IMPORTANT DETAILS! PLEASE READ!
WHAT YOU NEED:
*VALID ID*
If you would like to purchase guns and ammunition, you must first have a valid California ID or Driver License. Double check the spelling of your LEGAL NAME, and the address to make sure it is correct. If the ID/DL says "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" *, you must bring in your US Birth Certificate or Passport proving that you are a United States citizen, or other legal documents proving that you are a non-citizen legally present in the US. You may not purchase a firearm if you are not legally in the USA.
*For name changes due to marriage or divorce, your marriage license and/or dissolution of marriage paperwork will be required if you have a "Federal Limits Apply" ID with your previous married/unmarried name.
*To avoid these complications, please get your Real ID. (Link at the bottom of the page).
*FSC or HUNTING LICENSE, CCW, LAW ENFORCEMENT & DOD CREDENTIALS*
To purchase a firearm, the CA DOJ requires individuals over the age of 21 to have a Firearm Safety Certificate, unless you are exempt law enforcement (Dept. ID required), active military (Valid DOD ID & orders required, 18+ for Long Guns), or in possession of a valid California CCW. For civilian citizens aged 18-20, the hunting license is required for, and limited to *long gun purchases. *18-20 year olds may no longer purchase semi-automatic centerfire rifles or their corresponding lower receivers. Non-citizens are required to present a valid California Hunting License for all firearm purchases.
*The FSC Test can be taken in-store for $25, Tuesday through Saturday 10AM-5:30PM. Study guides for the FSC Test are available in-store, and we recommend that you do not use online guides because they often contain old, irrelevant, conflicting information.
*PROOF OF RESIDENCE*
In the event that your ID doesn't show your current address or you are purchasing a handgun, you will need to provide an additional proof of your residence. Again, that proof must show your complete, LEGAL NAME and your current residential address. We would prefer your current CA DMV vehicle registration, CA Hunting License, or PG&E / City Utility / Cable or Internet Bill. If you use one of those bills, ensure that it is not more than 90 days old as of the submission date of your background. We will NOT accept bills for cellular services, pay stubs, mortgage, credit/bank/financial statements of any kind, insurance cards, or medical bills.
*Click this DOJ link for up-to-date details regarding acceptable proofs of residence.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If we didn't cover something, or if you still have questions about any of these requirements, please reach out to us or visit the CA DOJ FAQ's link at the bottom of this page. We're happy to answer your questions here in the store, by email Joe@CentralValleyGuns.com, or by phone (559)891-8371.
Thanks for taking the time to read all the way through!
AMMUNITION PURCHASES
As of July 1, 2019, California has implemented a background check system for purchasing ammunition. You have the opportunity to add ammo to a firearm background while the gun is being delivered to you.
For the purchase of ammo, separate from a firearm, you can submit an instant background check for $1.00. This can only be done if you have already purchased a firearm in California, after Jan.1'st 2014, with your current address and legal spelling of your name.
The alternative is the $19.00 "Basic" background, which may take minutes or days for the CA DOJ to complete. This is a one-use background and will need to be done EVERY TIME YOU WISH TO PURCHASE AMMO. The $19 background does NOT update your info within the CADOJ/CFARS/DROS systems.
If you have moved, or changed your personal information since your last firearm acquisition(Example: Name change due to marriage or divorce, or updated REAL ID), you must update the CA DOJ with the corrected info before you can successfully run an instant background check.
You can do so by purchasing a new firearm, or by visiting the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS link below). Create a login and sign in. Locate the "Automated Firearms System (AFS) Personal Information Update". Click on that link and follow the prompts until finished. Make sure to "push" or process the cart located on the right side of the screen to submit the new info.
*This may take a number of days or even weeks for the CADOJ to update, so you will need to log in periodically for confirmation.
GET A REAL ID
Remembering to bring your birth certificate or passport
every time you buy a gun or box of ammo is a hassle!
Lets simplify that process, by getting your REAL ID.
Click the link below to begin!
GET A hunting license
To purchase a hunting license, you'll first need to take your Hunter Safety Course.
Due to Covid-19, the State made the class available online.
Once you have that certificate in-hand, you'll be able to purchase
a Hunting License at certain retail locations.
The link for the required course is below.
GET A CCW
CVG has worked side-by-side with Pinnacle Firearms Training since the beginning,
and to this day we recommend taking your class with them.
* January 2024 *
The class schedule is postponed until further notice.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The link below will take you to the current CA DOJ FAQ page for their current answers to common questions, including acceptable proofs of residence.
The DOJ is notoriously difficult to reach by phone, but can potentially be reached
at 1-916-227-7527, choosing options 2, 3, and finally 7.
They will not discuss your personal information or offer legal advice.
CA DOJ FORMS & PUBLICATIONS
Some common activities can be accomplished by submitting the following forms directly to the CA DOJ.
- Intrafamilial Transfer (BOF 4544A) *For the transfer of a firearm UP or DOWN the family tree. This is not for private party transfers, or lateral family transfers to siblings, cousins, etc.
- Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (BOF 116) *Useful for individuals who do not know if their background will prevent them from getting a firearm. If the result is a denial, the CADOJ will send a letter to you describing the reason.
- New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership (BOF 4010A) *If you are moving INTO California with firearms, you should fill this out immediately.
These forms and many more can be accessed by clicking the link below.
IN STOCK!
We have a great selection
of popular handguns on the shelf!
Stop on by Tuesday through Saturday
to check them out!