Why is California still doing background checks for ammo?
Asked by: Ralph Walter | Last update: February 27, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (61 votes)
California still requires ammunition background checks because a federal appeals court put a hold on an earlier ruling that struck down the law, meaning the 2019 law (Prop 63) remains in effect while the 9th Circuit Court reviews the case en banc, blocking sales until further notice despite lower court decisions finding it unconstitutional. The state Attorney General is fighting to keep the checks, arguing they prevent violent crime by stopping felons and others from getting ammo, while gun rights advocates argue the law infringes on Second Amendment rights and creates undue burdens.
Are ammo background checks still required in California?
California voters approved Proposition 63, which created a background check regime for ammunition sales. This regime went into effect July 1, 2019. California requires residents to purchase ammunition through licensed ammunition vendors in face-to-face transactions.
Will California's ammo law be overturned?
For California gun owners who've been dealing with these restrictions since 2019, this means the background check requirement for every ammunition purchase isn't going anywhere soon. The law stays in effect while the full panel reconsiders the case, with oral arguments scheduled for March 2026.
What is the new law on background checks in California?
The California Fair Chance Act became effective on Jan. 1, 2018. This law applies to private and public employers in California with five or more employees unless an exception applies. The Fair Chance Act prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history before making a conditional job offer.
Is the 10 round magazine ban overturned in California?
Following the Ninth Circuit's March 2025 en banc decision in Duncan v. Bonta, California's ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds remains firmly in effect.
Appeals Court Overturns Ammunition Background Checks | SoCal Matters | PBS SoCal
Can I own a 30 round magazine in California in 2025?
Are large-capacity magazines legal? Generally, it is illegal to buy, manufacture, import, keep for sale, expose for sale, give or lend any large-capacity magazine (able to accept more than 10 rounds) in California.
Are all glocks going to be banned in California?
California's ban targets easily convertible handguns
Lawmakers say Glock pistols with a “cruciform trigger bar” fall under that category. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes exemptions for law enforcement and private party sales. Dealers can still sell Glock-style guns acquired before that date.
What is the 7 year rule in California?
After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.
What is the 7 year rule for background checks in California?
Under this act, reporting of non-conviction information is limited to a seven-year lookback period. This includes most credit report information, civil judgements, and tax liens. Bankruptcies may be reported for ten years while criminal convictions may be reported indefinitely.
What is the new law for felons in California?
SB 731 – Automatic Sealing for Non-Violent Felonies
A conviction can significantly impact a person's ability to obtain employment, maintain professional licenses, and more. California law has tried to make this transition easier. SB 731 passed in 2022.
What do I need to buy ammo in California in 2025?
The Right ID for Buying Ammo in CA
- California Real ID (No additional documentation needed)
- California Driver's License AND a U.S. birth certificate.
- California Driver's License AND a valid, nonexpired U.S. passport.
How much ammo can I legally own in California?
A: Prop 63 does NOT restrict the amount or type of ammunition you can buy. There are restrictions on how much a person can SELL in a 30 day period without being a licensed vendor. As for the DOJ restricting your purchase to only calibers you have registered: this is a myth.
Can California order ammo online now?
As of right now, if you live in California, you can purchase ammunition without any hurdles. Ammunition can be purchased online and shipped directly to your door. Californian ammunition buyers will no longer have to go through an FFL just to acquire their ammunition anymore.
Can I buy ammo out of state if I live in California?
Well, you can buy ammunition out of state, but to bring it into California, you first have to ship it to a licensed California ammunition vendor so they can perform a background check and hand your ammo back to you. The law does not limit the fee the vendor can charge for this service.
How many rounds of ammunition can I have?
How much ammunition can I have? If you do not possess Dedicated Sport Shooter status (DSS), you may not possess more than 200 rounds per firearm license. If you possess DSS, you may possess an unlimited amount of ammunition in respect of firearms you own that can safely discharge said ammunition.
What ammo is not legal in California?
The following are types of ammo that may be legal in other states but are prohibited in California: Armor-piercing ammunition is illegal to sell, manufacture, or possess as detailed in Penal Code § 30315. Tracer rounds for handguns are prohibited by Penal Code § 30301. Incendiary ammunition is prohibited.
What crimes cannot be expunged in CA?
Crimes such as lewd acts with a minor (Penal Code §288), statutory rape, and possession or distribution of child pornography cannot be expunged. These offenses are considered too severe due to the long-term harm they cause and public safety concerns.
What causes a red flag on a background check?
Common red flags on a background check include criminal records, false information on a résumé, poor credit history, and negative employment references.
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in California?
Types of Background Checks in California
Standard employment background checks are the most common. These are governed by the seven-year rule, so they only show a criminal history from the past seven years. Employers must obtain written consent before doing these checks and must provide the results to the candidate.
Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name in California?
California is a community property state. In plain English, this means that generally, property acquired during the marriage by either spouse is presumed to be owned by each spouse equally.
What is the 72 hour rule in California?
Under Labor Code Section 202, when an employee not having a written contact for a definite period quits his or her employment and gives 72 hours prior notice of his or her intention to quit, and quits on the day given in the notice, the employee is entitled to his or her wages at the time of quitting.
Can you buy an AR-15 in California in 2025?
As of 2025, California residents can still order compliant AR-15 accessories and barrels from online retailers and have them shipped directly to their home, provided the build complies with state law. Beginning January 1, 2026, that will change significantly.
Are AK-47 banned in California?
Uzi's, AK-47s, AR-15s, Bushmaster semi-automatic rifles – all are banned by California's Assault Weapons Control Act.
Can I have a 17 round magazine in California?
In California, it has been illegal to manufacture, import, keep, or offer for sale, give, or lend large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition since 2000. It has been illegal to purchase and receive large-capacity magazines since 2013.