ARTICLE 1. Crimes Relating to Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Firearms [27500. - 27595.1.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 1.
in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27500. Section 27500.

(a) No person, corporation, or firm shall knowingly sell, supply, deliver, or give possession or control of a firearm to any person within any of the classes prohibited by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9. (b) No person, corporation, or dealer shall sell, supply, deliver, or give possession or control of a firearm to anyone whom the person, corporation, or dealer has cause to believe is within any of the classes prohibited by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27505. Section 27505.

(a) No person, corporation, or firm shall sell, loan, or transfer a firearm to a minor, nor sell a handgun to an individual under 21 years of age. (b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to or affect the following circumstances: (1) The sale of a handgun, if the handgun is an antique firearm and the sale is to a person at least 18 years of age. (2) The loan of a firearm to a minor by the minor’s parent or legal guardian, if both of the following requirements are satisfied: (A) The minor is being loaned the firearm for the purposes of engaging in a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (B) The duration of the loan does not exceed the amount of time that is reasonably necessary to engage in the lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (3) The loan of a semiautomatic centerfire rifle or handgun to a minor by a person who is not the minor’s parent or legal guardian, if all of the following requirements are satisfied: (A) The minor is accompanied by the minor’s parent or legal guardian when the loan is made, or the minor has the written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, which is presented at the time of the loan, or earlier. (B) The minor is being loaned the firearm for the purpose of engaging in a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (C) The duration of the loan does not exceed the amount of time that is reasonably necessary to engage in the lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, or a motion picture, television, or video production, or entertainment or theatrical event, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (D) The duration of the loan does not, in any event, exceed 10 days. (4) The loan of a firearm other than a semiautomatic centerfire rifle or a handgun to a minor who is 16 years of age or older, by a person who is not the minor’s parent or legal guardian, if all of the following conditions apply: (A) The loan is with the express permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. (B) The minor is being loaned the firearm for the purpose of engaging in a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (C) The duration of the loan does not exceed the amount of time that is reasonably necessary to engage in the lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (D) The duration of the loan does not, in any event, exceed 5 days, unless express permission is provided in the manner described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), in which case the duration of the loan shall not, in any event, exceed 10 days. (5) The loan of a firearm other than a semiautomatic centerfire rifle or a handgun to a minor under 16 years of age by a person who is not the minor’s parent or legal guardian, if all of the following conditions apply: (A) The loan is with the express permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. (B) The minor is being loaned the firearm for the purpose of engaging in a lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (C) The duration of the loan does not exceed the amount of time that is reasonably necessary to engage in the lawful, recreational sport, including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or hunting activity or hunting education, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm. (D) The minor accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. (E) The duration of the loan does not, in any event, exceed 5 days, unless express permission is provided in the manner described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), in which case the duration of the loan shall not, in any event, exceed 10 days.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27510. Section 27510.

(a) A person licensed under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, shall not sell, supply, deliver, or give possession or control of a firearm to any person who is under 21 years of age. (b) (1) Subdivision (a) does not apply to or affect the sale, supplying, delivery, or giving possession or control of a firearm that is not a handgun, semiautomatic centerfire rifle, completed frame or receiver, or firearm precursor part to a person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid, unexpired hunting license issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2) Subdivision (a) does not apply to or affect the sale, supplying, delivery, or giving possession or control of a firearm that is not a handgun or a semiautomatic centerfire rifle to a person who is 18 years of age or older and provides proper identification of being an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or the active reserve components of the United States. For purposes of this subparagraph, proper identification includes an Armed Forces Identification Card or other written documentation certifying that the individual is an honorably discharged member (3) Subdivision (a) does not apply to or affect the sale, supplying, delivery, or giving possession or control of a firearm that is not a handgun to any of the following persons who are 18 years of age or older: (A) An active peace officer, as described in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of employment. (B) An active federal officer or law enforcement agent who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of employment. (C) A reserve peace officer, as defined in Section 832.6, who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of employment as a reserve peace officer. (D) A person who provides proper identification of active membership in the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or active reserve components of the United States. For purposes of this subparagraph, proper identification includes an Armed Forces Identification Card or other written documentation certifying that the individual is an active member.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27515. Section 27515.

