Updated on December 7, 2021
The state of California has strict gun laws, thus, requires the right steps should be taken when owning a gun. The California firearm bill of sale is a document that provides proof of purchase of a rifle, shotgun, handgun, among other types. The forms require specific details about the parties involved in the transaction. The entire process should strictly follow the requirements of Firearm laws – §§ 28050 – 28070.
California laws dictate that all private gun sales must be done by a licensed dealer according to § 26500). California does not necessarily require registration of firearms other than for assault rifles and people migrating to California with a firearm. However, this does not negate the fact that one is required to legally acquire a gun in the state of California.
On top, should be the date the transaction was executed.
- Parties’ details
- Buyers name and mailing address
- Sellers name and mailing address
Firearm details
- The make, type, and model of the firearm
- Caliber
- Serial number of the firearm
Transaction details
The purchase details should either be:
- Whether the seller accepts cash payments with an indication of payment details and other details
- Whether the firearm is a gift
- Whether the seller has accepted a trade for a firearm in exchange for something else
The next sections that follow are buyer’s and seller’s disclosures in detail that are written according to California state laws and gun requirements.
Signatories
The last section should contain the buyer’s and seller’s details as follows:
- Signature and date
- Print name
- Driver’s license number and state
It is important to understand that guns in California are sold to persons over 18 years old and 21 years for handguns. The dealer is also responsible for checking out the buyer’s eligibility where a background check is conducted. The background check is charged and additional charges of not more than $10 can be charged for each gun. The state laws require a mandatory ten days waiting period before the firearm is given to the seller after the transaction.
