Gun Laws

Effective January 1, 2026, California’s new mandatory safe storage law requires all guns in a home to be locked up when not in use.

If you leave a firearm unsecured and it is stolen, or accessed by an unauthorized user or child, you may be guilty of criminal storage of a firearm. This rule is stricter than earlier laws, which only applied if a minor was present or could reasonably gain access. Starting in 2026, negligent storage itself is a violation, even if no child is in the home.

“Securely stored” means keeping a firearm inside a gun safe, a locked container, or disabling it with a safety device that meets California DOJ standards.

The California DOJ states that a gun safe must:

• Fully contain all firearms: Each firearm must be completely enclosed in the safe.
• Have a combination lock such as a dial or keypad: The lock must offer at least 10,000 possible combinations. For instance, a 4-digit code using numbers 0–9 has 10,000 possible combinations.
• Be built from steel (or equivalent): The walls and doors must meet minimum steel thickness standards.
• Lock protection: The lock must be guarded by drill-resistant steel.

California law does not allow you to sell or give a firearm directly to another person. Every firearm transfer must go through a licensed dealer. The only exception is for immediate family members in a direct line—parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. This exception does not extend to siblings, step-parents, or other relatives.

All other transfers must be done in person, with both parties present, and processed through a California-licensed firearms dealer. At our Rocklin store, we handle firearm transfers to ensure everything is completed legally. The person receiving the firearm must pass a background check, be eligible to own a gun, and the firearm itself must be legal in California. A firearm safety certificate (or handgun safety certificate) is required. The firearm will be registered to the new owner, and the standard waiting period applies.

Every firearm purchase in California requires a mandatory 10-day waiting period before you can take the gun home. During this time, the Department of Justice runs a background check to confirm you are legally allowed to own a firearm. The gun itself must also be legal in California, and the transfer must go through a licensed firearms dealer. You must show proper identification—either a valid California Real ID, or a valid state driver’s license along with proof of residency such as a birth certificate or passport.

Borrowing or receiving a firearm is also tightly restricted. It is generally illegal to loan or borrow a gun, except in limited cases between immediate family members in a direct line—parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. This exception does not include siblings, step-parents, or extended relatives. It is always illegal to loan a firearm to anyone under 18.