No person, corporation, or dealer shall sell, loan, or transfer a firearm to anyone whom the person, corporation, or dealer knows or has cause to believe is not the actual purchaser or transferee of the firearm, or to anyone who is not the one actually being loaned the firearm, if the person, corporation, or dealer has either of the following: (a) Knowledge that the firearm is to be subsequently sold, loaned, or transferred to avoid the provisions of Section 27540 or 27545. (b) Knowledge that the firearm is to be subsequently sold, loaned, or transferred to avoid the requirements of any exemption to the provisions of Section 27540 or 27545.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27520. Section 27520.

(a) A person, corporation, or dealer shall not acquire within this state or bring into this state a firearm for the purpose of selling, loaning, or transferring the firearm, if the person, corporation, or dealer has either of the following: (1) In the case of a dealer, intent to violate Section 27510 or 27540. (2) In any other case, intent to avoid either of the following: (A) The provisions of Section 27545. (B) The requirements of any exemption to the provisions of Section 27545. (b) The provisions of this section are cumulative and shall not be construed as restricting the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by different provisions of this code shall not be punished under more than one provision.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27530. Section 27530.

(a) No person shall sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number imprinted by a federal licensee authorized to serialize firearms. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A firearm made or assembled prior to December 16, 1968, that is not a handgun. (2) A firearm that is a curio or relic, or an antique firearm, as those terms are defined in Section 479.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (3) A firearm that has been entered, before July 1, 2018, into the centralized registry set forth in Section 11106, as being owned by a specific individual or entity, if that firearm has assigned to it a distinguishing number or mark of identification because the department accepted entry of that firearm into the centralized registry. (4) The transfer, surrender, or sale of a firearm to a law enforcement agency. (5) The sale or transfer of ownership of a firearm to a federally licensed firearms manufacturer or importer, or any other federal licensee authorized to serialize firearms.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27531. Section 27531.

The following terms have the following meanings for purposes of this article: (a) “Microstamp” means a microscopic array of characters that may be used to identify the specific serial number of a firearm from spent cartridge casings discharged by that firearm. (b) “Microstamping component” means a firing pin or other component part of a semiautomatic pistol that, when installed, produces a microstamp on at least one location of the expended cartridge case each time the pistol is fired. (c) “Microstamping-enabled” means either of the following: (1) The firearm’s manufacturer has certified in writing that the firearm contains a microstamping component that meets the performance standards established by the Department of Justice pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27532. (2) A licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith has certified in writing that they serviced the firearm to install a microstamping component that meets the performance standards established by the Department of Justice pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 27532. (d) “Producing microstamping components” may include, but is not limited to, the process of engraving a firing pin to modify the pin into a microstamping component. (e) “Semiautomatic pistol” means a pistol, as defined in Section 16530, that has an operating mode that uses the energy of the explosive in a fixed cartridge to extract a fired cartridge and chamber a fresh cartridge with each single pull or activation of the trigger.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27532. Section 27532.

(a) On or before March 1, 2025, the Department of Justice shall engage in an investigation to determine the technological viability of microstamping components producing microstamps on spent cartridge casings discharged by a firearm into which the microstamping component has been installed. The investigation shall include input from relevant stakeholders. (b) If the department has determined that microstamping components are technologically viable pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall, on or before September 1, 2025, provide written guidance on performance standards for persons, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities engaged in the business of producing microstamping components, which shall include processes and standards for those entities to demonstrate that a representative sample of the microstamping components they manufacture produce legible microstamps with reasonable reliability, including after repeated firing. (c) If the department has determined that microstamping components are technologically viable pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall, on or before January 1, 2026, commence accepting applications for licensure of persons, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities to engage in the business of producing microstamping components that meet those performance standards. A federally licensed firearms manufacturer shall not be required to obtain a license in order to manufacture microstamping components but shall comply with Section 27535 if it provides a certification that a firearm is microstamping-enabled. (d) If the department has determined that microstamping components are technologically viable pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall, on or before July 1, 2026, provide grants or enter into contracts with one or more entities licensed pursuant to subdivision (c) to produce microstamping components that meet the performance standards identified in subdivision (b) and to make those microstamping components available for sale or other distribution at a reasonable cost to firearm manufacturers, licensed firearms dealers, and gunsmiths engaged in the business of installing microstamping components in the State of California in accordance with this section. (e) If the department has determined that microstamping components are technologically viable pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall, on or before July 1, 2027, determine if either, or both, of the following are true: (1) Microstamping components at commercially reasonable prices are available from licensees operating pursuant to subdivision (c) or subdivision (d). (2) Options of microstamping-enabled firearms are readily available for purchase in the State of California. (f) Upon a determination that microstamping components are available pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) or that microstamping-enabled firearms are available pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e), the department shall make publicly available a list of all licensees producing microstamping components meeting the performance standards established in subdivision (b) and shall notify licensed firearms dealers, gunsmiths, and manufacturers operating within the State of California of the list of available microstamping component producers. The department shall update its determination and the list of licensees producing microstamping components annually thereafter. (g) The department shall adopt rules or regulations that may be necessary or proper to carry out the provisions of this section, including the adoption of fees for the licensure of a person or an entity as described in subdivision (c). Regulations adopted pursuant to this section are exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27533. Section 27533.

