California Dealer Licensing Requirements
In addition to your federal FFL, California requires a separate state Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) license from the California Department of Justice (DOJ). You must also comply with local business licensing and zoning requirements, which vary by city and county.
Your COE must be renewed annually. Lapsed COEs can result in inability to process transactions through the California DOJ system — effectively shutting down your firearms sales even if your federal FFL is active.
DROS Process and Fees
Every firearms transaction in California requires a Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) submission to the California DOJ. The DROS fee — currently $37.19 per transaction — covers the state background check and transaction processing. This is in addition to any federal NICS requirements.
The DROS process includes a mandatory 10-day waiting period that applies to all buyers, including those with concealed carry permits. There are extremely limited exceptions to the waiting period, and they are narrowly defined by statute. Most of your customers will wait the full 10 days.
Handgun Roster Compliance
California maintains a Roster of Certified Handguns that limits which handgun models can be sold new by dealers. Handguns not on the roster cannot be sold as new firearms in California — though private party transfers of off-roster handguns between California residents are permitted.
The roster has been shrinking as manufacturers decline to meet California's microstamping requirements. As a dealer, you must verify that every new handgun sale involves a rostered model. Selling an off-roster handgun as new is a serious violation.
Safe Storage and Security Requirements
California Penal Code Section 26800 et seq. establishes specific security requirements for firearms dealers. All firearms must be stored in a DOJ-approved safe, vault, or secured room when the store is closed. Display firearms must be secured with a locking device or in a locked display case during business hours.
Local jurisdictions may impose additional security requirements. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities have their own ordinances governing alarm systems, camera requirements, and physical security measures.
Assault Weapon and Magazine Restrictions
California's assault weapon laws are among the most complex in the country. Dealers must understand the definitions under Penal Code 30510-30530, which classify certain semi-automatic firearms based on specific features. Selling, manufacturing, or transferring an assault weapon in California carries severe criminal penalties.
California also restricts the sale of magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds. While legal challenges have created some uncertainty, dealers should stay current on the latest court rulings and DOJ guidance. When in doubt, consult legal counsel before stocking or selling any item that may fall under these restrictions.
Recent Legislative Updates
California's firearms laws change frequently. Recent sessions have introduced or modified requirements around ghost guns and unserialized firearms, age restrictions for semi-automatic rifle purchases, tax on firearms and ammunition, enhanced background check requirements, and additional restrictions on concealed carry following the Bruen decision.
As a California FFL, staying current isn't optional — it's a condition of doing business. Subscribe to updates from the California DOJ Firearms Bureau and consider joining your state dealers' association for real-time legislative tracking.
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