REAL ID

F A Q

OLD STYLE DL

FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY "FLA"

What are the requirements for buying a firearm?

You must be 21 years of age or older
You must either be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien with a Green Card or I-94 documentation
You cannot be a under indictment for a felony, convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, a fugitive from justice, an unlawful user or addicted to controlled substances*, adjudicated to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, subject to a restraining order, someone who has renounced their citizenship to the United States, or an alien admitted illegally into the United States.

As of July 1st 2019 If your ID or Drivers License says "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" you will need additional documents for verification. The acceptable documents are as follows:

Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Certified Copy of U.S. Birth Certificate
Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545), Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240), issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Valid, unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. immigrant visa and approved Record of Arrival/Departure (I-94) form.
Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory.
Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.

*Please note that while the State of California has legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, the federal government does NOT recognize any lawful use of marijuana. If you use marijuana for any purpose you cannot lawfully purchase a firearm in the United States of America.

What documents do I need to present in order to buy a handgun?

A valid, unexpired California Driver’s License or ID card
A valid, unexpired Firearms Safety Certificate
A valid, unexpired Proof of Residence
IF the address on your California Driver’s License or ID card is not your current address you will also need a valid, unexpired Proof of Change of Address
IF you are not a U.S. citizen you will also need your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your I-94 documentation.

What documents do I need to present in order to buy a rifle or shotgun?

A valid, unexpired California Driver’s License or ID card
A valid, unexpired Firearms Safety Certificate
IF the address on your California Driver’s License or ID card is not your current address you will also need a valid, unexpired Proof of Change of Address
IF you are not a U.S. citizen you will also need your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your I-94 documentation.

What is a Firearms Safety Certificate?

A Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) is a card issued to you after you take and pass a 30 question written test on general firearms safety and specific California gun laws. FSC cards are issued immediately upon passing the test and are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. A study guide and practice test can be found online here: http://californiafsc.safetyquizz.com

Are there exemptions to needing a FSC Card?

Yes. The following individuals are exempt from needing a FSC card provided they present appropriate documentation:

X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
X02 = Operation of Law Representative
X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
X21 = Military - Active Duty
X22 = Military - Reserve
X25 = Military - Honorably Retired
X31 = Peace Officer - California - Active
X32 = Peace Officer - Federal - Active
X33 = Peace Officer - California - Honorably Retired
X34 = Peace Officer - California - Reserve
X35 = Peace Officer - Federal - Honorably Retired
X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
X98 = Valid Hunting License (long guns only)

What is Proof of Residence?

Proof of Residence (POR) is a state requirement for purchasing a handgun that serves as proof that you live where you say you live. It must include your name and the current address. If using a bill, your correct address must be listed as the service address and the bill must have a service date within the last 3 months. Additional documents that may be used can be found on the DOJ website https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs#14G

Guns Direct will accept the following as POR:

Any of the accepted documents listed on the DOJ website
CA DMV Vehicle Registration
Water and Power Bill
Gas Bill
Trash Pickup Bill
Landline Phone Bill
Internet Access Bill
Cable/Satellite Television Bill
Residential Lease Agreement
CA Concealed Weapons Permit
Private Security Guard Card
Private Security Firearms Card
Property deed that bears the individual's name and address

What is Proof of Change of Address?

Proof of Change of Address is a federal requirement for purchasing any firearm when your ID doesn’t have your current address listed on it. It must include your name and current residential address. If you have AAA they offer DMV vehicle service which you can go switch your car registration over to your current residential address.

Guns Direct will accept the following for change of address:

A valid electronic document from a government website
CA DMV Vehicle Registration
CA DMV Vehicle Registration Renewal letter
CA DMV information request document (Brown change of address card will not work)
Water and Power Bill (only from a city or state governmental source – So Cal Edison bills do NOT qualify)
Property Tax Statement (for your primary residence)
USPS Confirmation of Change of Address Letter
Jury Summons Notice
Proof of Voter Registration
CA Concealed Weapons Permit
Private Security Guard Card
Private Security Firearms Card
Unemployment notices
Federal stimulus letter

What about my U.S. Passport? Can’t I use that as a form of ID?
No. Due to California’s requirement of a state issued ID card your passport is unacceptable as a form
of ID. However, you may need to use your passport to establish proof of citizenship (see above).

FIREARMS ABLE TO BE PURCHASED

Are there certain firearms that are illegal to buy in CA?

