Why Is There a 10-Day Waiting Period in California?

The Gun Counter where you will fill out your DROS paperword at Route 66 Guns and Ammo in Barstow, CA.

Why Is There a 10-Day Waiting Period in California?

If you are buying a firearm in California, one of the first things you will hear about is the 10-day waiting period. For many first-time buyers, this can be confusing. You may pass your background check quickly, have all your documents ready, and still be told that you cannot pick up your firearm until the waiting period is complete.

In plain English, California requires most firearm buyers to wait 10 full 24-hour periods before the firearm can be delivered. The waiting period begins when the DROS, also known as the Dealer Record of Sale, is accepted by the California Department of Justice and a DROS number is issued. The California DOJ states that the waiting period is “ten (10) 24-hour periods from the date and time the DROS is accepted.”

At Route 66 Guns & Ammo in Barstow, CA, we help customers understand this process every day. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced firearm owner, knowing how the waiting period works can make the buying process much less stressful.

What Is the California Gun Waiting Period?

The California gun waiting period is a required delay between starting the firearm purchase process and physically taking possession of the firearm. Under California law, a firearm generally cannot be delivered within 10 days of the purchase application. California Penal Code section 26815 says that no firearm shall be delivered within 10 days of the application to purchase, or within 10 days of certain corrections or required fee submissions, whichever is later.

That means the waiting period is not just “10 calendar days” in a loose sense. It is based on the exact time your DROS is accepted.

For example, if your DROS starts on a Tuesday at 3:15 p.m., your pickup time would generally be 10 full 24-hour periods later, not just any time on the tenth day.

Why Does California Have a 10-Day Waiting Period?

California’s 10-day waiting period exists for two main reasons: background check time and a cooling-off period.

First, the waiting period gives the California DOJ time to review the buyer’s eligibility. During the DROS process, the DOJ checks whether the buyer is legally allowed to own or possess a firearm. California legislative analysis explains that the DOJ checks purchaser information against state and federal databases to confirm the person is authorized to purchase and possess a firearm.

Second, the waiting period is often described as a cooling-off period. California legislative analysis describes the 10-day period this way and explains that it is intended, in part, to reduce impulsive acts of violence or suicide attempts.

Whether someone agrees or disagrees with the policy, the important thing for buyers to understand is this: California dealers must follow the law, and the firearm cannot be released until the waiting period and background check requirements are satisfied.

Does the Waiting Period Start When I Pay?

No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings.

The 10-day waiting period does not simply start when you pick out the firearm, pay for it, or place it on hold. It starts when the DROS is submitted and accepted by the California DOJ. The DOJ’s FAQ says the waiting period starts from the date and time the DROS is accepted and a unique DROS number is issued.

This is why it is important to bring the correct documents when you come in to start your purchase. If your paperwork is not ready, your DROS may not be able to start yet.

For help with what to bring, you can link this section to your existing page: What You Need to Purchase a Firearm in California.

Can I Pick Up My Firearm Early If I Get Approved?

No. Even if your background check is approved before the 10 days are over, the firearm still cannot be released early in most cases. California regulations state that an “Approved” status is designated after the 10-day waiting period has concluded. The firearm may only be delivered if the DROS status is approved, approval after delay, or undetermined, and certain statuses like pending, delayed, denied, DMV reject, or 30-day reject do not allow delivery.

In simple terms, approval and pickup time are not always the same thing. You need the proper DOJ status, and the 10 full 24-hour periods must be complete.

What Happens During the 10 Days?

During the waiting period, the California DOJ reviews the firearm transaction and the buyer’s eligibility. This can include checking records that may relate to criminal history, mental health prohibitions, identification issues, or other legal restrictions.

Most buyers who are eligible and have correct paperwork simply wait the 10 days and return at their approved pickup time. However, some transactions may be delayed if the DOJ needs more time to review records. California regulations explain that a “Delayed” status can happen when the DOJ cannot determine the purchaser’s eligibility within the 10-day waiting period.

This is another reason it is important to make sure your name, address, identification, and supporting documents match and are current before starting DROS.

Do I Have Forever to Pick Up My Firearm After the 10 Days?

No. California also has a pickup deadline.

According to the California DOJ, if the buyer does not take physical possession of the firearm within 30 days of submitting the DROS information, the dealer must cancel the sale. If the buyer still wants the firearm, the buyer has to repeat the DROS process, pay the required DROS fees again, and complete a new 10-day waiting period.

So the basic timeline is:

Day 1 to Day 10: Waiting period and background check review
Day 10 to Day 30: Pickup window, assuming the transaction is approved and all requirements are met
After Day 30: DROS expires and the process must start over

Are There Any Exemptions to the 10-Day Waiting Period?

There are some exemptions, but they are limited and require proper documentation. The California DOJ lists common exemptions such as certain full-time paid California law enforcement officers with the required agency letter and persons with special weapons permits issued by DOJ. Dealers must keep the required exemption documentation with the DROS paperwork.

For most everyday firearm buyers, the 10-day waiting period applies.

Tips for a Smooth Pickup

The best way to avoid problems is to come prepared. Before starting your firearm purchase, make sure your identification is valid, your address is current, and you have any required supporting documents. You should also make note of your exact pickup time, not just the pickup date.

At Route 66 Guns & Ammo, we are a family-owned, locally operated gun shop in Barstow, California, offering firearms, ammunition, accessories, in-store Firearm Safety Certificate testing, and help for first-time and experienced buyers.

If you are unsure what you need before starting the process, stop by the shop or contact us before coming in. Route 66 Guns & Ammo serves Barstow and surrounding areas including Hesperia, Apple Valley, Phelan, and Victorville.

Final Thoughts

The California 10-day gun waiting period can feel frustrating, especially when you are ready to take your firearm home. However, the rule is a required part of the firearm purchase process in California. The key things to remember are simple: the waiting period starts when DROS is accepted, it lasts 10 full 24-hour periods, and you must pick up the firearm before the 30-day DROS window expires.

If you have questions about buying a firearm in California, the DROS process, or what documents you need, visit Route 66 Guns & Ammo in Barstow, CA. Our team is here to walk you through the process and help make your purchase as smooth as possible.