2026 California gun law changes

 Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Educational content only — not legal advice.

California passed a substantial package of firearms legislation in 2024 and 2025, with most provisions taking effect in 2026. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an existing CCW holder, or an FFL, several of these changes affect day-to-day compliance. Here's what took effect and when, in plain English.

Effective January 1, 2026

SB 53 — Universal secure storage. All firearms in a California residence must be securely stored whenever not being carried or in the immediate control of the owner or another lawful authorized user. Applies regardless of whether children are in the home. Secure storage means a DOJ-rostered safe, lockbox, or safety device. First and second offenses are infractions up to $500; repeat offenses can be charged as misdemeanors.

AB 1263 — Online gun parts and precursor parts restrictions. Unfinished frames, receivers, and related precursor parts can no longer be shipped directly to California consumers online. Buyers must go through a licensed dealer for these items, with ID verification and background check requirements similar to firearm purchases.

SB 704 — Firearm barrel sales through FFLs. Standalone firearm barrels must be sold or transferred through a California-licensed FFL, with the purchaser appearing in person. A Phase 2 background check requirement for barrels is scheduled for 2027.

AB 3067 — Homeowners and renters insurance disclosure. Insurance applications and renewals in California now ask whether firearms are in the home, how many, and whether they are stored securely. Insurers aggregate and report this data to the legislature beginning in 2027.

AB 1078 — CCW disqualification and process updates (Phase 1). Expands disqualification criteria for CCW applicants, including convictions under federal or out-of-state law and unlawful controlled substance use. Imposes more detailed background investigation requirements on licensing authorities.

Non-resident CCW process. California now has a statutory process for non-residents to apply for a California CCW, with additional training, fingerprinting, and residency-attestation requirements.

AB 1092 — CCW license duration. Licenses issued in 2026 may be valid up to 3 years (up from 2). Licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027 may be valid up to 4 years.

SB 241 — Mandatory FFL employee training. Requires annual firearms training for employees of California FFLs who handle firearms in the course of their work.

Effective April 1, 2026

AB 1078 — Three-firearm purchase limit (Phase 2). A person cannot apply to purchase more than three firearms cumulatively within a 30-day period, with limited exceptions. The previous one-per-30-days limit applied only to handguns; this new cap covers all firearm types.

Effective July 1, 2026

AB 1127 — "Convertible pistol" restriction. Prohibits California dealers from selling handguns classified as readily convertible to fire automatically. Does not criminalize possession of legally owned firearms already in private hands, but restricts future dealer sales.

Ongoing litigation to watchBaird v. Bonta (Ninth Circuit, January 2026). A Ninth Circuit panel ruled California's urban open-carry ban unconstitutional. The Attorney General petitioned for en banc rehearing, and California's open carry restrictions remain fully enforceable while the petition is pending. If the petition is denied and the mandate issues, the ruling would take effect. This would address only open carry — it would not alter CCW licensing or sensitive-place restrictions.

Non-resident CCW injunctions (2025). Federal court orders opened California CCW licensing to non-residents who are members of named plaintiff organizations. The 2026 statutory non-resident process builds on this.

What you should do

• If you don't already have a DOJ-approved safe or lockbox, get one. SB 53 is enforceable now.
• If you're planning purchases, be aware of the three-per-30-days rolling window starting April 1.
• If your CCW is up for renewal in 2026, ask OCSD about the new 3-year duration window.
• If you work at an FFL, confirm your employer has you set up for the SB 241 annual training requirement.

We update this page as laws change and court rulings issue. If something here looks different from what you heard at the range, check the date on this post and the date on the source you heard from — California moves fast. 

Lange Tactical Consulting is a firearms retailer, California Firearms Dealer, licensed California Ammunition Vendor, and California DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Instructor based in Mission Viejo. Our founder holds a Juris Doctor (JD) but is not an actively practicing attorney. All content on this site is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.