-11-54
Notes
It is illegal to carry an Any Other Weapon (AOW) disguised as a walking cane.
Peaceable Journey laws?
Peaceable Journey laws?
Subject / law
Peaceable Journey laws?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Background checks required for private sales?
Background checks required for private sales?
Subject / law
Background checks required for private sales?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
| Subject / law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | ||
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | 13A-11-75 | Alabama is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older. Permitless concealed carry for residents 18 years or older took effect on January 1, 2023. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | 13A-11-7 | May carry openly without permit, except handgun must be secured in a holster. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | 13A-3-23 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | 13A-11-61 | ".. Legislature hereby occupies and preempts the entire field of regulation in this state touching in any way upon firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories..." |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | 13A-11-54 | It is illegal to carry an Any Other Weapon (AOW) disguised as a walking cane. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | ||
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No |
· Alaska
State permit required to purchase?
State permit required to purchase?
Subject / law
State permit required to purchase?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Firearm registration?
Firearm registration?
Subject / law
Firearm registration?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Assault weapon law?
Assault weapon law?
Subject / law
Assault weapon law?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Magazine capacity restriction?
Magazine capacity restriction?
Subject / law
Magazine capacity restriction?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Owner license required?
Owner license required?
Subject / law
Owner license required?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Permit required for concealed carry?
Permit required for concealed carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for concealed carry?
Long guns
N/A
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
AS 11 AS 18
Notes
Alaska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
Permitless carry took effect on September 9, 2003.
Permit required for open carry?
Permit required for open carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for open carry?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Notes
May carry openly without permit.
State preemption of local restrictions?
State preemption of local restrictions?
Subject / law
State preemption of local restrictions?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AS 29
NFA weapons restricted?
NFA weapons restricted?
Subject / law
NFA weapons restricted?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law?
Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law?
Subject / law
Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AS 11
Notes
"A person who is justified in using nondeadly force in self-defense may use deadly force in self-defense upon another person when and to the extent, the person reasonably believes the use of deadly force is necessary for self-defense against death; serious physical injury; kidnapping except for what is described as custodial interference in the fir
Shall certify?
Shall certify?
Subject / law
Shall certify?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AS 18
Notes
Shall certify within 30 days.
Peaceable Journey laws?
Peaceable Journey laws?
Subject / law
Peaceable Journey laws?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Background checks required for private sales?
Background checks required for private sales?
Subject / law
Background checks required for private sales?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Duty to inform?
Duty to inform?
Subject / law
Duty to inform?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AS 11 (a)(1)(A)(i)
| Subject / law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | ||
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | AS 11 AS 18 | Alaska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Permitless carry took effect on September 9, 2003. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | May carry openly without permit. | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | AS 29 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | ||
| Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law? | Yes | Yes | AS 11 | "A person who is justified in using nondeadly force in self-defense may use deadly force in self-defense upon another person when and to the extent, the person reasonably believes the use of deadly force is necessary for self-defense against death; serious physical injury; kidnapping except for what is described as custodial interference in the fir |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | AS 18 | Shall certify within 30 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | ||
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | ||
| Duty to inform? | Yes | Yes | AS 11 (a)(1)(A)(i) |
· Arizona
State permit required to purchase?
State permit required to purchase?
Subject / law
State permit required to purchase?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Firearm registration?
Firearm registration?
Subject / law
Firearm registration?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
A . § 13-3108
Assault weapon law?
Assault weapon law?
Subject / law
Assault weapon law?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Magazine capacity restriction?
Magazine capacity restriction?
Subject / law
Magazine capacity restriction?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Owner license required?
Owner license required?
Subject / law
Owner license required?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Permit required for concealed carry?
Permit required for concealed carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for concealed carry?
Long guns
N/A
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
A . § 13-3102
A . § 13-3112
Notes
Arizona is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
Permitless carry took effect on July 29, 2010.
Permit required for open carry?
Permit required for open carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for open carry?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Notes
May carry openly without permit.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Subject / law
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
A . §§ 13-401 to 13-421
State preemption of local restrictions?
