Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to California?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can buy guns online and ship them to California, but they must go through a California FFL dealer who will handle the transfer and ensure compliance with state laws.
What This Means for You
Online gun purchases are federally legal but California has specific requirements that make the process more complex than many other states. You'll need to find a California FFL willing to receive your shipment and complete the transfer, which includes additional waiting periods and compliance checks that don't exist in many other states.
The Detail
The federal framework allows interstate firearm transfers between licensed dealers, so the basic mechanics of buying online work the same in California as elsewhere. You purchase from a licensed dealer in another state, provide your California FFL's information, and the seller ships to your chosen FFL. The receiving dealer then handles the actual transfer to you as the end buyer.
California adds several layers of complexity to this process. The receiving FFL must verify that the firearm complies with California's roster of approved handguns if you're buying a pistol, and ensure it meets the state's assault weapon restrictions if you're buying a rifle. Many online sellers won't ship to California at all because of these complications, and those that do often charge additional fees for the extra compliance work.
Your California FFL will need to complete the standard federal background check plus California's additional requirements, including the state's mandatory waiting period. The dealer will also need to verify that you meet California's specific eligibility requirements, which can be more restrictive than federal standards. Some FFLs charge higher transfer fees for out of state purchases because of the additional paperwork and compliance verification required.
The biggest practical hurdle is finding California FFLs willing to accept transfers from out of state sellers, especially for less common firearms. Many dealers prefer to avoid the liability and extra work involved in verifying compliance for guns they didn't sell directly. You should contact your intended receiving FFL before making any online purchase to confirm they'll accept the transfer and understand any specific requirements they have.
Build Impact
This process works fine for standard firearms but can become complicated for anything unusual or customized. You'll want to verify California compliance before purchasing rather than assuming your chosen FFL can sort it out after the fact.