(a) Commencing on January 1, 2028, if the department has determined that microstamping components, microstamping-enabled semi-automatic firearms, or both microstamping components and microstamping-enabled firearms are available pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 27532, it shall be unlawful for a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, to sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any semiautomatic pistol unless the pistol has been certified as a microstamping-enabled pistol as defined in Section 27531. A dealer shall be in compliance with this section if the dealer relies in good faith on a written certification made by the pistol’s manufacturer that the pistol is microstamping-enabled, on a written certification made by a gunsmith that serviced the pistol to install a microstamping component, or if the dealer has serviced the pistol to install a microstamping component certified by an entity licensed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 27532. (b) The first violation for unlawful sale of a nonmicrostamping-enabled pistol pursuant to this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (c) The second violation for unlawful sale of a nonmicrostamping-enabled pistol pursuant to this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and may result in the revocation of the dealer’s license issued under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive. (d) The third violation for unlawful sale of a nonmicrostamping-enabled pistol pursuant to this section is a misdemeanor and shall result in the revocation of the dealer’s license issued under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive. (e) This section shall not apply to any of the following: (1) A pistol manufactured or delivered to a firearms dealer prior to January 1, 2028. (2) A transaction conducted through a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050) of this division. (3) The sale, offer for sale, exchange, giving, transfer, or delivery of a semiautomatic pistol to a gunsmith or other qualified entity for the purposes of service or repair, including for installation of a microstamping component, or to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity that holds a valid federal firearms license issued pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27534. Section 27534.

(a) A person who modifies a microstamping-enabled pistol or microstamping component with the intent to prevent the production of a microstamp is, for a first offense, guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, and for a second or subsequent offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail of not more than one year, by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. (b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to a pistol manufactured prior to the effective date of this section. (c) For the purposes of this section, it shall not be unlawful to replace the microstamping component of a microstamping-enabled pistol when the component is damaged or in need of replacement with another valid microstamping component for the safe use of the firearm or replacing a microstamping component for a legitimate sporting purpose.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27534.1. Section 27534.1.

(a) It shall be unlawful to knowingly or recklessly provide a false or misleading certification that a firearm is microstamping-enabled, as defined in Section 27531. (b) If a court determines that any person or entity has violated this section, the court may award either or both of the following: (1) Civil penalties in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each firearm in violation. (2) Injunctive relief sufficient to prevent the person or entity from further violations of this section.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27534.2. Section 27534.2.

The Department of Justice is authorized to adopt regulations to implement Sections 27533, 27534, 27534.1, and 31910. Regulations adopted pursuant to those sections are exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27535. Section 27535.