Yes. California has more strict firearms laws than most other states and there are limits as to what can be purchased legally. Handguns must either be on the California Approved Handgun Roster or be exempt from the Roster. Rifles must have barrels at least 16” long and must be 30” long in their shortest configuration. Shotguns must have barrels at least 18” long and must be 26” long in their shortest configuration. No firearm listed as banned in the Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989 or in Senate Bill SB-23 of 2000 can be purchased. Additionally, firearms with certain features or combination of features are deemed “Assault Weapons” by the state and cannot be purchased. Determining if a given firearm or given feature makes a firearm an Assault Weapon can be done by using the following links:

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf for rifles

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/sgflowchart.pdf for shotguns

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/hgflowchart.pdf for handguns

What is the California Approved Handgun Roster? https://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search

The California Approved Handgun Roster is a list of handguns that the state allows gun dealers to sell. Certain firearms are classified as “Exempt” from needing roster status (single action revolvers with barrels at least 3” long and at least 7” in overall length, Olympic style target pistols, etc.) All non-exempt handguns not on the roster cannot be sold by California firearms dealers. Please note that just because a given handgun is not on the roster that does not mean that it is illegal to buy, own, or sell that firearm. It means that it is illegal for a gun store to sell that firearm. Off roster handguns can still be bought, owned, or sold via Private Party Transfers and Intrafamilial Transfers.

Can’t I just buy an off roster firearm out of state or online?

No. Firearms dealers cannot deliver off roster firearms unless the firearm was part of a Private Party Transfer or an Intrafamilial Transfer.

Is anyone exempt from having to abide by the roster?

Yes. Active law enforcement officers are not bound by the roster and may purchase any handgun that is not illegal.

What is a Private Party Transfer?

A Private Party Transfer (PPT) occurs when one California resident sells his privately owned firearm to another California resident. Both parties must go to a firearms dealer, present the needed documentation, and fill out paperwork. At that time the dealer will take custody of the firearm for the mandatory waiting period. The buyer then returns to the dealer after his waiting period is over and takes possession of the firearm just as if he had purchased it from the dealer. Note: Buying a firearm from a private individual outside of California does not qualify as a PPT. As stated above, PPTs are not bound by the California Approved Handgun Roster.

All paperwork needed for a PPT is required at the time of the transfer, without exception.

THE PURCHASE PROCESS

What is the process for purchasing a firearm?

You bring in all of the necessary documentation mentioned above, choose and pay for your firearm, and fill out the Federal Form 4473 (4473) and California Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) paperwork, along with other forms depending on the type of firearm you purchase. You then have a 10-day waiting period that must pass before you can return to our store and take delivery of your firearm. We will only contact you during your waiting period if there is a problem or a delay. Otherwise, you may assume you have been approved for delivery.

Other than the cost of the firearm itself what taxes and fees do I have to pay?

You will pay sales tax on the cost of the firearm and a $37.19 fee for your DROS paperwork.

Do I have to wait 10 days for all firearms or just for handguns?

All firearm transactions require a 10-day (240 continuous hours) wait before they can be delivered. Your waiting period is calculated to the second and begins when your DROS is submitted to the CA DOJ. For example, if you purchase your firearm at 2:15pm on Saturday the 5th your earliest pick up date and time would be 2:16pm on Tuesday the 15th.

What if I can’t pick up my firearm on my first available day of delivery?

Your DROS paperwork is valid for 30 days from the day of filing. The first 10 days of that time is consumed by your waiting period. Therefore you have a 20 day window to take delivery. If you fail to take delivery by the end of your 30 days your paperwork becomes invalid. You will be charged a 20% restocking fee and state fees will not be refunded.

Am I subject to a criminal background check?

Yes. The DROS paperwork submitted to the CA DOJ is used to perform a criminal background check that is conducted during the 10-day waiting period. If you have any question as to your ability to pass a background check we strongly recommend that you contact CA DOJ before starting paperwork on a firearm.

I’ve bought several firearms from Guns Direct. Do I have to go through this entire process every time?

Yes. Unfortunately you will have to provide correct documentation and fill out paperwork each and every time you make a purchase. This is required by state and federal law and even if it were not we have no way to keep physical documentation in an easily searchable format.

Is there a limit to the number of firearms I can purchase?

There is no limit to the number of firearms a person can own or purchase.

What happens if I fail my background check/change my mind/cannot complete my purchase?

If for any reason you cancel or are denied on your background check (DMV REJECT'S ARE CONSIDERED DENIALS) you will be charged a 25% restocking fee of the purchase price of the firearm to cover the labor costs ,credit card fees , reverse a sale and cancel paperwork. DROS fees are non-refundable as CA DOJ charges our account for the DROS fee the instant it is submitted. The balance of your refund can be credited back to you or can be put towards another purchase if the cancellation was voluntary. If your status comes back as "Undetermined" you will be charged a 10% restocking fee , state fees are non-refundable. No firearm will be held if any of the above mentioned occur. Firearm will be placed out for sale the moment any of the above occur.

What if I take delivery of my firearm and change my mind? Can I return it?

No. All firearm sales are final. Once delivery is made the firearm has changed hands and is now legally classified as a “Used” firearm even if it never gets taken out of the box. Due to this fact we strongly urge shoppers to take advantage of our team’s expertise and advice in helping to make the right firearm choice for their purposes, situation, and budget.