State preemption of local restrictions?
Subject / law
State preemption of local restrictions?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
A . § 13-3108
NFA weapons restricted?
NFA weapons restricted?
Subject / law
NFA weapons restricted?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Shall certify?
Shall certify?
Subject / law
Shall certify?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
A . § 13-3121
Notes
Shall certify within 60 days.
Peaceable Journey laws?
Peaceable Journey laws?
Subject / law
Peaceable Journey laws?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Background checks required for private sales?
Background checks required for private sales?
Subject / law
Background checks required for private sales?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
A . § 44-1382
| Subject / law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | ||
| Firearm registration? | No | No | A . § 13-3108 | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | A . § 13-3102 A . § 13-3112 | Arizona is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Permitless carry took effect on July 29, 2010. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | May carry openly without permit. | |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | A . §§ 13-401 to 13-421 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | A . § 13-3108 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | ||
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | A . § 13-3121 | Shall certify within 60 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | ||
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | A . § 44-1382 |
· Arkansas
State permit required to purchase?
State permit required to purchase?
Subject / law
State permit required to purchase?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Firearm registration?
Firearm registration?
Subject / law
Firearm registration?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Assault weapon law?
Assault weapon law?
Subject / law
Assault weapon law?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Magazine capacity restriction?
Magazine capacity restriction?
Subject / law
Magazine capacity restriction?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Owner license required?
Owner license required?
Subject / law
Owner license required?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Permit required for concealed carry?
Permit required for concealed carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for concealed carry?
Long guns
N/A
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 5-73-120
AR Code §§ 5-73-301 to 5-73-320
Notes
Arkansas is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Regular and Enhanced permits are issued. Enhanced permits are issued to those who complete a training course.
Permitless carry took effect on August 16, 2013.
Enhanced concealed carry permits allow for carrying in some areas such as carrying at
Permit required for open carry?
Permit required for open carry?
Subject / law
Permit required for open carry?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 5-73-120
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Subject / law
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AR Code §§ 5-2-601 to 5-2-621
State preemption of local restrictions?
State preemption of local restrictions?
Subject / law
State preemption of local restrictions?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 14-16-504
NFA weapons restricted?
NFA weapons restricted?
Subject / law
NFA weapons restricted?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 5-73-207
Notes
Machine guns may not fire pistol cartridges of in. or 7 mm or larger unless the gun is registered to an ammunition corporation.
Shall certify?
Shall certify?
Subject / law
Shall certify?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 5-73-112
Notes
Shall certify within 15 days.
Peaceable Journey laws?
Peaceable Journey laws?
Subject / law
Peaceable Journey laws?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes
AR Code § 5-73-120
Background checks required for private sales?
Background checks required for private sales?
Subject / law
Background checks required for private sales?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Duty to inform?
Duty to inform?
Subject / law
Duty to inform?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
| Subject / law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | ||
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | AR Code § 5-73-120 AR Code §§ 5-73-301 to 5-73-320 | Arkansas is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Regular and Enhanced permits are issued. Enhanced permits are issued to those who complete a training course. Permitless carry took effect on August 16, 2013. Enhanced concealed carry permits allow for carrying in some areas such as carrying at |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | AR Code § 5-73-120 | |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | AR Code §§ 5-2-601 to 5-2-621 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 14-16-504 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | No | AR Code § 5-73-207 | Machine guns may not fire pistol cartridges of in. or 7 mm or larger unless the gun is registered to an ammunition corporation. |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 5-73-112 | Shall certify within 15 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 5-73-120 | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | ||
| Duty to inform? | Yes | Yes |
· California
State permit required to purchase?
State permit required to purchase?
Subject / law
State permit required to purchase?
Long guns
Partial
Handguns
Partial
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§26500
Notes
All firearm sales must be completed through a dealer. Firearm purchases require a Firearm Safety Certificate and proof of residency unless the individual purchasing the firearm is active duty military, honorably retired military, or a peace officer under Penal Code Section 830. Military reservists must provide proof of residency in order to purchas
Firearm registration?
Firearm registration?
