California Ammo Buying Guide
Terran Gear USA
Who Can Buy Ammunition?
- YES California residents 21 years or older
- NO Minors under 21
- NO Out-of-state residents unless exempt (LEOs, FFLs)
- MAYBE Non-citizens must provide valid documentation
What Do You Need to Buy Ammo?
- Valid, government-issued California REAL ID
- Be registered in the DOJ's Automated Firearms System (AFS) - if you bought a firearm in CA with your current address, you're in the system
- If not in AFS, bring a document showing proof of address (e.g., vehicle registration or utility bill)
- Pass a DOJ background check ($5 standard check fee or $19 for a full eligibility check)
Background Check Types
- Standard Check ($5 - CA DOJ Increased from $1 on July 1, 2025): Instant | Must have matching firearm record in AFS
- Basic Eligibility Check ($19): Takes several days if no matching record in AFS
- COE + FFL03 Holders: Exempt from ammo background check
What You Can't Do
- NO Online ammo orders shipped to your home (see exemptions below)
- NO Purchasing ammo on behalf of others
- NO Possession of armor-piercing or tracer rounds (unless exempt)
How Ammo Orders Work
- Must ship to a California FFL for in-store pickup
- Customer must pass background check at time of pickup
- Bring proper ID and any required documents when picking up
Exemptions (With Proper Documentation)
- Licensed FFL holders
- California peace officers (active duty with credentials)
- COE (Certificate of Eligibility) + FFL03 holders
- Ammo vendors (with license)
✅ Print this guide and keep it for reference next time you shop for ammo in California.
For questions, contact support@terrangearusa.com.