Procedure to purchase ammo in CA

Purchasing ammo in California involves a few steps to comply with state laws. Here’s a quick overview to make the process as smooth as possible:

Procedure to purchase ammo in CA

Purchasing ammo in California involves a few steps to comply with state laws. Here’s a quick overview to make the process as smooth as possible:

The Right ID for Buying Ammo in CA

Don’t Forget Your California Real ID!

Buying ammo in CA requires a background check, and proper identification is essential to complete the purchase. A California Real ID is the easiest way to meet this requirement and ensure a smooth process.

What If Your License Has “Federal Limits Apply”?

If your CA driver's license says “FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY” in the top right corner, you'll need to bring an additional form of proof to complete the background check.

Accepted proof include the following combinations:

  • California Real ID (No additional documentation needed)
  • California Driver's License AND a U.S. birth certificate
  • California Driver's License AND a valid, nonexpired U.S. passport

As a licensed ammunition dealer, we are required by law to run background checks for every ammo sale. To avoid delays or complications, double-check that you have the right identification before heading to our store. If you're unsure what to bring, feel free to give us a call at (949) 485—1502!

Who Can Buy Ammo in CA?

Must be eligible to own firearms.

Anyone who is prohibited from owning firearms Cannot buy ammunition

Age Requirements:
  • 18+ years old for ammunition sales.
  • 21+ years old for handgun ammunition.
Not sure if you are eligible?

Want to check your eligibility before stopping by? You can fill out a "Personal Firearms Eligibility Check Application" (BOF-116 form). Once it’s filled out, you’ll need to get it notarized and mail it to the DOJ with a small fee. The DOJ will run the check, but be aware—it can take up to 90 days to get your results.

Check Eligibility Now

Ammo Purchase Background Checks

As of July 1, 2019, California law requires a background check for every ammunition purchase (Penal Code §30352). It’s the buyer’s responsibility to choose the type of background check to use. Our team can help you determine the best option for your situation.

3 Types of Background Check Options

AFS Records Check Match

  • Best For? Buyers who’ve purchased firearms in California and have records in the Automated Firearms System (AFS). You’ll likely have an AFS record if you’ve bought a handgun after January 1, 1990, or a long gunafter January 1, 2014.
  • Cost: $1 fee.
  • Time: About 2—3 minutes.
  • Why Choose This? This option is quick and works if your AFS record matches your current ID information (name and address).

Request AFS Records

COE Verification

The DOJ verifies your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm eligibility.

  • Best For? Buyers with a valid, nonexpired Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Cost: $1 fee.
  • Time: About 2—3 minutes.
  • Why Choose This? It’s the quickest option if you have a COE.

Learn More About COE

Basic Ammunition Eligibility Check

  • Best For? Buyers who don’t have a COE or matching AFS record.
  • Cost: $19 fee.
  • Time: Processing times vary, with a possible waiting period of up to 30 days.
  • Why Choose This? This is the fallback option if neither of the first two checks applies to you.

See What Disqualifies You

No. There are very few exemptions to the ammunition background checks requirement limited to law enforcement personnel and firearm-related businesses.

$1 for those with a current Certificate of Eligibility or at least one firearm registered with current CA Drivers License or ID.
$19 for a full-scale background check.
$5 + DROS fee for Private Party Ammo Transfers.

COE and AFS checks are typically quick (2-3 minutes), but Basic Eligibility Checks may have a waiting period of up to 30 days for processing.

Ammo Buying Process

MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO OWN FIREARMS Anyone prohibited from buying firearms can NOT purchase ammo either. No felons, people on parole, must be aged 18+ , must be aged 21+ for handgun ammo sales. check if you're prohibited by submitting a "Personal Firearms Eligibility Check Application" online at Check Eligibility Now

Step 1: Choose Your Background Check Option

AFS Records Check:

If you’ve purchased firearms before, this is usually the easiest.

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COE Verification:

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Ammo Buying Process

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Fees

Private party ammo transfers are a flat fee of $5 + DROS.

The DOJ offers two background checks for ammunition. One is instance and costs $1. The instant check confirms your current information matches a registered firearm in California. If you have not registered a firearm with the state since 2015, you may not be eligible for this type of background check. 

The second option is a complete background check and doesn't require you to have a registered firearm for your current address to match a registered firearm. This can take up to 30 days for the DOJ to complete and costs $19.

 

Return Policy

Customer Service is a priority to Ammo Guy. Due to costs involved with returning products, it is always best to contact us with any questions you may have about our product prior to placing an order. 

All new products unless specifically mentioned otherwise and covered under the Manufacturer's Warranty. Product defects must be handled by contacting the manufacturer directly.

Absolutely NO RETURNS of ammunitions, optics, flashlights, lasers, knives, barrels, and tools. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Contact Us Today

Phone: (714) 809-2022

Email: Sales@AmmoGuy.info

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