What age can You buy a gun in California?

What Age Can You Buy a Gun in California?

California is known for having some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States. If you’re thinking of purchasing a gun in the Golden State, you’ll need to meet specific age requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the age requirements for buying a gun in California.

Direct Answer: What Age Can You Buy a Gun in California?

In California, you can buy a gun if you are at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age requirement set by California law (Penal Code §27545). However, there are some exceptions and additional requirements to keep in mind.

Exceptions to the 18-Year-Old Requirement

While the minimum age requirement is 18 years old, there are some exceptions:

• 21-Year-Old Requirement for handguns: If you want to purchase a handgun, you must be at least 21 years old (Penal Code §26540). This is a federal requirement, and California law adopts this standard.
• Background Check for Minors: If you’re under 21 years old, you can still purchase a gun, but you’ll need to undergo a background check (Penal Code §26510). This is an additional step to ensure you don’t have any disqualifying criminal history or other issues.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the age requirement, there are other factors to consider:

• Residency Requirement: You must be a California resident to purchase a gun in the state. This means you must have a valid California driver’s license or ID card, and you must have resided in California for at least 30 days.
• Fingerprinting and Background Check: Regardless of your age, you’ll need to undergo fingerprinting and a background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). This is a federal requirement, and California law incorporates this standard.
• Permits and Licenses: Depending on the type of gun you want to purchase, you may need to obtain additional permits and licenses. For example, if you want to carry a concealed weapon, you’ll need a permit from your local sheriff or police chief.

Gun Laws by Type

California has specific laws for different types of guns:

• Rifles: Rifles are generally regulated under federal law, which requires background checks and age verification. However, California has additional laws regulating the possession and transfer of rifles.
• Shotguns: Shotguns are also regulated under federal law, which requires background checks and age verification. California has additional laws regulating the possession and transfer of shotguns.
• Handguns: Handguns are subject to stricter laws in California, including the 21-year-old age requirement and a 10-day waiting period before delivery.

Waiting Period

California has a 10-day waiting period for gun purchases, which applies to all types of firearms (Penal Code §27200). This waiting period is designed to give authorities time to complete background checks and ensure that the purchaser is not prohibited from owning a gun.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with California’s gun laws can result in severe consequences, including:

• Criminal Charges: Violating California’s gun laws can lead to criminal charges, including felonies and misdemeanors.
• Civil Penalties: You may be subject to civil penalties, including fines and court-ordered fees.
• Loss of Gun Rights: If you’re convicted of a crime related to gun possession, you may lose your right to own a gun for a period of time or permanently.

Conclusion

In California, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a gun, except for handguns, which require a minimum age of 21 years old. There are additional requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting, and permits and licenses. Familiarizing yourself with California’s gun laws is crucial to avoid legal consequences and ensure safe and responsible gun ownership.

Table: California Gun Laws by Age

Key Takeaways

• You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a gun in California.
• The minimum age requirement is 21 years old for handgun purchases.
• Additional requirements include background checks, fingerprinting, and permits and licenses.
• Familiarize yourself with California’s gun laws to avoid legal consequences and ensure safe and responsible gun ownership.