Knives Buying Ammo In CaliforniaLaws, Procedures & Purchasing Processes
As a licensed ammunition dealer in California, we are required by law to uphold the legal ammunition purchasing process, ensuring that each sale follows state guidelines. Buying ammo in California involves background checks, proof of residency, and compliance with identification requirements.
Explore the sections below to learn more about ammunition sale requirements and steps.
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.
Purchasing Ammo At Ammo Guy
Whether you are a regular or a first-time buyer, we make the ammo purchasing process simple and quick in 3 short steps:
1
Welcome In
When you come to our store, you will likely be greeted by the owner, John, or Tony. There's no background checks at the door here—that's done at the time of purchase—so you can first explore the store. We are always happy to help you find what you're looking for and provide thoughtful recommendations.
2
Explore & Inspect
Browse and get hands-on with our wide ammo selection. We may take a moment to chat and see what brought you in—whether you're stocking up for a hunting trip, needing it for your job where you have to carry guns, or just staying prepared. Our recommendations are thoughtful and personalized to match your goals, so you can find options that truly fit your needs.
3
Finalizing Your Purchase
Once you’ve chosen your ammo, we will start the background check process as required by California law.
Background Checks
3 Types of Background Check Options
AFS Records Check Match
- Your current ID is matched to previous firearm purchases.
- Best For? Buyers who purchased firearms in CA & have records in the Automated Firearms System (AFS) with their current ID info (name and address).
- Cost: $1 fee
- Time: About 2—3 minutes.
- Why choose this option? Quickest choice if you have an AFS record matching your current ID (name and address). You’ll likely have an AFS record if you’ve bought a handgun after 1990, or a long gun after 2014. Request AFS Records
COE Verification
- The DOJ verifies your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm eligibility.
- Best For? Individuals with a valid, nonexpired Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Cost: $1 fee
- Time: About 2—3 minutes.
- Why choose this option? This option is quick if you have a valid COE. Learn More About COE
Basic Eligibility Check
- This is the fallback option if neither of the first two checks applies to you.
- 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 option? See What Disqualifies You
Store Policies
All Sales Are Final Ammunition cannot be returned or exchanged. 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. No Straw Purchases: As a California ammunition dealer, Ammo Guy is committed to upholding all state laws and regulations. Purchasing ammunition on behalf of someone else—a straw purchase—is illegal. If we suspect this is occurring, we will NOT sell you ammunition. Purchasing Remanufactured Ammo At Ammo Guy, we occasionally stock pre-owned ammunition for sale. We make every effort to clearly label remanufactured ammo. When purchasing remanufactured ammunition, we strongly advise customers to open and inspect every box before completing the purchase.
FAQ's
Yes, you need either:
- A Real ID — OR —
- your photo ID combined with acceptable additional documentation such as:
- A U.S. Passport,
- A U.S. Birth Certificate, or
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
No, if your California driver’s license says “Federal Limits Apply,” it cannot be used on its own to purchase ammunition. However, you can still buy ammo if you present your driver’s license along with a U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, or valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
You must be at least 18 years old to buy rifle or shotgun ammo and 21 years old to buy handgun ammo.
No, California does not have a mandatory waiting period specifically for ammunition purchases. For most of our customers, the entire process, including the background check and sale, is completed within 5 minutes. However, delays can occur depending on the type of background check being run and whether there are issues or mismatches in your records or personal information. If your background check requires further verification, it may take longer.
There is a $1 background check fee for those with a current Certificate of Eligibility or at least one firearm registered with current CA Drivers License or ID. Otherwise, there is a $19 fee for a full-scale background check.
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.