Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Certificate, sales, transfers
Questions and answers
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What score do you need to pass the FSC written test?
At least 75%
The Firearm Safety Certificate is issued after a passing score of at least 75% on the DOJ written test.
Introduction · Firearm Safety Certificate Information ↗ -
How long is a Firearm Safety Certificate valid?
Five years from the date of issuance
An FSC is valid for five years.
Introduction · Firearm Safety Certificate Information ↗ -
What is the fee for taking the FSC test and being issued the certificate?
$25
The test and certificate cost twenty-five dollars.
Chapter 6 · Firearm Safety Certificate Requirement ↗ -
Your FSC is lost. Who issues the replacement, and for what fee?
The DOJ Certified Instructor who issued it, for $5
The issuing instructor provides a replacement for $5. You must present proof of identity.
Chapter 6 · Firearm Safety Certificate Requirement ↗ -
Is an FSC required simply to possess a firearm you already have?
No, it is required to purchase or receive a firearm
The Legislature did not intend to require an FSC for mere possession. It is needed to buy or receive a firearm.
Introduction · Firearm Safety is the Law ↗ -
Who is authorized to make retail sales of firearms in California?
Only licensed California firearms dealers
Retail sales go through licensed dealers, who submit the Dealer’s Record of Sale to DOJ.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
How long is the mandatory waiting period before a dealer can deliver a firearm?
10 days
The dealer cannot deliver the firearm until the 10-day waiting period has passed.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
What does DOJ do during the waiting period?
It runs a firearms eligibility background check on the purchaser
The check confirms the purchaser is not prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
Generally, how old must a person be to purchase a firearm?
At least 21
With some exceptions, purchasers must be at least 21 and be California residents with valid California identification.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
You want to sell your firearm to a friend who is not a dealer. How must the sale be done?
Through a licensed California firearms dealer
A private party sale or transfer must generally be completed through a licensed dealer.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
In a private party transfer, who keeps the firearm during the waiting period?
The dealer
Buyer and seller complete the paperwork in person and leave the firearm with the dealer for the 10 days.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
Besides state fees, how much may a dealer charge for conducting a private party transfer?
No more than $10 per firearm
The dealer’s own fee for a private party transfer is capped at $10 per firearm.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
Which transfer counts as between “immediate family” and is exempt from going through a dealer?
Between a grandparent and a grandchild
Immediate family means parent and child, and grandparent and grandchild. Siblings are not included.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
After an exempt family transfer, how soon must the person receiving the firearm report it to DOJ?
Within 30 days
The recipient must also have an FSC before taking possession.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
You reclaim a firearm you pawned. Do the DROS and waiting period apply?
Yes, both apply
Reclaiming a pawned firearm is subject to the DROS and the 10-day waiting period.
Chapter 6 · Sales and Transfers of Firearms ↗ -
Which document is acceptable proof of California residency when purchasing a handgun?
A utility bill from within the last three months
A recent utility bill, signed residential lease, property deed or military permanent duty station orders are accepted.
Chapter 6 · Proof-of-Residency Requirement ↗ -
When must the safe handling demonstration be performed?
Between the date the DROS is submitted and delivery of the firearm
It is performed in the presence of a DOJ Certified Instructor, with the firearm being acquired.
Chapter 6 · Safe Handling Demonstration Requirement ↗ -
Besides receiving a safety device with the firearm, how can the firearms safety device requirement be met?
By signing an affidavit of owning a DOJ-approved lock box or a suitable firearm safe
The safe must be able to hold the firearm being purchased.
Chapter 6 · Firearms Safety Device Requirement ↗ -
Which handguns may a firearms dealer sell to the public?
Only makes and models listed on the DOJ roster of certified handguns
A handgun must have passed safety and functionality tests and be on the roster. Private party and family transfers and pawn returns are exempt.
Chapter 6 · Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale in California ↗ -
You move to California with firearms and plan to stay. What must you do?
Report them to DOJ within 60 days, or sell or transfer them under California law
New residents who keep their firearms file a New Resident Firearm Ownership Report with a $19 fee.
Chapter 6 · New California Resident Requirement ↗ -
What is a straw purchase?
Buying a firearm for a prohibited person or for someone who wants their name kept off the sale
A straw purchase is illegal. Never buy a firearm for someone who is prohibited or unable to do so.
Chapter 5 · What is a straw purchase? ↗ -
What federal penalty does the guide give for an illegal firearm purchase?
A fine of up to $250,000 and 15 years in prison
A false statement on a purchase application, or a knowing transfer to a prohibited person, is a federal crime.
Chapter 5 · What is a straw purchase? ↗ -
What must a person do for each firearm they make or assemble themselves in California?
Apply to DOJ for a unique serial number
The person must also be eligible to own firearms. Selling or transferring a self-made firearm is generally prohibited.
Chapter 6 · Privately Manufactured Firearms ↗