Free California Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale

California has the strictest private-firearms-transfer regime in the United States — there is no such thing as a casual cash-and-carry gun sale. Every private-party transfer (PPT) of any firearm must be processed through a licensed FFL dealer, who runs the DROS background check, collects the safety-handling demo, and applies the mandatory 10-day waiting period. Buyers must hold a current Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), pass a background check, and for handguns, comply with the one-handgun-per-30-day rule. Handguns must also appear on California's "Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale" unless the seller-buyer pair qualifies for an exemption (single-action revolvers, curio/relic, peace officer, infrequent transfer between immediate family). Violating any of these is a misdemeanor — and for prohibited persons or unrosters, a felony.

California Requirements: Transfer title within 10 days. 7.25% sales tax.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Gun / Firearm Details

Make *

Model *

Caliber/Gauge *

Serial Number *

Firearm Type *

Barrel Length

Condition *

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

Important: Federal and state laws may require a background check for firearm transfers. This bill of sale does not replace any legal requirements for background checks, waiting periods, or other regulations. Please consult your local laws before completing this transaction.

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Private firearm sales carry more legal requirements than most buyers realize — background check laws, waiting periods, and prohibited-person rules vary widely by state. Our guide explains when a bill of sale is legally required and what it must say. Read: Do I Need a Bill of Sale? →

California Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

DROS

Dealer Record of Sale

Agency

CA DOJ BOF

California Department of Justice — Bureau of Firearms

Primary ID Field

Serial Number

Sales Tax

0.0725%

Title Required

No title for firearms, but California requires every private-party transfer (PPT) to be processed through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer who completes the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale).

Inspection

Not required

Sales Tax Details

7.25%–10.75% sales tax does not apply to private-party transfers handled via DROS, but the FFL charges a state-capped $10 DROS fee plus a $1 firearm-safety fee plus the FFL's own PPT service fee (typically $35–$75 per firearm).

Inspection Requirements

Buyer must possess a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) — replaced the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) in 2015 and now applies to all firearms. Long-gun safe-handling demonstration also required at time of pickup.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by CA DOJ Bureau of Firearms (Automated Firearms System) — not the same agency that handles cars in California. Plan for separate filings.

California Gun / Firearm Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Both parties meet at a California-licensed FFL dealer who offers PPT services
Buyer presents a valid California ID showing California residency and a current Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
FFL initiates DROS background check with CA DOJ — no exceptions, even between friends
Pay DROS fee ($31.19 as of 2024), firearm-safety fee, and FFL service fee (~$35–$75)
Serve the mandatory 10-day waiting period — gun stays at FFL, no early release
Buyer completes safe-handling demonstration on long-gun and shows safety device (cable lock or DOJ-approved safe)
For handguns, confirm the model is on the DOJ Roster (or qualifies for an exemption)
For handgun buyers, verify no other handgun acquired in the past 30 days

Common Pitfalls

Doing a "private sale" without an FFL — Penal Code §27545 misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) and the firearm becomes contraband subject to forfeiture
Buying an off-roster handgun privately when neither party qualifies for an exemption — the FFL will refuse the DROS and the deal dies, with the buyer often forfeiting the deposit
Buying a second handgun within 30 days — Penal Code §27535, the DROS will flag and reject; FFL fees and waiting time are non-refundable
Forgetting the FSC — buyer must take the test ($25, 30 questions, 75% to pass) and present the certificate at DROS or the transfer halts
Possessing a "featured" or unregistered "assault weapon" — California's definition is broader than federal; even a 10/22 with the wrong stock can be a felony

Pro Tip

In California, no FFL means no legal transfer. Plan on $75–$125 in fees, two trips, a 10-day wait, and an FSC card before any private gun sale closes.

California Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale — FAQs

Can I sell my gun directly to a friend in California?

No. Penal Code §27545 requires every firearm transfer (with narrow exceptions for spouses, registered domestic partners, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren — and even some of those still need DROS reporting) to go through a California FFL dealer. The FFL runs DROS, applies the 10-day wait, verifies the FSC, and confirms handgun-roster compliance. Skipping the FFL is a misdemeanor, and a second offense or transfer to a prohibited person is a felony. Total cost is usually $75–$125 in fees per gun.

How does the 10-day waiting period actually work?

The 10-day clock starts when the FFL submits the DROS to CA DOJ — typically the day you pay and complete paperwork. Day 1 is the next day. The buyer cannot pick up the firearm until day 10, even if the background check clears in minutes. The waiting period applies to every firearm, every time — even if you already own 30 guns. Plan two trips to the FFL: one to start DROS, one to pick up. The firearm stays in the FFL's safe the entire 10 days; it is not "yours" yet legally.

What is the handgun roster and does it apply to private sales?

California's "Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale" lists handgun models that meet state requirements (drop test, microstamping, magazine disconnect, etc.). Only rostered handguns can be sold by dealers. For private-party transfers, the roster does not apply — you can buy an off-roster handgun privately through a PPT, which is one of the few legal paths to off-roster guns in California. Exceptions: single-action revolvers, certified C&R firearms, transfers to/from peace officers, and infrequent transfers among immediate family. Confirm with your FFL before paying a deposit.

What happens if my background check is denied or delayed?

If DROS comes back denied, you forfeit the firearm to the FFL (you cannot retrieve a gun you are prohibited from owning) and you lose the DROS fees ($31.19 plus FFL service). You may appeal to CA DOJ within 30 days. If the check is "delayed," CA DOJ has up to 30 days from the original DROS to resolve; if unresolved at 30 days, the FFL can release the firearm — but most FFLs will hold longer to be safe. Common denial causes: any felony conviction, certain misdemeanor DV offenses, restraining orders, mental-health holds within 5 years, and pending warrants.

Other California Templates

🚘Vehicle Bill of Sale 🚗Car Bill of Sale 🚙Used Car Bill of Sale 🏍️Motorcycle Bill of Sale ⛵Boat Bill of Sale 🚛Trailer Bill of Sale 🐴Horse Bill of Sale 🏎️ATV Bill of Sale 🏕️RV Bill of Sale 📄General Bill of Sale 🖨️Free Printable Bill of Sale 📏Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale ⚠️As-Is Bill of Sale 🎁Gift Bill of Sale

Gun / Firearm in Other States

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