Firearm Transfers through a FFL in California

California can make it seem overly complicated to transfer a firearm that you purchased online or from a friend into your name. This page will explain the process and help you prepare what you need to make the process move quickly when you are ready to buy.

Online Purchases: Gunbroker, Bud's Gun Shop, etc.

Firearms shipped to Emblem Outdoor from another dealer or private seller

If you buy a firearm online, it must be shipped to a California FFL for transfer. This is not a PPT — it is treated as a dealer transfer, and different rules apply.

Before the firearm ships:

• Send the seller our FFL information (we provide this upon request) or provide us with the seller's contact information and your order number, and we will send it.
• The seller will ship the firearm to us
  • Dealers will include a copy of their FFL
  • Private sellers must include a copy of their driver's license

Before the firearm arrives (optional)

One of the benefits of using a concierge FFL is that we can reduce the number of trips you need to make. Send us copies of the following documents and we will process the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) when the firearm arrives.

• Valid Californnia Driver's License or ID (Real ID)
  • If you don't have a Real ID yet, we can accept a passport
• Firearm Safety Certificate
  • If you don't have one yet, we are authorized to administer the test and issue the certificate
• Proof of California residency
  • Utility bill is most common
  • Name and address must match driver's license
    1. 1. If you choose not to send the documents to us in advance, you are welcome to provide them in person when the firearm arrives

After the DROS is submitted

• Wait 10 days
• Schedule a pick up day and time with us
  

Pick up day

• Complete the federal form 4473 (if not already completed in person)
• Sign and fingerprint the DROS
• Demonstrate safe handling of the firearm and sign the associated affidavit
• If the firearm does not come with a locking device from the manufacturer, complete and sign the Gun Safe Ownership Affidavit

1. 1. 1. Note: This is a good time to purchase ammunition as you will not have to pay the California mandated ammunition purchase eligibility check fee

✔ Fees

• $50 for the first firearm transfer
• $25 for each additional firearm in the same shipment
• $37.19 DROS fee (per transaction...not per gun)

✔ Sales Tax Requirements

California requires FFLs to collect sales tax  and the California Firearms Excise Tax on firearms purchased from out‑of‑state sellers unless the seller is registered with the California CDTFA and indicates so on their receipt.

California considers the FFL transfer fee to be part of the sale price of the firearm, and requires we collect sales and excise tax on this. Not the DROS, though.

You or the seller must provide:

• A receipt or invoice showing the purchase price
• If no receipt is provided, we must use the fair market value to calculate tax

✔ Important Notes

• Used guns purchased online are NOT PPTs — they are treated as dealer transfers.
• All firearms must be California‑legal (roster applies to handguns)

Ammunition Transfers

If you purchase ammunition online, it must be shipped to a California FFL.

✔ Fees

• $20 for the first caliber or brand
• $10 for each additional caliber or brand in the same shipment
• $5 for CA Ammunition eligibility check

✔ What You Need

• Valid California ID
• Ammunition eligibility check (Standard or Basic)
• Payment for transfer fees

Private party transfers

• Both parties must be present to conduct the transfer
• Driver's license for each is required
• Transferee must also provide:
  • Firearm Safety Certificate
  • Proof of CA residency matching DL

Questions?

We’re here to make the process simple, compliant, and stress‑free.
If you’re unsure whether your situation is a PPT, dealer transfer, or something else, just reach out — we’ll walk you through it.