Moving Guns to California: The Compliance Checklist (2024)

California has the strictest gun laws in the US. Moving firearms there legally requires a precise sequence. Miss a step, and you risk felony charges. This is not legal advice—consult a California firearms attorney or FFL.

Step 1: Inventory & Legality Check

• List every firearm: make, model, caliber, serial, barrel length, OAL.
• Cross-reference CA DOJ Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale (handguns) and Assault Weapons / .50 BMG / Large-Capacity Magazine bans (PC 30510, 30600, 32310).
• Common deal-breakers: AR/AK platforms (unless featureless/fixed mag), threaded barrels, flash suppressors, mags >10 rd, gen 4+ Glocks (off-roster), many pistols with loaded chamber indicators removed.
• Exemptions: Curio & Relic (C&R) 50+ years, LEOSA (retired LEO), inherited (intrafamilial transfer via FFL).

Step 2: Get a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)

• Required for any firearm acquisition/transfer in CA.
• 30-question written test (75% pass) at FFL or DOJ-certified instructor. $25.
• Valid 5 years. Study guide: oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsc.

Step 3: Register Within 10 Days of Establishing Residency

• New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership (BOF 4544A) — file with CA DOJ Bureau of Firearms.
• Online via CFARS (preferred) or mail.
• $19 per firearm (fee subject to change).
• Handguns: must be on Roster or qualify for exemption (C&R, LEOSA, intrafamilial, single-shot exemption — complex).
• Long guns: generally registerable unless AW features.

Step 4: Transport Legally

• Federal (FOPA 1986): Unloaded, locked hard case, ammo separate, not readily accessible from passenger compartment. Applies interstate.
• California: Same + must be registered within 10 days of arrival. No "traveling through" exception for residents.
• Do NOT: Drive with loaded mag in glovebox, gun under seat, in trunk but accessible.
• Consider: Professional FFL-to-FFL transfer (ship to CA FFL, pick up post-move). Costs $50–150/gun + DROS ($37.19) + 10-day wait. Cleanest compliance.

Step 5: Post-Move Compliance

• Ammo: Background check + $1 fee per purchase (Prop 63).
• Magazines: >10 rd = illegal to possess (pending litigation, but enforceable).
• Storage: Locked container or disabled (trigger lock) if prohibited person in home.
• Carry: CCW permits county-by-county (shall-issue post-Bruen, but local variation).

Red Flags = Stop & Get Counsel

• Any NFA item (SBR, suppressor, AOW, MG) — federal + CA double ban.
• 80% lowers / home builds — serialization required (AB 857).
• Binary triggers, bump stocks — banned.
• Moving during pending litigation (Duncan v. Bonta, Miller v. Bonta) — rules shift.

California gun law is a minefield. Hire a CA FFL or attorney before you pack. The cost of compliance is far less than a felony conviction.