Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Firearm Safety and Firearm Safety Certificate

No. The Firearm Safety Course is a safety course for anyone interested in firearm safety. It is also a tutorial in preparation for anyone to take the California or other state, Firearm Safety Certificate Test.

No. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, CA State Law requires firearms buyers (unless exempted) to obtain the Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) prior to the transfer of a firearm. (Persons with a valid Handgun Safety Certificate may continue to use their HSC for handgun purchases up until the expiration date of their HSC.)

In order to obtain the FSC, you must pass a written test on firearm safety and laws as specified by CA State Law. The FSC test may be taken at any licensed Gun Store or licensed Instructor; persons who successfully pass the test will be issued the FSC at the store.

The CA Dept. of Justice (DOJ) provides a study guide (available online) as a means to prepare individuals to pass the FSC test. The tutorial enhances the guide with verbal overlays, graphics and quizzes with wrong answer responses giving the correct answer. The Tutorial contains all the information necessary to pass the test

A valid HSC can still be used to purchase/acquire handguns until it expires. For long gun purchases/acquisitions made on or after January 1, 2015, an FSC is required. An FSC can be used to purchase/acquire both handgun and long guns.

Yes. Effective January 1, 2015, an FSC must be obtained prior to taking possession of a long gun, regardless of when the DROS transaction was initiated.

To obtain an FSC you must score at least 75% (23 correct answers out of 30 questions) on the FSC Test covering firearm safety and basic firearms laws. The true/false and multiple choice test is administered by Instructors certified by the Department of Justice who are generally located at firearms dealerships.

The fee for taking the FSC Test and obtaining an FSC is twenty-five dollars ($25). The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice (from the same DOJ Certified Instructor) if necessary.

Yes. The FSC applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.

Yes. The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice if necessary. If you fail the test the first time, you may retake another version of the test from the same DOJ Certified Instructor without any additional fee after 24 hours have elapsed.

An FSC is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

Yes. A replacement FSC is available only through the DOJ Certified Instructor who issued your FSC. The FSC replacement cost is $5. The replacement FSC will reflect the same expiration date as your original FSC.

Yes. Prior to taking possession of the firearm, you must have a valid FSC. Pursuant to Penal Code section 27875, subdivision (c), within 30 days of the transfer, you must also report the acquisition to DOJ on Form  BOF 4544

No. Mere possession/ownership of a firearm does not require an FSC. However, you do have to present your FSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase/acquire a firearm.

It depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, a person being loaned a firearm must have a current FSC. However, an FSC is not required if the loan does not exceed three days in duration and the person loaning the firearm is at all times within the presence of the person being loaned the firearm.

No, you do not need an FSC to move into California with your firearm. However, there are important rules related to personal firearm importation that must be followed, and which is explained on this website. (Pen. Code, § 17000.)