California Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
California has one of the strictest firearm regulatory schemes in the United States. Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles are prohibited under the assault weapons ban; magazines are limited to 10 rounds; suppressors and short-barreled rifles are banned for civilians; and all purchases require a Firearms Safety Certificate plus a 10-day waiting period.
📅 Last updatedCalifornia Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes California's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free CA Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in California
California's assault weapons ban (Penal Code §§ 30510, 30515) prohibits the sale or transfer of firearms classified as 'assault weapons' by name (Roberti-Roos list and DOJ Kasler list) or by feature test. AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles must be sold as 'featureless' builds or with a fixed-magazine configuration to remain compliant. The compliance checker applies the full statutory feature test for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in California. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in California
California prohibits the manufacture, sale, or transfer of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (Penal Code § 32310). Existing high-capacity magazines owned before 2000 may be 'grandfathered' but cannot be transferred. Possession of magazines over 10 rounds is generally prohibited.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors (silencers) are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval. A federal tax stamp does not authorize possession in states where the item is prohibited by state law.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. California separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
California requires a Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) for all firearm purchases. A 10-day waiting period applies to every transfer through an FFL. Handgun purchases require completion of the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) process.
Carry Laws
May-issue concealed carry as of 2026 (post-Bruen reforms). Open carry is generally prohibited in incorporated areas. Loaded firearms in vehicles are heavily restricted.
Private Sales and Background Checks
California requires all firearm transfers — including private and family transfers — to be processed through a licensed FFL with a NICS background check.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
California requires a state-issued serial number on any privately manufactured firearm (PMF) under AB 879 and SB 1327. All firearm receivers must be serialized through the California DOJ before assembly.
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in California adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key California Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for California's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- Cal. Penal Code § 30515 — Assault weapon definition (feature test)
- Cal. Penal Code § 32310 — Large-capacity magazine prohibition
- Cal. Penal Code § 33215 — Short-barreled rifle prohibition
- Cal. Penal Code § 33410 — Suppressor prohibition
- Cal. Penal Code § 31610 — Firearms Safety Certificate requirement
- Cal. Penal Code § 26815 — 10-day waiting period
Frequently Asked Questions: California Gun Laws
Is the AR-15 legal in California?
The AR-15 is legal in California only if configured as a 'featureless' build or with a fixed-magazine configuration. Standard AR-15 rifles with a pistol grip and detachable magazine are prohibited under the assault weapons ban. Featureless builds replace the pistol grip with a fixed stock, eliminate the flash hider, and prohibit forward grips.
Can I buy a magazine over 10 rounds in California?
No. California prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or import of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Existing magazines owned legally before the ban may be possessed in some cases, but cannot be sold or transferred.
Are suppressors legal in California?
No. Civilian ownership of suppressors (silencers) is prohibited in California regardless of federal NFA approval. A federal tax stamp does not authorize possession.
How long does it take to buy a gun in California?
All firearm purchases in California require a 10-day waiting period from the date of DROS submission. The Firearms Safety Certificate must be obtained before purchase. Same-day pickup is not available.
Do I need a permit to buy a handgun in California?
Yes. California requires a Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) for all firearm purchases. The FSC is obtained by passing a written test administered by an FFL. Handgun purchases additionally require DROS processing through a licensed dealer.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare California to Other States
California's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.