CA-FSC California Firearm Transfer Laws 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When does California's mandatory 10-day waiting period begin for a firearm purchase?
- When the buyer pays for the firearm
- When the dealer submits the DROS application to the DOJ (Correct answer)
- When the background check is approved
- When the firearm is inspected by the dealer
Correct answer: When the dealer submits the DROS application to the DOJ
The 10-day waiting period begins when the dealer submits the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) application to the California DOJ.
Question 2: Which agency processes firearm background checks in California?
- FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
- California Department of Justice (DOJ) (Correct answer)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Correct answer: California Department of Justice (DOJ)
The California Department of Justice processes all firearm background checks in the state through its Automated Firearm System.
Question 3: How long must a licensed California firearms dealer retain DROS records?
- 1 year after sale
- 3 years after sale
- 5 years after sale
- As long as licensed, with records transferred to DOJ upon business closure (Correct answer)
Correct answer: As long as licensed, with records transferred to DOJ upon business closure
Licensed dealers must retain DROS records for as long as they hold their license, and upon closing they must transfer those records to the California DOJ.
Question 4: How many handguns may a California resident generally purchase from a dealer within any 30-day period?
- One (Correct answer)
- Two
- Three
- There is no limit if the buyer passes a background check
Correct answer: One
California limits most individuals to purchasing one handgun per 30-day period, with narrow exceptions such as law enforcement and certain intrafamilial transfers.
Question 5: Which document is the standard proof of California residency a buyer must present to a dealer when purchasing a handgun?
- A valid U.S. passport
- A utility bill alone
- A California driver license or state-issued ID card (Correct answer)
- A voter registration card
Correct answer: A California driver license or state-issued ID card
A California driver license or state-issued ID card is the standard document accepted to prove California residency for a handgun purchase.
Question 6: Can a California licensed dealer deliver a firearm to a buyer before the 10-day waiting period expires if the background check is approved early?
- Yes, if the background check is approved within 3 days
- Yes, if the buyer holds a valid carry permit
- No, the full 10-day period must elapse regardless of background check status (Correct answer)
- No, unless the buyer is active-duty military
Correct answer: No, the full 10-day period must elapse regardless of background check status
The 10-day waiting period is mandatory by statute and must fully elapse before any firearm transfer can occur, even if DOJ approval comes sooner.
Question 7: What categories of information are collected on the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) form?
- Only the firearm's serial number and caliber
- The buyer's personal information, firearm description, and transaction details (Correct answer)
- Only the dealer's license number and the sale date
- The buyer's financial information and credit history
Correct answer: The buyer's personal information, firearm description, and transaction details
The DROS form captures the buyer's personal and identification information, a detailed description of the firearm, and full transaction details for DOJ records.
CA-FSC California Firearm Transfer Laws 2
When does California's mandatory 10-day waiting period begin for a firearm purchase?