How to Sell a Gun in Los Angeles County?
How to Sell a Gun in Los Angeles County?
Gun laws across the United States can vary significantly from one place to another, and it is important for residents of Los Angeles County to understand the specific laws that apply to them when buying and selling a firearm. California is unique as it has laws that go beyond most states and within the state, Los Angeles county has its own set of regulations that go beyond the state’s lengthy and at times convoluted laws.
We will outline some of the most important laws when it comes to selling and buying firearms in Los Angeles County, as well as provide information on how to legally obtain a firearm.
What is the Process to Legally Purchase a Firearm in Los Angeles County?
In order to purchase a firearm in the state, you must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. You must also obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) by completing a firearms safety test and demonstration of safe handling of a firearm.
In Los Angeles County, it is illegal to sell or transfer a firearm without first conducting a background check through a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. This includes private sales as well as sales at gun shows. The only exception to this rule is if you are transferring a firearm to an immediate family member, such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.
In addition to the background check requirement, there are also certain types of firearms that are prohibited for sale in California. These include assault weapons, certain types of shotguns and rifles, and certain types of handguns. It is also illegal to sell or transfer a firearm to someone who is not a resident of California.
If you are looking to purchase a firearm in Los Angeles County, there are several steps you must follow.
- First, you will need to obtain a Firearms Safety Certificate by completing a firearms safety test and demonstrating safe handling of a firearm. You can find more information on how to obtain an FSC on the California Department of Justice website.
- Next, you will need to find a licensed firearms dealer within the county. You can search for dealers online or by contacting your local police department or sheriff’s office. Once you have found a dealer, you will need to fill out a Firearm Purchase Application and undergo a background check. If you pass the background check, you will be able to purchase a firearm from the dealer.
It is important to note that there are certain restrictions on who can legally purchase a firearm in California. For example, it is illegal for felons, those with certain mental health conditions, and individuals with a history of domestic violence to purchase a firearm.
In addition to the laws outlined above, there are also certain requirements for owning and storing firearms in Los Angeles County. For example, it is illegal to carry a concealed firearm without a valid concealed carry permit, and it is also illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a public place. If you do own a firearm, you must store it in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access.
Overall, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific gun laws in Los Angeles County and follow them closely. By following the laws and obtaining your firearm legally, you can help ensure that firearms are used safely and responsibly in the community.
How Much is the State Fee when Purchasing a Firearm?
The total state fee is $37.19. The DROS fee is $31.19 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee, and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee. In the event of a private party transfer (PPT), the firearms dealer may charge an additional fee of up to $10.00 per firearm.
If the transaction is not a PPT the dealer may impose other charges as long as this amount is not misrepresented as a state fee. When settling on the purchase price of a firearm, you should ask the dealer to disclose all applicable fees.
(Pen. Code, §§ 23690, 28055, 28230, 28300, 28233.)
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A “Certificate of Eligibility” certifies the Department of Justice (DOJ) has checked its records and determined the recipient is not prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms at the time the firearms eligibility criminal background check was performed. A COE is a pre-requisite licensing/permit requirement for all prospective licensed firearms dealers, licensed ammunition vendors, manufacturers, certified instructors, gun show promoters, explosive permit holders, and other firearm related employment activities, including, any agent or employee of a vendor who handles, sells, or delivers firearms and ammunition. The initial COE application process includes a firearms eligibility criminal background check and issuance of a certificate, which is valid for one year. Thereafter, the COE must be renewed annually. A COE can be revoked, at anytime, if the COE holder becomes prohibited from owning/possessing firearms and ammunition.
Effective July 1, 2019, pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 11, section 4033 the DOJ is no longer accepting COE applications via mail. COE applications must be filed electronically by accessing the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) at the following URL https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/login.do
How to conduct a Private Party Sale
Private party transfers must be conducted with both parties, in person, through a fully licensed California firearms dealer. Failure to do so is a violation of California law. The purchaser (and seller if the purchaser is denied), must meet the normal firearm purchase and delivery requirements.
Firearms dealers are required to process private party transfers upon request but may charge a fee not to exceed $10.00 per firearm for conducting the transfer. For example:
- For private party transfers, the total allowable fees, including the DROS, safety, and dealer transfer fees, are not to exceed $47.19 ($37.19 DROS fee and $10.00 PPT fee), and $10.00 for each subsequent firearm.
“Antique firearms,” as defined in section 921(a)(16) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and curio or relic rifles/shotguns, defined in section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are over 50 years old, are exempt from this requirement. For additional exceptions, refer to Penal Code sections 27850 through 27966.
(Pen. Code, § 27545, 28055)
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership in California
In order to purchase a firearm legally, the buyer must be 18 years old to purchase rifles, shotguns and ammunition. Buyers looking to purchase handguns must be at least 21 years old.
Pursuant to Penal Code section 27510, a California licensed dealer is prohibited from selling, supplying, delivering, transferring or giving possession or control of any firearm to any person under the age of 21 years, except as specifically exempted. The exemptions apply to the sale, supplying, delivery, transfer, or giving possession or control of a firearm that is not a handgun to a person 18 years of age or older.
The Exemptions Include:
- A person 18 years of age or older who possess a valid, unexpired hunting license issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- 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 his or her employment.
- An active federal officer or law enforcement agent who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of his or her employment as a reserve peace officer.
- A person who provides proper identification of his or her active membership in the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or active reserve components of the United States.
- A Person who provides proper identification that he or she is an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or active reserve components of the United States.
As part of the DROS process, the purchaser must present “clear evidence of identity and age” which is defined as a valid, non-expired California Driver’s License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California is also acceptable.
If the purchaser is not a U.S. Citizen, then he or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation containing his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number.
Purchasers of handguns must provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, residential lease, property deed, or government-issued identification (other than a driver license or other DMV-issued identification), and either (1) possess a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with their recently purchased handgun or (2) qualify for an HSC exemption.
(Pen. Code, § § 26800-26850.)
Any person who has a conviction for any misdemeanor listed in Penal Code section 29805 or for any felony, or is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug, or has been held involuntarily as a danger to self or others pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 8103 is prohibited from buying, owning, or possessing firearms or ammunition.
There are also prohibitions based on mental conditions, domestic restraining/protective orders, conditions of probation, and specific offenses committed as a juvenile. A list of prohibited categories is available on the Bureau of Firearms website.
(Pen. Code, §§ 29800, 29805, 29815, 29820, 29825, 29855, 29860, 29900, 29905, 30305; Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 8100-8103; 18 U.S.C. § 922, subd. (g), 27 C.F.R. § 478.22.)
FEDERAL DISQUALIFICATION CATEGORIES
- Conviction (felony or misdemeanor) where the crime has a maximum imprisonment term exceeding 1 year (even if a buyer did not receive actual imprisonment exceeding 1 year).
- Warrant (felony or out-of-state misdemeanor).
- Felony pre-trial release.
- Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence restraining/stalking/protection order mental health adjudication or commitment.
- Unlawful use or addicted to a controlled substance (including marijuana).
- Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
- Renounced U.S. citizenship.
- Illegal alien.
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“DISCLAIMER”
The information contained on this website has been prepared as a service to the internet community and is not intended to constitute legal advice. CashMyGuns.com has used reasonable efforts in collecting, preparing, and providing quality information and material, but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the information contained in or linked to this website. Users of information from this website or links do so at their own risk and should consult their local firearm law resources and/or an attorney when engaging in selling a firearm. The cited information in this article was obtained on 12/19/2022 from https://oag.ca.gov/firearms, oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/cfl2021.pdf