To purchase a firearm in California, buyers must present a valid government-issued photo identification such as a California driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. The identification must verify the buyer's age, which is at least 21 for handguns and 18 for long guns. Proof of residency in California may also be required for private party transfers or when not purchasing from a licensed dealer.
What Identification is Required to Buy a Firearm in California?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Driver’s License (DL) | Purchasing a firearm in California requires valid identification, specifically a current California Driver's License (DL) to verify residency and age. The DL must be unexpired and government-issued, ensuring compliance with state laws regulating firearm sales. |
| 2 | California Identification Card (ID) | A California Identification Card (ID) is a valid form of identification required to purchase a firearm in California, proving the buyer's age and residency. This DMV-issued card ensures compliance with state laws by verifying identity, residency, and lawful eligibility before a firearm transaction. |
| 3 | Federal Non-REAL ID Compliant DL/ID with Proof of Lawful Presence | California requires a valid federal non-REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card along with documentation proving lawful presence in the United States to purchase a firearm. Acceptable proof includes documents such as a valid foreign passport with an approved visa or employment authorization card meeting federal and state guidelines. |
| 4 | U.S. Passport | A valid U.S. Passport serves as an acceptable form of identification to purchase a firearm in California, confirming the buyer's identity and legal presence in the United States. This federal document meets the state's requirement for government-issued photo ID during the firearm transaction process. |
| 5 | U.S. Passport Card | To purchase a firearm in California, a valid form of government-issued photo identification such as a U.S. Passport Card is required to verify the buyer's identity and residency. The U.S. Passport Card serves as an acceptable proof alongside other documents, fulfilling state and federal regulations for firearm transactions. |
| 6 | U.S. Military Identification Card (Active Duty Only) | California law requires valid photographic identification to purchase a firearm, and an active duty U.S. Military Identification Card serves as acceptable proof of identity and residency for active service members. This ID must clearly display the bearer's full name, date of birth, and California residency status to comply with the Department of Justice regulations governing firearm transactions. |
| 7 | Permanent Resident Alien Card (Green Card) | Purchasing a firearm in California requires valid government-issued identification, including a Permanent Resident Alien Card (Green Card), which verifies lawful residency status. Buyers must present the Green Card along with proof of age and complete a background check through the California Department of Justice. |
| 8 | Lawful Permanent Resident Card | Purchasing a firearm in California requires valid government-issued identification, with a Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serving as acceptable proof of legal residency and identity. This card must be presented along with a valid California Firearm Safety Certificate and proof of age to comply with state regulations. |
| 9 | Department of Homeland Security Refugee Travel Document | To purchase a firearm in California, individuals must provide valid government-issued identification, including a Department of Homeland Security Refugee Travel Document, which verifies immigration status and identity. This document is accepted alongside other forms of ID, ensuring compliance with state regulations for firearm transactions. |
| 10 | Department of Homeland Security Employment Authorization Card | In California, purchasing a firearm requires valid government-issued identification such as a Department of Homeland Security Employment Authorization Card (EAD), which serves as proof of legal status and identity for eligible non-citizens. The EAD must be current and verifiable to comply with California Department of Justice regulations during the background check process. |
| 11 | Native American Tribal Identification Card (Federally Recognized Tribe) | To purchase a firearm in California, buyers must present valid government-issued identification such as a Native American Tribal Identification Card from a federally recognized tribe, which serves as proof of identity and residency. This Tribal ID must include a photograph, tribal enrollment number, and match the purchaser's current address to meet state verification requirements. |
| 12 | Consular Identification Card (for certain exemptions) | In California, a Consular Identification Card may be accepted as valid identification for firearm purchase under specific exemptions, typically for lawful residents who lack standard state-issued IDs. Buyers must still comply with all other legal requirements, including background checks and age verification, ensuring the Consular ID is recognized within the scope of California firearm regulations. |
| 13 | Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) with Immigration Documentation | Purchasing a firearm in California requires valid government-issued identification, and a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) accompanied by appropriate immigration documentation is accepted for this purpose. The TVDL must be current, contain a photo, and the buyer must also present proof of lawful presence to meet state firearm purchase eligibility criteria. |
| 14 | Alien Registration Receipt Card | In California, to purchase a firearm, individuals must present valid identification such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or an Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) for non-citizen residents. The Alien Registration Receipt Card serves as proof of lawful permanent residency and eligibility to buy firearms under state and federal law. |
| 15 | Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) | California requires a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) to purchase a firearm, demonstrating the buyer's knowledge of firearm safety and state laws. The FSC is obtained by passing a written test administered by the California Department of Justice or a certified instructor, and it must be presented along with government-issued photo identification during the firearm purchase process. |
Overview of Firearm Purchase Regulations in California
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Framework | California firearm purchase regulations are governed by the California Department of Justice and the Gun Violence Prevention laws. Compliance with the California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and background check requirements is mandatory. |
| Identification Requirements | Valid government-issued photo identification is required for purchasing a firearm. Acceptable forms include California Driver's License, California Identification Card, United States passport, or military ID. |
| Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) | Buyers must possess a valid FSC demonstrating knowledge of firearm safety laws and practices. The certificate is obtained after passing a written test administered by certified instructors. |
| Background Checks | All firearm purchasers must undergo a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check through the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) process before transfer of ownership is authorized. |
| Waiting Period | California enforces a mandatory 10-day waiting period between purchase and possession to allow thorough background screening and prevent impulsive acts. |
| Additional Age and Residency Requirements | Buyers must be at least 21 years old for handguns and 18 years old for long guns. California residency proof may be required, such as utility bills or rental agreements. |
| Prohibited Purchasers | Individuals with felony convictions, restraining orders, or certain mental health restrictions are prohibited from purchasing firearms under California law. |
Importance of Identification in Firearm Transactions
Identification is a critical requirement for purchasing a firearm in California to ensure legal compliance and public safety. Proper identification verifies the buyer's identity and eligibility under state law.
