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California Firearm Bill of Sale Form

A California firearm bill of sale is a document proving a legal firearm purchase has occurred between a buyer and seller in the State of California. It must be notarized and signed by two witnesses. The state has some of the strictest laws in the country on firearm sales, ownership, registration, and public carry.
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Updated April 02, 2025

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Privately Selling a Firearm

To legally sell a firearm in California, a dealer or licensed person must meet all the following requirements:[1]

  1. Has a federal firearms license;
  2. Has any regulatory or business license or licenses required by the local government;
  3. Has a valid seller’s permit issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration;
  4. (Effective July 1, 2024) Has a valid certificate of registration issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration;
  5. Has a certificate of eligibility issued by the Department of Justice;
  6. Has a license issued in the format prescribed by Section 26705(c); and
  7. Is among those recorded in the centralized list.

If a private owner wants to sell their firearm to another private buyer, they must use a licensed seller as a third party to process the transaction and physically transfer the firearm.

Prohibited from Buying

According to California state law, the following individuals are prohibited from buying or owning a firearm:

  • Anyone under the age of 18;[2]
  • Convicted felons;[3]
  • Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor involving spousal abuse or domestic violence;[4]
  • Individuals convicted two or more times for illegally brandishing a weapon;[5]
  • Individuals suffering from mental illness;[6] and
  • Narcotic addicts.[7]

Registering a Firearm

The California Department of Justice keeps a registry of all state sales and transfers of firearms.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry is prohibited in California without a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon.[8] The only exception to this rule is when a person with a restraining order against another person feels that their life or well-being is at immediate risk.[9]

How to Apply

The minimum age to carry a concealed weapon in California is 21. Applicants must be of good moral character, have reasonable cause to obtain a permit, be a resident of or work in the county where they are applying, and complete a firearm training course that satisfies legal requirements.[10]

  1. Complete a Standard Initial and Renewal Application for a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon.
  2. Attach all required evidence.
  3. Submit the application to the applicant’s local county sheriff or by mail to the California Department of Justice at Hall of Justice, ATTN: CCW Coordinator, 211 West Temple, Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
  4. Pass a federal background check.
  5. The California Department of Justice will approve or deny the application within 90 days of receiving it.[11]

Reciprocity

California does not have a law recognizing concealed carry licenses from other states. Concealed carry with an out-of-state permit or license is prohibited.