What if my new firearm is defective/broken/damaged? Do I bring it back to Guns Direct?

No. Any and all warranties are between the manufacturer of a firearm and the purchaser. We do not offer warranty service, repair, or shipping on any firearm sold. By California law, every firearms manufacturer is bound to honor their warranty directly with the purchaser. Firearms needing warranty service can be shipped directly from the purchaser to the manufacturer without third party involvement.

Please understand that while we sympathize with the disappointment and frustration of purchasing a firearm and not having it work as advertised, we will only muddy the waters and delay the return of your firearm by getting involved. We will be happy to assist you in contacting the manufacturer and lending advice on how to properly pack and ship your return.

If I’m buying or selling a firearm via a Private Party Transfer do I need to make an
appointment?
We do not have appointments. PPT transactions must be paid in CASH. Please note that Private Party Transfers (PPTs) take even longer than a regular sale Additionally, we will not conduct a PPT a hour before we close.

PPT are done one at a time in the order of arrival so please allow plenty of time to complete a PPT.

If I’m selling a firearm via a Private Party Transfer what documentation do I need to bring?
The seller in a Private Party Transfer (PPT) needs to bring their valid, unexpired California Driver’s
License or ID card. If the address on your California Driver’s License or ID card is not your current
address you will also need a valid, unexpired Proof of Change of Address.

PURCHASING AMMUNITION
Do I need a background check to purchase ammunition?
Yes. As of July 2019, each and every ammunition purchase requires a background check. There are
two possible types of background checks.
• If you have successfully purchased a firearm in California and still reside at the same address,
you can do a Basic check for $1 which should process within a few minutes of submission.
• If you have not purchased a firearm in California or have since moved, you will not pass the
Basic check and will have to submit a Standard check for $19 which could take several days to
process.
We recommend that new buyers (or buyers with a new address since their last purchase) purchase
ammunition on the day that they pick up their firearm from us as they will have just successfully
passed a background check and their ammunition purchase check can effectively be added to their
DROS at no additional charge.

TRANSFERS/LAYAWAYS/SPECIAL ORDERS

Can I purchase a firearm online and have it sent to Guns Direct for transferal?

Yes. Provided the firearm is legal for us to transfer, we will be happy to act as the receiving Federal Firearms License Holder (FFL) for your transaction. You will simply pay for the firearm online and give the seller our email address for purposes of a “Dealer to Dealer” transfer. We will exchange information with the seller’s FFL and they will ship the firearm to us. We will contact you once it has arrived and then you simply need to come in and fill out paperwork just as if you were purchasing the firearm from us. Our fee for Dealer to Dealer transfers is $100. Additionally you will have to pay $37.19 for your DROS fee and if the firearm does not come with a CA approved cable lock you will either need to purchase a lock or fill out a Gun Safe Affidavit (applies only for long. Lastly you will be charged sales tax if not collect by seller, 11% excise tax will be collected by us. Please see transfer tab for additional information.

All FFL Transfer Paperwork Must Be Completed Within 10 Days Of Firearm Arriving To GUNS DIRECT.

Storage fees for Transferred Firearms Received:
Up to 10 days = Free

11 - 30 days = $25.00 additional fee
31 – 60 days = $50.00 additional fee
61 – 90 days = $100.00 additional fee

91 - 120 days = $150.00 additional fee

121 - 150 days = $200.00 additional fee

151 - 180 days = $250.00 additional fee

Firearms left for more than 180 days will be considered abandoned

If you fail your background check it is your responsibility to get the firearm shipped back, all fees above will still apply

It is your responsibility to track your package to know when it arrives, we will make attempts to contact based on information provided on the shipment invoice. You claiming that you never received a call is not our responsibility. Please respect our policy and be responsible of your own products when transferring

We Only Except Out Of State Transfers From Licensed Federal Firearms Dealers.

Can Guns Direct order a firearm for me even if they don’t carry it normally?

Yes, we can order firearms we do not carry. 50% deposit will be required for us to order

Does Guns Direct offer a Layaway Plan?

Case by case scenario.

State law prevents me from having ammunition shipped directly to my home. Can I have it shipped to Guns Direct instead?

yes, we do.

Ammunition Transfer Fee
Invoiced amount up to $300 = $30.00
Invoiced amount over $300 = 10% of invoiced amount

Storage fees for Transferred Ammunition Received:
Up to 15 days = Free

16 - 30 days = $25.00 additional fee
31 – 60 days = $50.00 additional fee
61 – 90 days = $100.00 additional fee

Ammunition left for more than 90 days will be considered abandoned

CA Sales Tax must be collected on the full invoiced amount of the ammunition shipment

If you fail your background check it is your responsibility to get the ammunition shipped back, all fees above will still apply

Thanks for all the answers above but I still have questions. How do I get answers?

Please feel free to contact our store during the business hours listed below. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and hope to earn your business.