2025 California Gun Laws Every Owner Needs to Know

Here’s a summary of key California gun law changes & current rules for 2025 that every firearm owner (or prospective owner) should know. Laws can be complex and vary by county/city, so this is not legal advice—just a guide to help you stay aware.

🆕 What’s New / Changing in 2025

These are laws recently passed or going into effect in 2025:

1. Expanded Domestic Violence Restrictions & Firearm Seizure
   
• As of Jan. 1, 2025 under AB 2917 (Stats. 2024, ch. 539), people subject to certain domestic violence protective orders (including criminal protective orders) are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. The law also includes procedures for requiring firearm relinquishment.  
• Arresting officers must now, in domestic violence cases, question the arrestee, the victim, and household members about any firearms or ammunition, check the Automated Firearms System, and seize any firearm at the scene if applicable. They must document all this. Courts must consider these factors in setting protective orders.  
3. Expanded Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs)
   
• Through changes in law (AB 2917), the definition of threats or acts of violence that can trigger a GVRO has been expanded to include certain threats or violence directed at “another group or location.”  
• Also, city attorneys and county counsel are added to those who may receive summary criminal history reports from the Department of Justice as part of GVRO proceedings.  
5. Child Custody Considerations & Firearms
   
• Under AB 3072, effective Jan. 1, 2025, the court must consider illegal access to firearms by a parent when determining whether there is immediate harm to a child in ex parte custody orders. Visitation rights may be limited, supervised, or denied based on risk.  
7. Rules for Firearm-Storage Devices & Import/Transfer Reports (taking effect 2026)
   
• AB 3064 (Stats. 2024, ch. 540) will, starting Jan. 1, 2026: set requirements for storage devices listed on the firearm safety device roster; allow the California DOJ to assess fees on manufacturers/importers for approving devices; allow more oversight of reports for firearm importation and transfer (including requiring photos of firearms and examining the reports to see whether transferees are prohibited persons); and make it a misdemeanor to submit false information in those reports.  
9. Age & Permitted Carry Areas (Permits to Carry Firearms)
   
• New laws raise the permit age for carrying firearms from 18 to 21.  
• Carriers (with permits) are prohibited from carrying in certain “sensitive areas” such as schools, hospitals and parks. Permits do not allow unlimited carry; many locations remain off-limits.  
11. Court Rulings on Magazine Capacity & Ammunition Checks
    
• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s ban on large-capacity magazines (magazines that hold >10 rounds).  
• A separate ruling held that California cannot require background checks for buying ammunition (for every purchase), declaring such a law unconstitutional.  

🔍 Key Existing Laws & Rules (Still in Effect)

These are important California laws you should already be following (or need to know):

• Universal Background Checks
  All firearm purchases & transfers (including private party transfers) generally require a background check through a licensed dealer.  
• 10-Day Waiting Period
  After purchasing a firearm, there is a mandatory waiting period before delivery.  
• Firearm Safety Certificate
  To buy a firearm, you need a Firearm Safety Certificate (you take a test, etc.).  
• Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines
  California bans certain assault weapons by name/model and by features, and bans magazines holding more than 10 rounds.  
• Ghost Guns / Unserialized Firearms
  Kits or parts that allow someone to build a firearm with no serial number (“ghost guns”) are regulated, and possessing them can be illegal.  
• Extreme Risk / Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs)
  Allows law enforcement, family, certain others to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who present a risk of violence to themselves or others.  
• Safe Storage / Child Access Prevention
  Responsible storage is required so minors can’t access firearms. If unsafe storage leads to harm, penalties may apply.  
• Permit for Concealed Carry
  To carry a concealed firearm in public, you generally need a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons License). Open carry of handguns is largely prohibited.  
• Locations Where Firearms Are Prohibited
  Schools, courthouses, hospitals, government buildings, etc., are typically sensitive places where even those with CCW permits may not carry.  

⚠️ What To Watch Out For / Compliance Tips

• Check local enforcement — even though state law sets baseline rules, some counties/cities might have additional restrictions (especially on carrying firearms, permit requirements, etc.).
• Keep up with updates — laws (especially court decisions) still evolve (like the ruling on ammo background checks).
• Safe and secure storage is not just a good practice — failure to store properly can lead to liability, especially with minors.
• Protective/custody orders matter a lot — if you’re involved in a domestic violence case, or custody issues, these laws can affect firearm rights.
• Magazine capacity & banned features — even small changes (adding a feature or import status) can make a firearm non-compliant.

If you like, I can send you a printable checklist of these laws specific to your county (Lakewood / Los Angeles County) so you can make sure you’re fully in compliance. Do you want me to pull that together for you?