California restricts ammunition sales and possession in similar ways to guns, but ammo laws are different and are enforced differently. Not knowing a certain ammo law could mean a fine or even an arrest.
Read up on California ammunition laws with this guide, and if you have more specific questions about your rights to buy and keep ammo, don’t hesitate to talk to a gun offense lawyer in Los Angeles.
Simmrin Law Firm offers free consultations if you’ve been accused of violating a law, including the ammunition laws of California. These laws can be confusing and they’re changing all the time. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Cannot Possess Ammunition?
In general, if you cannot purchase or possess a firearm under California law or federal law, then you are also prohibited from owning, possessing, or having custody or control of any ammunition. California’s gun laws are extremely strict.
The list of categories of people prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms is quite large. Some people are barred from life, and others are barred for a limited period. The current list can be found in this Overview of Key California Firearms Laws from the California DoJ.
In greatly simplified terms, people who cannot possess ammunition include, but aren’t limited to:
- Felons and people convicted of violent offenses involving firearms
- Convicted domestic abusers
- Certain people with mental disorders or found mentally incompetent
- Minors (with certain exceptions for parental permission and sport shooting)
- Narcotic users
- People with an outstanding warrant or subject to a protective order or restraining order
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Do I Need a Background Check to Purchase Ammunition in California?
In 2016, California voters approved a measure, Proposition 63, that required people to get a background check every four years before they could purchase ammunition. That was amended in 2019 to require automated background checks with every ammunition purchase.
In February of 2024, the amendment to require automated background checks was overturned by a federal judge. The State of California is appealing this ruling according to the Los Angeles Times.
Ammunition shops may probably continue to collect background check information to shield themselves from liability, but the requirement for a background check and how often you need one is in flux. Speak with an attorney if you have questions about the latest laws.
Two Types of Background Checks for Ammunition
There are two types of background checks for buying ammunition in California for consumers. These are:
- Basic Ammunition Eligibility Check
- Standard Ammunition Eligibility Check
Standard Check
The standard check is where new purchasers begin. The vendor will send your information to the government to review their records and see if you qualify to own ammunition. You’ll receive an Ammunition Transaction Number.
With this number, you can track the results of your check through the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). Once approved, you can go back and finish your purchase. The cost of this check is $19 and it can take around 10 days to complete.
Basic Check
Once you meet certain requirements, the government will allow you to use a basic check instead. This takes a few minutes at the vendor. If you pass, you can complete your ammo purchase. This test only costs $1.
What Happens if I Fail My Background Check?
Assuming you’re not breaking the law by trying to access ammunition, the vendor will deny your purchase. If you’re still under the standard check rules, you can use CFARS and your Ammunition Transaction Number to learn why you were rejected.
If the basic check was denied, CFARS will be updated but you’ll also receive a notification through the mail about the reason for the denial.
What Documentation Do I Need to Purchase Ammunition in California?
If you wish to buy ammo in California, you will need either a California driver’s license, a California identification card, or a military ID. However, if your ID has the words “Federal limits apply” on the front, you will need to provide additional documentation. This includes:
- Passport or passport card
- Birth certificate
- Foreign passport with a valid immigrant visa
- Certificate of naturalization or U.S. citizenship certificate
- Permanent resident card
You may also need to bring additional documents if your name is different between the one on the card and the one on your supporting documents. Any ID you bring when you purchase ammunition must be unexpired.
Can I Purchase Ammunition Over the Internet or Outside of the State and Take It to California?
The current laws state that “it is unlawful for any California resident to bring or transport any ammunition from outside of the state into California unless it goes through a licensed California Ammunition Vendor.” (Pen. Code, § 30314) There are exceptions you can find in the linked statute.
Therefore, a California resident can purchase ammunition from another California vendor over the Internet. However, if you want to get something from out of state, you will need to go through a licensed vendor in California.
Note that transportation is also illegal, so you cannot go out of the state to buy ammunition on your own and bring it back into California. The best way to stay on the right side of California’s ammunition laws is to always buy from a licensed dealer.
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Are Any Ammo Types Illegal in California?
California also limits the type of ammunition that you can buy, and there are regulations on what the state considers “unreasonably dangerous ammunition.” In California, unreasonably dangerous ammunition can include:
- Metal- or armor-piercing handgun rounds, including ammo meant to pierce body vests. This does not apply to shotgun or rifle ammunition.
- Tracer rounds, except those meant for a shotgun
- Explosive or incendiary ammunition
- Fixed ammunition greater than 60 gauge
Consult With a Gun Lawyer About Ammunition Laws in California
These are the basics of ammunition laws in California, but it can get much more complicated. This is especially true for sellers. If you are confused about the laws and want to make sure you’re on the right side, consult with a California gun lawyer from Simmrin Law Group for advice.
If you’ve been arrested or ticketed for an ammo violation, that’s even more reason to contact one of our attorneys. Call us or contact us online today to get a free consultation about ammunition laws and how to protect yourself from ammo-related charges.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form