(a) A person shall not make an application to purchase more than one firearm within any 30-day period. This subdivision does not authorize a person to make an application to purchase a combination of firearms, completed frames or receivers, or firearm precursor parts within the same 30-day period. (b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any of the following: (1) Any law enforcement agency. (2) Any agency duly authorized to perform law enforcement duties. (3) Any state or local correctional facility. (4) Any private security company licensed to do business in California. (5) Any person who is properly identified as a full-time paid peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, and who is authorized to, and does carry a firearm during the course and scope of employment as a peace officer. (6) Any motion picture, television, or video production company or entertainment or theatrical company whose production by its nature involves the use of a firearm. (7) Any person who may, pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 27600), Article 3 (commencing with Section 27650), or Article 4 (commencing with Section 27700), claim an exemption from the waiting period set forth in Section 27540. (8) Any private party transaction where the seller is, at the time of the transaction, required under state law or by court order to relinquish all firearms. (9) Any private party transaction where the seller is any of the following: (A) The personal representative of a decedent’s estate who is transferring the firearms to one or more heirs or beneficiaries of the decedent’s estate pursuant to the decedent’s will or the laws of intestate succession. (B) The holder of the decedent’s property who is transferring the firearms pursuant to Section 13101 of the Probate Code to the successor of the decedent, as defined in Section 13006 of the Probate Code, or to the surviving spouse of the decedent pursuant to Section 13500 of the Probate Code. (C) The trustee of a trust who is transferring the firearms to one or more trust beneficiaries upon the death of a settlor of the trust. (10) Any person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, and has a current certificate of eligibility issued by the Department of Justice pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) of Chapter 2. (11) The exchange of a firearm where the dealer purchased that firearm from the person seeking the exchange within the 30-day period immediately preceding the date of exchange or replacement. (12) The replacement of a firearm if the person’s firearm was lost or stolen, and the person reported that firearm lost or stolen pursuant to Section 25250 prior to the completion of the application to purchase the replacement. (13) The return of any firearm to its owner. (14) A community college that is certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to present the law enforcement academy basic course or other commission-certified law enforcement training. (c) This section shall become inoperative on April 1, 2026, and, as of January 1, 2027, is repealed.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27540. Section 27540.

A dealer, whether or not acting pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050), shall not deliver a firearm to a person, as follows: (a) Within 10 days of the application to purchase, or, after notice by the department pursuant to Section 28220, within 10 days of the submission to the department of any correction to the application, or within 10 days of the submission to the department of any fee required pursuant to Section 28225, whichever is later. (b) Unless unloaded and securely wrapped or unloaded and in a locked container. (c) Unless the purchaser, transferee, or person being loaned the firearm presents clear evidence of the person’s identity and age to the dealer. (d) Whenever the dealer is notified by the Department of Justice that the person is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm. (e) A firearm, including a handgun, shall not be delivered unless the purchaser, transferee, or person being loaned the firearm presents a firearm safety certificate to the dealer, except that in the case of a handgun, an unexpired handgun safety certificate may be presented. (f) A firearm shall not be delivered whenever the dealer is notified by the Department of Justice that within the preceding 30-day period, the purchaser has made another application to purchase a handgun, semiautomatic centerfire rifle, completed frame or receiver, or firearm precursor part, and that the previous application to purchase did not involve any of the entities or circumstances specified in subdivision (b) of Section 27535. (g) This section shall become inoperative on April 1, 2026, and, as of January 1, 2027, is repealed.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27545. Section 27545.

Where neither party to the transaction holds a dealer’s license issued pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, the parties to the transaction shall complete the sale, loan, or transfer of that firearm through a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050).

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27550. Section 27550.

(a) No person may commit an act of collusion relating to Sections 31610 to 31700, inclusive. (b) For purposes of this section and Section 26870, collusion may be proven by any one of the following factors: (1) Answering a test applicant’s questions during an objective test relating to firearms safety. (2) Knowingly grading the examination falsely. (3) Providing an advance copy of the test to an applicant. (4) Taking or allowing another person to take the basic firearms safety course for one who is the applicant for a basic firearms safety certificate or a handgun safety certificate. (5) Allowing another to take the objective test for the applicant, purchaser, or transferee. (6) Using or allowing another to use one’s identification, proof of residency, or thumbprint. (7) Allowing others to give unauthorized assistance during the examination. (8) Reference to unauthorized materials during the examination and cheating by the applicant. (9) Providing originals or photocopies of the objective test, or any version thereof, to any person other than as authorized by the department.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27555. Section 27555.

