Firearms Purchase Requirements

We try to keep information on this site up-to-date, if you have questions about these ID requirements, please visit the California DOJ site.

ID Requirements If You Are 21 Years Old or Older:

CA Real ID w/ residence street address AND an FSC card¹ AND one (1) other proof of residence² street address.

–OR–

CA Real ID w/PO Box AND an FSC card¹ AND two (2) proofs of residence² street address.

–OR–

CA ID (Federal Limits Apply) w/ residence street address AND a birth certificate OR passport AND an FSC card¹ AND one (1) other proof of residence² street address.

–OR–

CA ID (Federal Limits Apply) w/PO Box AND a birth certificate or passport AND an FSC card¹ AND two (2) proofs of residence² street address.

ID Requirements If You Under 21 Years Old:

CA Real ID w/ residence street address AND a birth certificate OR passport AND an FSC card¹ OR hunting license AND one (1) other proof of residence² street address.

–OR–

CA Real ID OR CA ID (Federal Limits Apply)  AND a birth certificate OR passport AND an FSC card¹ OR hunting license AND two (2) proofs of residence² street address.


¹ Firearms Safety Certificate (Can be obtained at Uncel Ed’s, test and $25 fee required. Renews every 5 years)

² Proof of Residence:

  • Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit w/ California street address.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Current DMV vehicle registration w/ California street address.
  • Current DMV Disabled Placard.
  • Electricity, gas, cable bill with purchaser’s name and service address on it from within the last 3 months.
  • Resident Hunting License issued by Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Fishing License: Commercial, Resident Sport, Lifetime, 1, 2, and 10 day licenses issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Signed, dated and notarized rental agreement/contract.

DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED (in detail) :

1. VALID ID

To purchase guns and ammunition, you must 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.  

Note: 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. 

Note: We recommend that you obtain your Real ID.

2. 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.

Note: The FSC Test can be taken in-store for $25.

3. PROOF OF RESIDENCE

In the event that your ID doesn’t show your current address or you are purchasing a firearm, 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 BillIf you use one of those bills, ensure that it is not more than 90 days old as of the submission 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. 

4. ROUGHLY AN HOUR FOR PAPERWORK

Completing the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) form and entering the information into the computer for background check can take an hour or so to complete.

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 by email at uncle.eds.outfitters@gmail.com, or by phone 805-461-5777.