Subject / law
Firearm registration?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§28150
Notes
The California Department of Justice ("DOJ") retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearm sales and transfers, and requires that any firearms imported into the state be reported to the DOJ. Furthermore, the Attorney General is required by law to maintain a registry containing the fingerprints and identifying informatio
Owner license required?
Owner license required?
Subject / law
Owner license required?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
None
Notes
While the Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for new purchases of firearms, ongoing possession of a firearm does not require a license or permit. People moving into California are required, within 60 days, to file a New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership. New residents are prohibited from importing assault weapons or any other weapons p
Assault weapon law?
Assault weapon law?
Subject / law
Assault weapon law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§30500, §30515
Notes
Illegal to possess, import, or purchase assault weapons and BMG rifles, unless such weapons were acquired by the owner prior to June 1, 1989. While California's Assault Weapons Law does allow individuals who hold a Dangerous Weapons Permit to obtain, transport or possess defined assault weapons, the DOJ generally does not issue Dangerous Weapon
Magazine capacity restriction?
Magazine capacity restriction?
Subject / law
Magazine capacity restriction?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§32310
Notes
Section 32310 of the Penal Code states that any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, receives, or assembles any large-capacity magazine from a parts kit is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonm
License required for concealed carry?
License required for concealed carry?
Subject / law
License required for concealed carry?
Long guns
N/A
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§26150
Notes
"May issue," per Attorney General's directive after Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. CCW permits valid statewide. Out-of-state permits not valid in California.
On December 4, 2023, a lawsuit challenging California's laws forbidding nonresidents' concealed carry permits and nonresidents from obtai
Open carry allowed?
Open carry allowed?
Subject / law
Open carry allowed?
Long guns
Partial
Handguns
Partial
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§26350
Notes
Long guns and handguns may be openly carried in unincorporated rural areas where firearm discharge is not prohibited by local ordinance. In a county with a population of less than 200,000 residents, a permit to carry a handgun "loaded and exposed" may be issued by the county sheriff, valid only in the issuing county. A person may also open carry if
Vehicle carry?
Vehicle carry?
Subject / law
Vehicle carry?
Long guns
No
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§25610
Notes
A valid California Concealed Weapons License is required to carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle. Otherwise, handguns and assault weapons must be unloaded and locked in a case during transport. Long guns not classified as assault weapons may be transported in a vehicle without being locked in a case, but must be unloaded.
State preemption of local restrictions?
State preemption of local restrictions?
Subject / law
State preemption of local restrictions?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§53701 Government Code Archived July 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
Notes
Most but not all local restrictions preempted.
Castle doctrine law?
Castle doctrine law?
Subject / law
Castle doctrine law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Notes
California never requires a duty to retreat whether in one's own home or not. The state acknowledges a legal presumption that an intruder poses a deadly threat if in one's own home or property that is owned and controlled by oneself.
NFA weapons restricted?
NFA weapons restricted?
Subject / law
NFA weapons restricted?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§12220, §12020, §12020
§18710,
§32625,
§33215,
§33410
Notes
Possession of automatic weapons or short-barreled shotguns or rifles prohibited without DOJ "Dangerous Weapons Permit"; permission rarely granted outside of film industry. Suppressors (aka silencers) prohibited. Destructive devices are prohibited unless are designated as curios & relics, in which case a collectors permit can be obtained. The only A
Peaceable journey laws?
Peaceable journey laws?
Subject / law
Peaceable journey laws?
Long guns
No
Handguns
No
Notes
California courts have ruled that large-capacity magazines (LCM) that are disassembled or LCM parts are legal to possess. Otherwise federal rules are observed.
Waiting period?
Waiting period?
Subject / law
Waiting period?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§26815(a), §26950-27140 , §27540(a) ,
§27600-27750
Notes
California has a ten (10) day waiting period for all firearm purchases, transfers, and private sales which must be conducted through a federal and state firearm license holder. That is, upon purchase, the purchaser must wait 10 days after the purchase before the firearm is released to the owner.
On August 25, 2014, the California's 10-day waiting p
Background checks required for private sales?