(a) (1) Commencing July 1, 2008, a person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code may not sell, deliver, or transfer a firearm to a person in California who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code unless, prior to delivery, the person intending to sell, deliver, or transfer the firearm obtains a verification number via the Internet for the intended sale, delivery, or transfer, from the Department of Justice. (2) If Internet service is unavailable to either the department or the licensee due to a technical or other malfunction, or a federal firearms licensee who is located outside of California does not possess a computer or have Internet access, alternate means of communication, including facsimile or telephone, shall be made available for a licensee to obtain a verification number in order to comply with this section. (b) For every verification number request received pursuant to this section, the department shall determine whether the intended recipient is on the centralized list of firearms dealers pursuant to Section 26715, or the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees pursuant to Section 28450, or the centralized list of firearms manufacturers pursuant to Section 29060. (c) (1) If the department finds after the reviews specified in subdivision (b) that the intended recipient is authorized to receive the firearm shipment, the department shall issue to the inquiring party, a unique verification number for the intended sale, delivery, or transfer. One verification number shall be issued for each sale, delivery, or transfer, which may involve multiple firearms. (2) In addition to the unique verification number, the department may provide to the inquiring party information necessary for determining the eligibility of the intended recipient to receive the firearm. (3) The person intending to sell, deliver, or transfer the firearm shall provide the unique verification number to the recipient along with the firearm upon delivery, in a manner to be determined by the department. (d) If the department finds after the reviews specified in subdivision (b) that the intended recipient is not authorized to receive the firearm shipment, the department shall notify the inquiring party that the intended recipient is ineligible to receive the shipment. (e) The department shall prescribe the manner in which the verification numbers may be requested via the Internet, or by alternate means of communication, such as by facsimile or telephone, including all required enrollment information and procedures.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27560. Section 27560.

(a) (1) Within 60 days after bringing any firearm into this state, a personal firearm importer shall do one of the following: (A) Submit to the Department of Justice, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, a report including information concerning that individual and a description of the firearm in question. The department may request photographs of the firearm to determine if the firearm is a generally prohibited weapon, assault weapon, or machinegun, or is otherwise prohibited. A person shall not furnish a fictitious name or address, knowingly furnish any incorrect information, or knowingly omit any information required to be provided in this report. (B) Sell or transfer the firearm in accordance with the provisions of Section 27545 or in accordance with the provisions of an exemption from Section 27545. (C) Sell or transfer the firearm to a dealer licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 26800) of Chapter 2. (D) Sell or transfer the firearm to a sheriff or police department. (2) The department shall establish a fee for submission of the form described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) and an additional fee for each additional firearm. This fee shall not exceed the reasonable and actual costs of processing the form submitted pursuant to that paragraph. The department may annually review and adjust this fee to fully fund, but not exceed, these costs. (3) Upon receipt of the report submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) and the required fee, the department shall examine its records, as well as those records that it is authorized to request from the State Department of State Hospitals pursuant to Section 8104 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and records available to the department in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, to determine if the purchaser is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm. (b) If all of the following requirements are satisfied, the personal firearm importer shall have complied with the provisions of this section: (1) The personal firearm importer sells or transfers the firearm pursuant to Section 27545. (2) The sale or transfer cannot be completed by the dealer to the purchaser or transferee. (3) The firearm can be returned to the personal firearm importer. (c) (1) The provisions of this section are cumulative and shall not be construed as restricting the application of any other law. (2) However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by this article and different provisions of the Penal Code shall not be punished under more than one provision. (d) The department shall conduct a public education and notification program regarding this section to ensure a high degree of publicity of the provisions of this section. (e) As part of the public education and notification program described in this section, the department shall do all of the following: (1) Work in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure that any person who is subject to this section is advised of the provisions of this section, and provided with blank copies of the report described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), at the time when that person applies for a California driver’s license or registers a motor vehicle in accordance with the Vehicle Code. (2) Make the reports referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) available to dealers licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 26800) of Chapter 2. (3) Make the reports referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) available to law enforcement agencies. (4) Make persons subject to the provisions of this section aware of all of the following: (A) The report referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) may be completed at either a law enforcement agency or the licensed premises of a dealer licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 26800) of Chapter 2. (B) It is advisable to do so for the sake of accuracy and completeness of the report. (C) Before transporting a firearm to a law enforcement agency to comply with subdivision (a), the person should give notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is doing so. (D) In any event, the handgun should be transported unloaded and in a locked container and a firearm that is not a handgun should be transported unloaded. (f) Any costs incurred by the department to implement this section shall be absorbed by the department within its existing budget and the fees in the Dealers’ Record of Sale Special Account allocated for implementation of subdivisions (d) and (e) of this section pursuant to Section 28235.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27565. Section 27565.

