Ammo Laws

Ammunition sales in California are subject to many of the same regulations as firearm sales. In California, you cannot sell or give ammunition directly to another person. All ammunition transfers must go through a licensed vendor. This includes simple gifts between friends or family. To receive ammunition, the buyer must show valid identification and pass a background check through the state’s ammunition eligibility system. The ammunition itself must also be legal in California. Skipping this process is a violation of state law and can put both parties at risk.

All ammunition purchases in California must be completed through a licensed dealer, with a background check required for each transaction. You must present valid California identification at the point of purchase. Out-of-state ammo purchases may not be brought into California without going through a licensed vendor.

Borrowing or receiving ammunition outside of this process is generally not allowed. Just like with firearms, minors cannot be loaned or given ammunition under any circumstances unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

California restricts ammunition ownership in the same way it restricts firearm ownership. Anyone prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm is also prohibited from buying or possessing ammunition. This includes convicted felons, certain misdemeanor convictions, those with restraining orders, and individuals prohibited due to mental health rulings. Minors under 18 cannot legally purchase or possess ammunition unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

Ammunition must always be stored securely and kept out of the reach of children or unauthorized users. California law makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to possess live ammunition unless supervised by a parent or guardian. The safest practice is to lock ammunition in a container separate from firearms and keep both in secure storage.

Not all ammunition is legal in California. Armor-piercing rounds, tracer ammunition, and incendiary rounds are prohibited for civilians. Certain types of high-capacity magazines and specialty ammunition are also banned under state law. Only ammunition designed for lawful purposes such as hunting, target shooting, or self-defense may be purchased and possessed.