Background checks required for private sales?
Subject / law
Background checks required for private sales?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
§ 27545
Notes
Private party transfers of firearms must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to conduct a background check and keep a record of the sale.
Red flag law?
Red flag law?
Subject / law
Red flag law?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Notes
The police or a person's family member can ask a judge to confiscate the firearms of a person who appears to pose a threat to themselves or others for up to one year. Such orders from out-of-state are also recognized. As of September 1, 2020, eligible petitioners will be expanded to include an employer, coworker, and school teacher or employee, and
Background check required for ammunition purchase?
Background check required for ammunition purchase?
Subject / law
Background check required for ammunition purchase?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
PC 30312, 30314, 30342, 30370
Notes
After January 1, 2018 all ammunition purchases must be made through a licensed ammunition dealer and no person may import ammunition from out-of-state unless they meet the requirements for exemption under PC 30314(b). This section effectively banned online and mail order sales of ammunition by requiring all transactions go through a storefront phys
Home-built firearms restriction?
Home-built firearms restriction?
Subject / law
Home-built firearms restriction?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
PC 29180, 29010
Notes
After July 1, 2018, any person who wishes to manufacture a firearm must first apply to the California DOJ for a serial number and apply that serial number, once issued, to the firearm within 10 days. There are specific requirements laid out for how to inscribe or engrave the serial number given the material the firearm is made out of. Violation of
Purchase quantity and frequency restriction?
Purchase quantity and frequency restriction?
Subject / law
Purchase quantity and frequency restriction?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
PC 27535
Notes
As of January 1, 2024, no person is allowed to purchase more than one firearm, which includes completed frames and receivers and firearm precursor parts, within any 30-day period. Starting January 1, 2025, all private party transactions except with some exemptions will be subject to the 1-in-30 restriction.
On March 11, 2024, Judge William Q. Hayes
Transfer quantity and frequency restriction?
Transfer quantity and frequency restriction?
Subject / law
Transfer quantity and frequency restriction?
Long guns
Yes
Handguns
Yes
Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted)
PC 16730
Notes
As of January 1, 2020, no person without a license is allowed to make 6 or more firearm transactions (sale, lease, or transfer) per calendar year, regardless of the type of firearm, and no person is allowed to sell, lease, or transfer more than 50 total firearms per calendar year within those transactions.
| Subject / law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes (Penal Code except when noted) | Notes |
| State permit required to purchase? | Partial | Partial | §26500 | All firearm sales must be completed through a dealer. Firearm purchases require a Firearm Safety Certificate and proof of residency unless the individual purchasing the firearm is active duty military, honorably retired military, or a peace officer under Penal Code Section 830. Military reservists must provide proof of residency in order to purchas |
| Firearm registration? | Yes | Yes | §28150 | The California Department of Justice ("DOJ") retains information about the purchaser and seller of all in-state firearm sales and transfers, and requires that any firearms imported into the state be reported to the DOJ. Furthermore, the Attorney General is required by law to maintain a registry containing the fingerprints and identifying informatio |
| Owner license required? | No | No | None | While the Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for new purchases of firearms, ongoing possession of a firearm does not require a license or permit. People moving into California are required, within 60 days, to file a New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership. New residents are prohibited from importing assault weapons or any other weapons p |
| Assault weapon law? | Yes | Yes | §30500, §30515 | Illegal to possess, import, or purchase assault weapons and BMG rifles, unless such weapons were acquired by the owner prior to June 1, 1989. While California's Assault Weapons Law does allow individuals who hold a Dangerous Weapons Permit to obtain, transport or possess defined assault weapons, the DOJ generally does not issue Dangerous Weapon |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | §32310 | Section 32310 of the Penal Code states that any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, receives, or assembles any large-capacity magazine from a parts kit is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonm |
| License required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | §26150 | "May issue," per Attorney General's directive after Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. CCW permits valid statewide. Out-of-state permits not valid in California. On December 4, 2023, a lawsuit challenging California's laws forbidding nonresidents' concealed carry permits and nonresidents from obtai |
