How much does DROS cost?

Asked by: Mrs. Barbara Mann  |  Last update: April 11, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (27 votes)

The DROS (Dealer's Record of Sale) fee in California is a mandatory fee for firearm purchases, which, when combined with other state fees, totals $37.19 per transaction (one or more firearms at once) as of early 2020, covering regulatory and background check costs, though the core fee amount is $31.19 for the state. This fee, implemented under AB 1669, funds firearms enforcement and increased from the previous $19 fee, with additional smaller state fees like the Firearm Safety Fee ($1) and Firearm Safety Enforcement Fee ($5) making up the total.

How much is a dros fee?

The DROS fee is $31.19 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee, and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee. In the event of a private party transfer (PPT), the firearms dealer may charge an additional fee of up to $10.00 per firearm.

How long does DROS paperwork take?

The waiting period for the purchase of a firearm is ten (10) 24-hour periods from the date and time the DROS is accepted by DOJ, and a unique DROS number is issued. Who is exempt from the waiting period? As with any exemption, the dealer must maintain the documentation with the DROS paperwork.

How many guns can you put on a dros?

The most common examples are vehicle registration, hunting or fishing licenses, or water/gas/electric/cable bills. You can view the full list of acceptable documents here. Effective August 19, 2024, you may now DROS as many firearms as you want, of any type, in one DROS transaction. Yes that includes multiple handguns!

What is DROS when buying a gun?

The California DROS, or Dealer's Record of Sale, is the background check entry system that Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) use to register firearm purchases or transfers to residents of California.

California Increases DROS Fees Nearly 50%

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Can I get a copy of my DROS?

Yes, upon request, the dealer must provide you with a copy of the DROS application. In private party transactions, the seller is also entitled to a copy of the DROS application upon request. (Pen. Code, § 28210.)

What do I need for dros in California?

What do I need to start a DROS?

  • Valid California ID/Driver's License.
  • Birth Certificate OR Valid Passport.
  • FSC Card.
  • Proof of Residency (State Registered): Gas/Water/Electric Bill.
  • Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit.
  • Car Registration.
  • Notarized copy of Rental Agreement/Contract.
  • Fishing/Hunting License.

How long does DROS last?

In most circumstances we can release on the 10th day so long as we know what exact time to the minute that we DROSed the gun All firearms must be picked up within 30 days of the initial DROS date.

Will I get in trouble for having more than a 10 round mag?

Yes, you can get in trouble for possessing a magazine over 10 rounds, as it depends heavily on your state and local laws, with many states like California, New York, and others banning them, while federal law doesn't have a universal ban, but some states have ongoing legal challenges to their bans. Penalties vary from fines (infractions) to jail time (misdemeanor or felony), and can include confiscation, so it's crucial to check your specific jurisdiction's laws regarding possession, sale, and manufacturing. 

What is the Dros wait time in California?

We cannot make any exceptions to this policy for any reason at any time. Once the 10 day wait is up, you must return within the 20 day window (Day 10 thru Day 30) to receive your firearm or it will require the process to start over. The DROS wait period is actually (10) 24 hour periods.

What does DROS check?

It's based on laws like California Penal Code sections 28200-28250, which require dealers to submit a Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) form. The goal is to check if the buyer is prohibited from having a gun due to things like criminal history, mental health issues, or immigration status.

Can you get flagged for buying too many guns?

Yes, buying multiple firearms, especially handguns or certain rifles in a short period, can trigger reporting requirements and flag you for review by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (ATF) and local law enforcement, as these sales are reported by Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) to help prevent illegal firearms trafficking. While there's no federal limit on the number of guns you can buy if you're eligible, buying multiple handguns (two or more in 5 business days) or specific rifles in border states requires FFLs to file a report (Form 3310.4), potentially leading to follow-up. 

What is the 1 in 30 rule in California?

California's contested law prohibited most individuals from purchasing more than one firearm within any 30-day period. The regulation was designed as a public safety measure, with lawmakers arguing it would help reduce gun trafficking and limit the rapid accumulation of firearms by potentially dangerous individuals.

Is 22 or 9mm cheaper?

22LR vs. 9mm ammo, the winner is pretty clear. The . 22LR is usually the cheapest ammo you can find of any caliber.

Can I give my son one of my guns?

Yes. However, persons less than 18 years of age may only receive and possess handguns with the written permission of a parent or guardian for limited purposes, e.g., employment, ranching, farming, target practice or hunting.

Why are FFL transfer fees so high?

FFL transfer fees seem high because dealers set them to cover labor, paperwork (like NICS checks), and lost potential profits from not selling the gun themselves, with fees varying widely by location, demand, and state laws. They are a significant revenue stream for some dealers, representing time spent on compliance and handling, especially since federal law doesn't cap these fees, allowing each dealer to set their own prices. 

Is it illegal to own 30 round mags?

The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...

Can I travel through California with a high capacity magazine?

Does California have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? Yes. No more than 10 rounds. As of late December, 2021, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a 150-day stay in the case of Duncan v. Bonta, blocking the state of California from enforcing its firearm magazine prohibition law.

How many pistol mags should you own?

Whatever the reason, you should have a minimum of three standard-capacity magazines. Three magazines give you a dedicated home defense magazine and two spares for training and just-in-case scenarios. While three may work for most people, I suggest six as a personal minimum. Six is a standard combat load of magazines.

Do I have to carry my tax stamp with my suppressor?

Yes, you must carry proof of your suppressor's registration, ideally a copy of your ATF Form 4 (which includes your tax stamp), with the item itself, especially when transporting it, to show an ATF agent or law enforcement officer upon request. While not always required for local range use (though ranges can set their own rules), having it (digital or paper copy) prevents issues with law enforcement if stopped, as you need to prove it's legally registered, not a prohibited item. 

How hard is it to get approved for a suppressor?

Suppressor approvals are as fast as a few days. We are seeing customers receive suppressor approvals between 1 and 21 days on average. These are the fastest times we've ever seen, and it has become the new normal. These times have been consistent for over a year now.

What is the Dros 30 day delay?

The California Department of Justice (the Department) is authorized by Penal Code section 28220 to temporarily delay a firearm transaction for up to 30 days from the date of transaction when the Department is unable to immediately determine the purchaser's eligibility to own/possess firearms.

How much is DROS in CA?

The DROS fee is $31.19 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a $1.00 Firearms Safety Act Fee, and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement Fee. In the event of a private party transfer (PPT), the firearms dealer may charge an additional fee of up to $10.00 per firearm.

Does LC Action sell to civilians?

LC Action is not open to the general public.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in CA?

Any person who has been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors, certain firearms offenses, who is addicted to narcotics, who is the subject of a domestic violence restraining order, or has been committed to a mental institution pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 8100, may not possess or have under ...