(a) This section applies in the following circumstances: (1) A person is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto. (2) The licensed premises of that person are within this state. (3) The licensed collector acquires, outside of this state, a handgun, and commencing January 1, 2014, any firearm. (4) The licensed collector takes actual possession of that firearm outside of this state pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended by Public Law 104-208, and transports the firearm into this state. (5) The firearm is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (b) Within five days of transporting a firearm into this state under the circumstances described in subdivision (a), the licensed collector shall report the acquisition of that firearm to the department in a format prescribed by the department. A person shall not furnish a fictitious name or address, knowingly furnish any incorrect information, or knowingly omit any information required to be provided in this report. (c) The department shall establish a fee for submission of the report described in this section and an additional fee for each additional firearm. This fee shall not exceed the reasonable and actual costs of processing the report submitted pursuant to this section. The department may annually review and adjust this fee to fully fund, but not exceed, these costs. (d) The department may request photographs of the firearm to determine if the firearm is a generally prohibited weapon, assault weapon, or machinegun, or is otherwise prohibited. (e) Upon receipt of a report submitted pursuant to this section and any required fee, the department shall examine its records, as well as those records that it is authorized to request from the State Department of State Hospitals pursuant to Section 8104 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and records available to the department in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, to determine if the purchaser is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27570. Section 27570.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that a violation of Section 27560 or 27565 shall not constitute a “continuing offense” and the statute of limitations for commencing a prosecution for a violation of Section 27560 or 27565 commences on the date that the applicable grace period specified in Section 27560 or 27565 expires. (b) Sections 27560 and 27565 shall not apply to a person who reports ownership of a firearm after the applicable grace period specified in Section 27560 or 27565 expires if evidence of that violation arises only as the result of the person submitting the report described in Section 27560 or 27565.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27573. Section 27573.

(a) A state officer or employee, or operator, lessee, or licensee of any state property, shall not contract for, authorize, or allow the sale of any firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on state property or in the buildings that sit on state property or property otherwise owned, leased, occupied, or operated by the state. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A gun buyback event held by a law enforcement agency. (2) The sale of a firearm by a public administrator, public conservator, or public guardian within the course of their duties. (3) The sale of a firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on state property that occurs pursuant to a contract that was entered into before January 1, 2023. (4) The purchase of firearms, firearm precursor parts, or ammunition on state property by a law enforcement agency in the course of its regular duties. (5) The sale or purchase of a firearm pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 10334 of the Public Contract Code.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27575. Section 27575.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, an officer, employee, operator, lessee, or licensee of the 32nd District Agricultural Association, as defined in Section 3102 of the Food and Agricultural Code, shall not contract for, authorize, or allow the sale of any firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on the property or in the buildings that comprise the OC Fair and Event Center, in the County of Orange, the City of Costa Mesa, or any successor or additional property owned, leased, or otherwise occupied or operated by the district. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A gun buyback event held by a law enforcement agency. (2) The sale of a firearm by a public administrator, public conservator, or public guardian within the course of their duties. (3) The sale of a firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on state property that occurs pursuant to a contract that was entered into before January 1, 2022. (4) The purchase of ammunition on state property by a law enforcement agency in the course of its regular duties.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27575.1. Section 27575.1.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, an officer, employee, operator, lessee, or licensee of the 31st District Agricultural Association, as defined in Section 3102 of the Food and Agricultural Code, shall not contract for, authorize, or allow the sale of any firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on the property or in the buildings that comprise the Ventura County Fair and Event Center, in the County of Ventura, the City of Ventura, or any successor or additional property owned, leased, or otherwise occupied or operated by the district. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A gun buyback event held by a law enforcement agency. (2) The sale of a firearm by a public administrator, public conservator, or public guardian within the course of their duties. (3) The sale of a firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition on state property that occurs pursuant to a contract that was entered into before January 1, 2023. (4) The purchase of ammunition on state property by a law enforcement agency in the course of its regular duties.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27585. Section 27585.