| Open carry allowed? | Partial | Partial | §26350 | Long guns and handguns may be openly carried in unincorporated rural areas where firearm discharge is not prohibited by local ordinance. In a county with a population of less than 200,000 residents, a permit to carry a handgun "loaded and exposed" may be issued by the county sheriff, valid only in the issuing county. A person may also open carry if |
| Vehicle carry? | No | Yes | §25610 | A valid California Concealed Weapons License is required to carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle. Otherwise, handguns and assault weapons must be unloaded and locked in a case during transport. Long guns not classified as assault weapons may be transported in a vehicle without being locked in a case, but must be unloaded. |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | §53701 Government Code Archived July 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine | Most but not all local restrictions preempted. |
| Castle doctrine law? | Yes | Yes | California never requires a duty to retreat whether in one's own home or not. The state acknowledges a legal presumption that an intruder poses a deadly threat if in one's own home or property that is owned and controlled by oneself. | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | §12220, §12020, §12020 §18710, §32625, §33215, §33410 | Possession of automatic weapons or short-barreled shotguns or rifles prohibited without DOJ "Dangerous Weapons Permit"; permission rarely granted outside of film industry. Suppressors (aka silencers) prohibited. Destructive devices are prohibited unless are designated as curios & relics, in which case a collectors permit can be obtained. The only A |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | California courts have ruled that large-capacity magazines (LCM) that are disassembled or LCM parts are legal to possess. Otherwise federal rules are observed. | |
| Waiting period? | Yes | Yes | §26815(a), §26950-27140 , §27540(a) , §27600-27750 | California has a ten (10) day waiting period for all firearm purchases, transfers, and private sales which must be conducted through a federal and state firearm license holder. That is, upon purchase, the purchaser must wait 10 days after the purchase before the firearm is released to the owner. On August 25, 2014, the California's 10-day waiting p |
| Background checks required for private sales? | Yes | Yes | § 27545 | Private party transfers of firearms must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to conduct a background check and keep a record of the sale. |
| Red flag law? | Yes | Yes | The police or a person's family member can ask a judge to confiscate the firearms of a person who appears to pose a threat to themselves or others for up to one year. Such orders from out-of-state are also recognized. As of September 1, 2020, eligible petitioners will be expanded to include an employer, coworker, and school teacher or employee, and | |
| Background check required for ammunition purchase? | Yes | Yes | PC 30312, 30314, 30342, 30370 | After January 1, 2018 all ammunition purchases must be made through a licensed ammunition dealer and no person may import ammunition from out-of-state unless they meet the requirements for exemption under PC 30314(b). This section effectively banned online and mail order sales of ammunition by requiring all transactions go through a storefront phys |
| Home-built firearms restriction? | Yes | Yes | PC 29180, 29010 | After July 1, 2018, any person who wishes to manufacture a firearm must first apply to the California DOJ for a serial number and apply that serial number, once issued, to the firearm within 10 days. There are specific requirements laid out for how to inscribe or engrave the serial number given the material the firearm is made out of. Violation of |
| Purchase quantity and frequency restriction? | Yes | Yes | PC 27535 | As of January 1, 2024, no person is allowed to purchase more than one firearm, which includes completed frames and receivers and firearm precursor parts, within any 30-day period. Starting January 1, 2025, all private party transactions except with some exemptions will be subject to the 1-in-30 restriction. On March 11, 2024, Judge William Q. Hayes |
| Transfer quantity and frequency restriction? | Yes | Yes | PC 16730 | As of January 1, 2020, no person without a license is allowed to make 6 or more firearm transactions (sale, lease, or transfer) per calendar year, regardless of the type of firearm, and no person is allowed to sell, lease, or transfer more than 50 total firearms per calendar year within those transactions. |
References
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- "Retention of Sales & Background Check Records in California", Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, October 29, 2015. Rethttp://smartgunlaws.org/retention-of-sales-background-check-records-in-california/
- "California Penal Code Section 11106", Onecle. Retrieved December 10, 2016. "(2) The registry shall consist of all of thhttp://law.onecle.com/california/penal/11106.html
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