Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Prohibited acts and persons
Questions and answers
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May you alter or remove the serial number on a firearm?
No, it is illegal to obliterate or alter identification marks
The make, model, serial number and other assigned marks may not be obliterated or altered.
Chapter 6 · Obliteration or Alteration of Firearm Identification ↗ -
Another person is present. Outside of self-defense, may you display an unloaded firearm in an angry or threatening manner?
No, it is illegal whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded
Drawing or exhibiting a firearm in a rude, angry or threatening manner is illegal, loaded or not.
Chapter 6 · Drawing or Exhibiting a Firearm ↗ -
A driver allows a passenger to fire a gun from the vehicle. What punishment may the driver face?
Up to three years in state prison
A driver or owner who allows a firearm to be discharged from the vehicle may be imprisoned for up to three years.
Chapter 6 · Discharge of a Firearm from a Motor Vehicle ↗ -
What does the guide say about discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner that could injure or kill someone?
It is illegal
Willfully firing in a grossly negligent manner that could result in injury or death is a crime.
Chapter 6 · Discharge of a Firearm in a Grossly Negligent Manner ↗ -
What is generally true of large-capacity magazines in California?
It is generally illegal to make, sell, give, lend, buy or receive them
The same applies to conversion kits that turn a feeding device into a large-capacity magazine.
Chapter 6 · Large-Capacity Magazines ↗ -
A person becomes prohibited from possessing firearms for a period with a specific end date. What may they do with their firearms?
Transfer them to a licensed firearms dealer for storage during the prohibition
Storage with a licensed dealer is allowed when the prohibition has a specific, ascertainable expiration date and the transfer requirements are met.
Chapter 6 · Firearm Storage During Prohibition ↗ -
In the criminal storage laws, who counts as a “child”?
Any person under 18
The criminal storage offenses define a child as any person under 18.
Chapter 6 · Criminal Storage ↗ -
What result makes criminal storage of a firearm an offense of the first degree?
The child or prohibited person causes death or great bodily injury
First degree applies when a child or prohibited person gains access to a loaded firearm and causes death or great bodily injury.
Chapter 6 · Criminal Storage ↗ -
Effective January 1, 2026, when is a firearm “securely stored”?
When it is kept within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or a secure gun safe
From 2026 a firearm must be securely stored in this sense to be exempt from the criminal storage offenses.
Chapter 6 · Criminal Storage ↗ -
Generally, below what age is it illegal to sell or give someone a firearm?
21
It is generally illegal to sell, supply, deliver or give possession of a firearm to a person under 21.
Chapter 6 · Sales, Transfers and Loans of Firearms to Minors ↗ -
A 16-year-old is taking part in a lawful hunting activity without a parent or other adult present. What must the minor have?
Prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian
A minor who is at least 16 may take part in the listed lawful activities with prior written consent of a parent or guardian.
Chapter 6 · Possession of a Firearm or Live Ammunition by Minors ↗ -
Under California law, for how long is a person convicted of a felony prohibited from possessing firearms?
For life
Felony convictions bring a lifetime prohibition. Certain misdemeanor convictions bring a ten-year prohibition.
Chapter 6 · Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms ↗ -
Under California law, how long is the firearm prohibition after conviction of certain misdemeanor offenses?
Ten years
Certain misdemeanors carry a ten-year prohibition on acquiring or possessing firearms.
Chapter 6 · Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms ↗ -
Who may request a Gun Violence Restraining Order?
Law enforcement, family members and other eligible persons
A GVRO may be requested when a person is a significant danger to themselves or others.
Chapter 6 · Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms ↗ -
A person is served with a GVRO or a DVRO. How soon must they give up their firearms?
Within 24 hours, to law enforcement or a licensed firearms dealer
Firearms must be relinquished to law enforcement or a licensed dealer within 24 hours of being served.
Chapter 6 · Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms ↗ -
For the use of lethal force to be justified, what must the circumstances reasonably lead the person to believe?
That the danger is imminent and deadly force is necessary
The belief must be reasonable, and deadly force must be necessary to prevent the felony or protect against death or great bodily injury.
Chapter 6 · Permissible Use of Lethal Force in Defense of Life and Body ↗ -
When does the right of self-defense end?
When there is no further danger from the assailant
Once the attacker can no longer inflict injury, no further force may be used.
Chapter 6 · Limitations on the Use of Force in Self-Defense ↗ -
How much force may a person use in self-defense?
Only what a reasonable person in the same situation would believe necessary to prevent imminent injury
Force is limited to what is reasonably necessary. Excessive force may bring civil or criminal penalties.
Chapter 6 · Limitations on the Use of Force in Self-Defense ↗ -
Does a person who assaults another have the right of self-defense at the start?
No, not initially
The right returns only if that person tries to stop the fight, clearly tells the other of a desire for peace, and the other continues.
Chapter 6 · Limitations on the Use of Force in Self-Defense ↗