(a) Commencing January 1, 2015, a resident of this state shall not import into this state, bring into this state, or transport into this state, any firearm that the person purchased or otherwise obtained on or after January 1, 2015, from outside of this state unless the person first has that firearm delivered to a dealer in this state for delivery to that resident pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 27540 and Article 1 (commencing with Section 26700) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 26800) of Chapter 2. (b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to or affect any of the following: (1) A licensed collector who is subject to and complies with Section 27565. (2) A dealer, if the dealer is acting in the course and scope of their activities as a dealer. (3) A wholesaler, if the wholesaler is acting in the course and scope of their activities as a wholesaler. (4) A person licensed as an importer of firearms or ammunition or licensed as a manufacturer of firearms or ammunition, pursuant to Section 921 et seq. of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto if the importer or manufacturer is acting in the course and scope of their activities as a licensed importer or manufacturer. (5) A personal firearm importer who is subject to and complies with Section 27560. (6) A person who complies with subdivision (b) of Section 27875. (7) A person who complies with subdivision (b), (c), or (d) of Section 27920. (8) A person who is on the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees pursuant to Section 28450 if that person is acting in the course and scope of their activities as a licensee. (9) A firearm regulated pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 18710) of Division 5 of Title 2 acquired by a person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 18900) of Chapter 1 of Division 5 of Title 2, if that person is acting within the course and scope of their activities as a licensee and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. (10) A firearm regulated pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 30500) of Division 10 acquired by a person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Section 31005, if that person is acting within the course and scope of their activities as a licensee and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. (11) A firearm regulated pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 32610) of Division 10 acquired by a person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Section 32650, if that person is acting within the course and scope of their activities as a licensee and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. (12) A firearm regulated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 33300) of Chapter 8 of Division 10 acquired by a person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Section 33300, if that person is acting within the course and scope of their activities as a licensee and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. (13) The importation of a firearm into the state, bringing a firearm into the state, or transportation of a firearm into the state, that is regulated by any of the following statutes, if the acquisition of that firearm occurred outside of California and is conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the following statutes: (A) Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 18710) of Division 5 of Title 2, relating to destructive devices and explosives. (B) Section 24410, relating to cane guns. (C) Section 24510, relating to firearms that are not immediately recognizable as firearms. (D) Sections 24610 and 24680, relating to undetectable firearms. (E) Section 24710, relating to wallet guns. (F) Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 30500) of Division 10, relating to assault weapons. (G) Section 31500, relating to unconventional pistols. (H) Sections 33215 to 33225, inclusive, relating to short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns. (I) Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 32610) of Division 10, relating to machineguns. (J) Section 33600, relating to zip guns, and the exemptions in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, as they relate to zip guns. (14) The importation, transportation, or bringing of a firearm into the state by a person who meets any of the following criteria: (A) The person is listed in the registry set forth in Section 11106 as the owner of the firearm. (B) The person has been issued documentation by the Department of Justice pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11106 that indicates the person is listed in the centralized registry as owning that firearm. (C) The person has a copy of a Dealer’s Record of Sale that shows that the person received that firearm from the dealer listed in that Dealer’s Record of Sale and is listed as the owner of the firearm. (D) If the firearm is a handgun, the person has a license to carry that handgun pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5 and the person is licensed to carry that handgun. (15) A licensed common carrier or an authorized agent or employee of a licensed common carrier, when acting in the course and scope of duties incident to the delivery of or receipt of that firearm in accordance with federal law. (c) The provisions of this section are cumulative and do not restrict the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by this section and different provisions of this code shall not be punished under more than one provision.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27590. Section 27590.