State guides for selling firearms California
Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 29, 2026
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Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our California-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.
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State and federal laws for selling a gun in California
California has some of the most specific requirements in the U.S. for selling and transferring firearms. This section highlights common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in California. It is not legal advice. Requirements depend on how the transfer is structured, the firearm type, and who is involved.
If you are unsure how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact our team for help navigating the process.
Quick checklist
- ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
- Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
- Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
- Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
- Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding California firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in California.
Understanding California firearm sale rules
Licensed dealer & transfer requirement
In California, all firearm transfers — whether dealer sales or private party transfers — must be processed through a licensed California firearm dealer. The dealer completes required paperwork, conducts background checks, and initiates the mandatory waiting period.
- All firearm sales and transfers must go through a licensed dealer who conducts the DROS process.
- The dealer retains the firearm until the required waiting period expires and eligibility is confirmed.
Background checks & waiting period
California requires a background check on all firearm transfers, including private party transfers handled by a licensed dealer. After the background check is submitted, there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period before the firearm may be released.
- The 10-day waiting period begins when the Department of Justice accepts the DROS application.
- In some cases, a dealer can hold the firearm longer if DOJ requires additional review.
Age requirements & eligibility
California enforces both state and federal eligibility requirements. In most cases, buyers must meet minimum age standards and not be disqualified by state or federal law.
- Buyers generally must be at least 18 for rifles and shotguns and 21 for handguns.
- Both identification and eligibility checks are performed by the licensed dealer.
Handgun roster & specific firearm rules
California maintains a roster of handguns that are certified for retail sale. While roster requirements apply to commercial sales, private party transfers conducted through licensed dealers are generally exempt from roster restrictions. Other specific firearm categories, including certain off-roster and exempted models, have their own rules.
- California’s handgun roster does not restrict private party transfers completed through an FFL.
- Certain exemptions, including curio & relic firearms, have specific conditions that apply.
Magazine capacity & assault weapon regulations
California law generally prohibits possession, transfer, and sale of large-capacity magazines that accept more than 10 rounds. Assault weapons and certain defined firearm configurations are also subject to state restrictions that affect how they may lawfully be transferred.
- Large-capacity magazines that accept more than 10 rounds may not be sold or transferred in California.
- Assault weapons subject to California definitions are restricted in how they can be legally owned or transferred.
Family & intrafamily transfers
California law provides a process for paperless transfers among certain immediate family members. These transfers still require reporting to the California DOJ and compliance with eligibility rules, even if a licensed dealer is not involved.
- Parent-to-adult child, grandparent-to-adult grandchild, and spousal transfers among California residents may qualify as intrafamily transfers.
- A report must still be submitted to the California DOJ in the required timeframe following such transfers.
New resident firearm reporting
New California residents who bring firearms into the state must report those firearms or complete a lawful sale/transfer within a specified period. This rule helps ensure compliance with California’s transfer and registration requirements.
- Firearms brought into California must be reported to the California DOJ within 60 days.
- Alternatively, new residents may sell or transfer the firearms through a licensed dealer.
Prohibited persons
Federal and California law prohibit certain individuals from possessing or receiving firearms. Selling a firearm to a prohibited person carries legal penalties, and licensed dealers verify eligibility as part of each transfer.
- Do not sell a firearm to anyone you know is prohibited under state or federal law.
- Licensed dealers perform the necessary background and eligibility checks and maintain required records.
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.
California residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.
How to legally sell a firearm in California
Learn how to legally sell a gun in California — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.
Most private and estate sales route through a licensed dealer to ensure background checks and paperwork are handled correctly. This is required in interstate sales and highly recommended for documented compliance in state-to-state deals.
You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in California so long as you confirm eligibility and both parties understand federal and state compliance rules. This option suits sellers who already know the buyer and can complete the transaction safely.
Selling to a federally licensed online buyer offers a streamlined process with documented offers, insured shipping, and clear compliance steps. We handle the majority of process steps for you — from offer to payment.
Many California sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.
Sell your gun in California without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches
We Buy Guns purchases firearms from private sellers using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.
Our 100% U.S. based team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction.
We specialize in assessing and buying high-value collections and estates from California residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.
No matter where you are located in California, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status.
No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.
Major California metros we serve
If you can ship a package within California, you can sell directly to us.
We service all of California. If you need cash for guns in Los Angeles, a fast firearm valuation in San Diego, or are looking to sell an estate collection in San Francisco, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.
Our process for California firearm sellers
WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help California sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.
If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.
- Tell us what you have
- Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
- Get an offer
- Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
- Ship with clear instructions
- If you accept our offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and clear, step-by-step instructions so your firearm is packaged and shipped correctly.
- Get paid quickly
- Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?
Call us at (317) 804-8713
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Our track record
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Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.4 million to users on our platform.
- Sellers on the platform
- 39,500+
- Paid out to sellers
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- We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including California
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What our most recent customers have to say
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California firearm selling FAQs
These are the most common questions we hear from California sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.
Is it legal to sell a firearm online in California? +
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
What firearms can you buy from California residents? +
Do I need an FFL in California to ship my firearm? +
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
How long does the process take from California? +
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in California? +
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
Resources & guides
If you’re still deciding or your situation is more specific, these resources and guides on specific firearms and situations can help you move forward with confidence.
Guides for selling firearms in every state
Browse detailed state guidance, then submit for a compliant offer process that works nationwide.
Value guides by manufacturer
Estimate value ranges by make and model, then submit for a real offer based on photos and details.
Guide to selling a gun collection
What to expect when valuing and selling a complete firearm collection, from start to finish.
Pre-ban firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for pre-ban and collector firearms.
WWII Firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for WWII collector firearms.
Machine gun valuation guide
Transferability basics, pricing drivers and how compliant sale workflows work for NFA items.
Not sure where to start?
Our no obligation offers on firearms and collections are free — just submit photos and firearm details and we'll guide you through the entire process, even if you choose not to sell with us.