CALIFORNIA CARRY
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Dealer's Record of Sale

Background Checks and Gun Registration System
California has a system known as DROS—Dealer’s Record of Sale which functions as a background check form, reporting system, and gun registration system. This system, in various forms, has existed since 1917. California registers all firearms purchases or legally transferred through the DROS purchase/transfer system.
 
California DOJ participates in the federal National Instant Check System (NICS) which is run by the FBI. California is full Point of Contact state for NICS, meaning the state, rather than the gun store, actually contacts the FBI to run the actual background check. What the gun store does is contact Sacramento, who then contacts the FBI, where a human runs a computer search. In other states, gun stores contact the FBI NICS unit directly.
 
What if my DROS background check got denied?
First, check this DOJ page and scroll down to “What You Should Do.” You will receive a letter why from the DOJ in about two weeks. If you feel that you may be a prohibited person (and innocently unaware of the fact), DOJ may seize your guns at some point in the future. Contact an attorney.
All codes are from the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated. Codes may have omissions and abridgments made for the sake of brevity. All emphasis has been added, except certain terms leading definition statutes or regulations may be italicized in the original. All statutes and regulations should be reviewed in the original for their completeness. This does not constitute, nor should be implied as, legal advice. Always seek an attorney's advice and consult state and local laws yourself. User assumes all liability for use of the information provided here. Copyright 2022.
  • Home
    • Safe Storage
    • Gun Safety
  • Carry
    • Open Carry >
      • Practical Open Carry
      • Public Place
    • Concealed Carry
    • How to Get a CCW (LTC) >
      • Carrying on a LTC
    • Unlicensed Carry
    • Self-Defense
  • Traveling
    • Vehicles
    • Visitors
    • Camping
    • FOPA
    • Out of State Purchases
  • Buying Guns
    • Private Sales
    • Online and Gun Shows
    • Buying Ammo
    • Handguns
    • Safety Certificate
    • Assault Weapons >
      • Bullet Button
    • Magazines
    • Less Lethal
    • DROS-Background check
    • Gun Registration
    • Prohibited Persons
    • Buying Out of State
  • Restricted Areas
    • School Zones
    • Public Buildings
    • Federal Buildings
    • Federal Public Lands
    • State Parks & Lands
    • Private Property
    • Local Laws
  • Other States