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), (c), or (e), a violation of this article is a misdemeanor. (b) If any of the following circumstances apply, a violation of this article is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or four years: (1) If the violation is of subdivision (a) of Section 27500. (2) If the defendant has a prior conviction of violating the provisions, other than Section 27535, Section 27560 involving a firearm that is not a handgun, or Section 27565 involving a firearm that is not a handgun, of this article or former Section 12100 of this code, as Section 12100 read at any time from when it was enacted by Section 3 of Chapter 1386 of the Statutes of 1988 to when it was repealed by Section 18 of Chapter 23 of the Statutes of 1994, or Section 8101 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (3) If the defendant has a prior conviction of violating any offense specified in Section 29905 or of a violation of Section 32625 or 33410, or of former Section 12560, as that section read at any time from when it was enacted by Section 4 of Chapter 931 of the Statutes of 1965 to when it was repealed by Section 14 of Chapter 9 of the Statutes of 1990, or of any provision listed in Section 16590. (4) If the defendant is in a prohibited class described in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (5) A violation of this article by a person who actively participates in a “criminal street gang” as defined in Section 186.22. (6) A violation of Section 27510 involving the delivery of any firearm to a person who the dealer knows, or should know, is a minor. (c) If any of the following circumstances apply, a violation of this article shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment: (1) A violation of Section 27515, 27520, or subdivision (b) of Section 27500. (2) A violation of Section 27505 involving the sale, loan, or transfer of a handgun or a centerfire semiautomatic rifle to a minor. (3) A violation of Section 27510 involving the delivery of a handgun or a centerfire semiautomatic rifle. (4) A violation of subdivision (a), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 27540 involving a handgun or a centerfire semiautomatic rifle. (5) A violation of Section 27545 involving a handgun or a centerfire semiautomatic rifle. (6) A violation of Section 27550. (7) A violation of Section 27585 involving a handgun or a centerfire semiautomatic rifle. (d) If both of the following circumstances apply, an additional term of imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for one, two, or three years shall be imposed in addition and consecutive to the sentence prescribed: (1) A violation of Section 27510 or subdivision (b) of Section 27500. (2) The firearm transferred in violation of Section 27510 or subdivision (b) of Section 27500 is used in the subsequent commission of a felony for which a conviction is obtained and the prescribed sentence is imposed. (e) (1) A first violation of Section 27535 is an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50). (2) A second violation of Section 27535 is an infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100). (3) A third or subsequent violation of Section 27535 is a misdemeanor. (4) For purposes of this subdivision, each application to purchase a handgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle in violation of Section 27535 is a separate offense.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 27595. Section 27595.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), commencing on July 1, 2026, a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26920, shall not sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistol, as defined in Section 16885. (b) (1) A violation of subdivision (a) shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) A second violation of subdivision (a) shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and may result in the suspension or revocation of the dealer’s license issued under Sections 26700 to 26920, inclusive, and removal of the firearms dealer from any centralized list maintained by the Department of Justice pursuant to Sections 26715, 28450, and 29060. (3) A third violation of subdivision (a) is a misdemeanor and shall result in the revocation of the dealer’s license issued under Sections 26700 to 26920, inclusive, and removal of the firearms dealer from any centralized list maintained by the Department pursuant to Sections 26715, 28450, and 29060. (c) This section shall not apply to any of the following: (1) A machinegun-convertible pistol delivered to a firearms dealer prior to January 1, 2026. (2) The sale of a machinegun-convertible pistol to any of the following entities for lawful use in the discharge of their official duties: (A) A police department, sheriff’s office, probation department, marshal’s office, district attorney’s office, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Justice, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (B) Any state agency listed in paragraph (6) or paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 32000. (C) The military or naval forces of this state or of the United States. (3) A private party to private party transaction conducted through a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 28050). (4) A transfer of a machinegun-convertible pistol to a gunsmith or other qualified entity for service or repair. (5) The sale or transfer of a machinegun-convertible pistol to a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26920, inclusive, or to federally licensed firearms manufacturers or dealers outside California. (6) A transfer of a machinegun-convertible pistol back to a private party after temporary safekeeping storage pursuant to Section 26892. (7) A transfer of a machinegun-convertible pistol back to a private party after a period of temporary prohibition pursuant to Section 29830. (8) A transfer of a machinegun-convertible pistol to any forensic laboratory or forensic laboratory employee, while on duty and acting within the scope and course of employment. (9) The sale of a machinegun-convertible pistol to an individual who is an active peace officer described in Section 830.1 or a reserve peace officer described in Section 830.6 who is employed or appointed by a law enforcement agency described in Section 830.1 and is authorized to carry a firearm on duty.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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