Firearms Regulations

A “regulation” is any rule, regulation, order or standard of general application or the amendment, supplement, or revision of any rule, regulation, order, or standard adopted by any state agency to implement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by it.

When adopting regulations, the Department must follow the rulemaking procedures in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), unless expressly exempted by statute. The APA requirements are designed to provide the public with a meaningful opportunity to participate in the adoption of regulations and to ensure the creation of an adequate record for the Office of Administrative Law and judicial review.

The links below provide access to recent rulemaking activity, including the regulation text and associated documents, the status of each rulemaking, and instructions on how to participate in the rulemaking process. Additionally, tips for making effective comments on regulations can be found here: Tips for Making Effective Comments, pdf.

Ongoing Rulemaking Activity

Regular Rulemaking Proposals

• Ammunition Purchase Fee

Completed Rulemaking Activity

• Ammunition Purchases or Transfers
• Ammunition Vendor Licensing
• Assault Weapon Definitions
• Automated Firearms System (AFS) Information Updates
• California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS)
• Carry Concealed Weapons DOJ Certified Instructors
• Carry Concealed Weapons Licenses
• Certificates of Eligibility (COE)
• Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) Fee
• Dealer Video and Audio Surveillance Certification
• DROS Entry System
• Failed Private Party Transfers
• Firearm Identifying Information - Existing and New California Residents
• Firearm Precursor Part Authorizations
• Firearm Precursor Part Update
• Firearm Precursor Part Vendor Licenses
• Firearm Transfers to Law Enforcement
• Identification Requirements for Firearms and Ammunition Eligibility Checks
• ‘Other’ Category Assault Weapon Registration
• Privacy Notices
• Revised Firearm Precursor Part Definitions and Guidebook
• Self Manufactured and Self Assembled Firearms
• Uniform Carry Concealed Weapons Licenses
• Unique Serial Number Application (USNA) Process
• Verification of Hunting Licenses

NOTE: Completed rulemaking webpages will be deleted 12 months after the regulation is filed with the Secretary of State.

Current firearms regulations can be found in Division 5, Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR)

To receive email notifications of future rulemaking activities, please contact: BOFregulations@doj.ca.gov