Buying a firearm or ammunition in California means bringing the right ID and paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need. All documents must be current, and your full name must match exactly across every document — “John J Doe” on your ID won’t work with “John Joseph Doe” on your birth certificate. A marriage certificate or court-ordered name change can connect different names, but they must match exactly.
Everyone — firearms or ammunition
A California Real ID with your current residential address, — or — a “Federal Limits Apply” California ID plus one of: – a certified copy of your birth certificate, – a U.S. passport or passport card, – a registered alien card, or – an I-94.
Using an I-94? You must also have a current, valid hunting license for any firearm or ammunition transaction.
If your ID does not show your correct residence address, also bring a current government document with the correct address (see the accepted list below).
Long guns & receivers — also bring one of:
- a California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC),
- a California hunting license (long guns only), or
- a Concealed Carry Permit, or active/retired police or active/retired military ID.
Handguns — also bring:
Proof of residence — a current government document or a connected utility bill (see below) — and one of: – a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), – a Concealed Carry Permit, or – active/retired military ID.
Accepted proof-of-address documents
Current government document — must have an expiration or due date and your current residence address, dated within the last 90 days: – Car registration – Hunting or fishing license – City water bill
Connected utility bill — due date within the last 90 days, for a non-mobile utility fixed to the residence: – PG&E – DirecTV – Comcast – AT&T – Other satellite / fixed-line utility service
Not accepted: trash/garbage service, newspaper, insurance, AARP membership, VA ID, registration-renewal notices, temporary hunting/fishing licenses, hunting/fishing privileges or tags, or a car title.
Fixing a mismatch
- Wrong or old address on your ID: bring a qualifying government document (car registration, hunting/fishing license, city water bill) showing your name and current address with a date.
- Name differs across documents: bring a court name-change order or marriage certificate.
Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
The FSC is valid for 5 years and is only needed to purchase a firearm — it’s not a license, and you never need to renew it to keep guns you already own. Don’t have one? Take the test any day we’re open — $25 when you pass. We stop starting tests at 5:40 PM so you have time to finish before we close at 6.
Not sure?
Every situation is a little different. Send us a message or call 707-287-6180 before you come in and we’ll tell you exactly what to bring.