Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to a California FFL?
Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to a California FFL?
Yes, you can buy a gun online and have it shipped to a California FFL, but the firearm cannot be shipped directly to your house. In California, the firearm must be sent to a licensed firearm dealer, also called an FFL, who will complete the legal transfer, paperwork, background check, and waiting period before you can take possession.
That sounds simple, but California has extra rules that make it very important to check before you order. Not every firearm listed online can legally be transferred in California, and ordering the wrong gun can turn into a frustrating and expensive problem.
At Route 66 Guns & Ammo in Barstow, we help customers with firearm transfers, but in many cases, the better option is to let us special order the firearm for you. It is usually faster, cleaner, and can save you the separate transfer fee you would pay when ordering from a third-party online seller.
How Buying a Gun Online Works in California
When you buy a firearm from an online retailer, the seller will usually ask you to choose an FFL dealer during checkout. That dealer receives the firearm on your behalf.
Once the firearm arrives at the FFL, you still have to complete the normal California purchase process. That means you will need to visit the dealer in person, provide the required identification, complete the DROS background check, and wait the required 10-day waiting period before the firearm can be released. California DOJ states that the 10-day period begins when the DROS is accepted and a unique DROS number is issued.
Federal law also does not treat online firearm sales as a shortcut around the law. ATF explains that federal firearm laws apply whether the transaction starts in person or online, and interstate firearm transfers must go through an FFL.
Before You Order Online, Make Sure the Gun Is California Legal
This is where many buyers run into problems. Just because a firearm is listed for sale online does not mean it can be transferred to you in California.
For handguns, the firearm generally needs to be listed on the California DOJ Handgun Roster unless an exemption applies. The DOJ states that, with certain exceptions, handguns must be certified for sale in California before they can be sold or imported into the state for sale.
For rifles and shotguns, California compliance can also depend on the firearm’s features, magazine setup, and configuration. California DOJ states that California law bans certain assault weapons by type, series, model, and general characteristics, and generally prohibits the sale of magazines that accept more than 10 rounds.
The safest move is simple: contact your local FFL before you buy.
Why Special Ordering Through Route 66 Guns & Ammo Is Usually Better
Ordering online may seem convenient, but it is not always the best deal once you add the transfer fee, shipping, taxes, and the risk of accidentally ordering something that cannot be transferred in California.
Route 66 Guns & Ammo can usually special order firearms directly for customers. That means instead of buying from a random online seller and paying us to process an incoming transfer, you can ask us to check availability and order the firearm for you.
This can help you:
Save the separate incoming transfer fee
Avoid ordering a non-compliant firearm
Get help confirming California legality before money is spent
Potentially receive the firearm faster through our dealer channels
Keep the whole process with one local shop from start to finish
Our website currently lists an interstate transfer handling fee for firearms transferred into California, and also notes that customers may be able to skip the transfer fee by ordering directly through us as a special order.
You still have to complete the normal California paperwork, DROS, background check, and waiting period. The difference is that a special order may save you from paying an extra transfer fee on top of everything else.
What You Need When the Firearm Arrives
When your firearm is ready to start paperwork, make sure you bring the correct documents. Most California firearm buyers will need a valid California driver license or ID, and most buyers also need a valid Firearm Safety Certificate or a qualifying exemption. Route 66 Guns & Ammo’s buyer guide lists the documents customers should bring and also notes that FSC testing is available in-store.
If your ID says “Federal Limits Apply,” your address is not current, or your legal name has changed, you may need additional documentation. It is much better to know that before starting DROS.
Do Not Have a Gun Shipped Without Checking First
Before sending a firearm to any California FFL, always contact the dealer first. Some dealers may not accept certain transfers, may have specific shipping instructions, or may need to send their FFL information to the seller.
At Route 66 Guns & Ammo, we recommend calling us before you place the order. We can help you confirm whether the firearm appears transferable in California, explain the process, and see if we can special order it for you instead.
So, Should You Buy Online or Special Order Locally?
Buying online can work, but it is not always the best option in California. Between compliance rules, transfer fees, shipping delays, and online sellers that may not fully understand California law, a “good deal” online can quickly become more complicated than expected.
If you found a firearm online, send us the make, model, SKU, or product link before you buy. In many cases, Route 66 Guns & Ammo can special order the same firearm or help you find a California-compliant alternative. That can make the process faster, easier, and less expensive than paying for an outside transfer.
Need Help Ordering a Firearm in California?
Route 66 Guns & Ammo helps customers in Barstow, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Phelan, and surrounding High Desert communities with firearm purchases, special orders, DROS paperwork, and California FFL transfers.
Before you buy online, call or visit Route 66 Guns & Ammo. We can check availability, help confirm California compliance, and let you know whether we can special order the firearm for you so you can skip the separate transfer fee.