- Valid Government-Issued ID - Buyers must present a valid government-issued identification, such as a California driver's license or state ID card, to confirm residency and age.
- Proof of Residency - California requires proof of residency, which helps prevent illegal firearm purchases by non-residents and ensures local law enforcement oversight.
- Background Check Requirement - Identification facilitates mandatory background checks run through the California Department of Justice, screening for criminal history and disqualifying factors.
Proper identification during firearm transactions protects buyers and communities by enforcing stringent state regulations and reducing unauthorized access to firearms.
Legal Identification Requirements for Buyers
To purchase a firearm in California, buyers must present specific legal identification to comply with state regulations. These identification requirements ensure that only eligible individuals can legally acquire firearms.
- California Driver's License or Identification Card - Buyers must provide a valid California driver's license or state-issued identification card to confirm residency and identity.
- Proof of Age - Firearm purchasers must be at least 21 years old and provide identification that verifies their date of birth.
- Additional Documentation for Out-of-State Residents - Non-residents must present valid identification from their home state and meet California's legal criteria for firearm purchases.
Primary Forms of Accepted Identification
To buy a firearm in California, you must present valid identification to verify your identity and age. The primary forms of accepted identification include a California Driver License or a California Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can also use a valid United States passport or a valid U.S. Military Identification Card as proof. These documents must be current and contain a photo to satisfy the legal requirements for firearm purchase verification.
Secondary Proofs and Supplementary Documents
Identification is crucial when purchasing a firearm in California, with secondary proofs and supplementary documents often required to verify your identity and residency. These additional documents support primary identification to meet legal standards set by California firearms laws.
- Utility Bills - Recent utility bills such as electricity, gas, or water statements serve as proof of California residency.
- Rental or Lease Agreements - Valid rental or lease contracts demonstrate your current address within the state to comply with residency requirements.
- Government Correspondence - Official mail from government agencies, including tax documents or social services correspondence, helps confirm your residency and identity.
Real ID Compliance for Firearm Purchases
What identification is required to buy a firearm in California regarding Real ID compliance? California law mandates buyers to present valid identification that meets federal Real ID standards or an equivalent recognized form of ID. This ensures that all firearm purchasers undergo a federal-compliant identity verification process.
Address Verification Procedures
California requires valid identification to purchase a firearm, ensuring the buyer's identity and residence are verified. Proof of address is mandatory to confirm the buyer resides within the state and is eligible for the transaction.
Acceptable documents for address verification include California driver's licenses, state identification cards, and utility bills or lease agreements dated within the last 90 days. Firearm dealers strictly verify these documents to comply with California Department of Justice regulations and prevent illegal firearm purchases.
Common Identification Issues and Solutions
To buy a firearm in California, you must present valid government-issued identification, typically a California driver's license or identification card. This verifies your residency and age, which are mandatory for the purchase process.
Common identification issues include expired IDs, out-of-state documents, and mismatched personal information. These problems can delay or prevent firearm purchase approval. Ensuring your ID is current, accurately reflects your address, and is compliant with California law helps streamline the process and avoid complications when purchasing your firearm.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
To buy a firearm in California, you typically need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state identification card. Exceptions apply for active-duty military personnel who may use their military ID in conjunction with deployment orders. Special circumstances include those purchasing firearms through a trust or legal entity, which may require additional documentation beyond personal identification.
What Identification is Required to Buy a Firearm in California? Infographic
