Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a law enforcement agency purchase ammunition to use for training and work purposes, including their training academy, without having an ammunition vendor license or going through a licensed ammunition vendor for the purchase?
   • Yes, a law enforcement agency is exempt from obtaining an ammunition vendor license or purchasing ammunition through an ammunition vendor for training.
     
     Pursuant to Penal Code section 30312, subdivision(c)(11), a person enrolled in the basic training academy for peace officers or any other course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, an instructor of the academy or course, or a staff member of the academy or entity providing the course, who is purchasing the ammunition for the purpose or use in the course is exempt from obtaining an ammunition vendor license or processing a sale through an ammunition vendor.
     
     Furthermore, a law enforcement agency is exempt from obtaining an ammunition vendor license or purchasing ammunition through an ammunition vendor for work purposes. Pursuant to Penal Code 30312, subdivision (c)(1), an authorized law enforcement representative of a city, county, city and county, or state or federal government, is exempt from obtaining an ammunition vendor license or processing a sale through a licensed ammunition vendor, if the sale, and delivery, or transfer is for exclusive use by that government agency and, prior to the sale, delivery, or transfer of the ammunition, written authorization from the head of the agency employing the purchaser or transferee is obtained, identifying the employee as an individual authorized to conduct the transaction, and authorizing the transaction for the exclusive use of the agency employing the individual.
2. If a licensed ammunition vendor wants to sell ammunition from a location not specified in their license, would an additional separate ammunition vendor license be required?
   • Generally, yes, pursuant to Penal Code section 30348, subdivision (a), the sale of ammunition by a licensed vendor shall be conducted at the location specified in the license. The address on the license must be the physical address where the ammunition is stored and the transaction is conducted.
     
     However, pursuant to Penal Code section 30348, subdivision (b), a vendor may sell ammunition at a gun show or event if the gun show or event is not conducted from any motorized or towed vehicle.
3. Do out of state commercial trucking companies need a Certificate of Eligibility to transport ammunition from out of state to a California ammunition vendor or gun show event?
   • Out of state trucking companies do not need a Certificate of Eligibility to deliver to a California ammunition vendor or a firearms dealer, unless they are employees or agents of that California ammunition vendor or dealer. (Pen. Code, § 30347)
4. If a business sells under 500 rounds of ammunition in any 30-day period, do they need an Ammunition Vendor License or a Certificate of Eligibility?
   • An ammunition vendor license is required only if you sell more than 500 rounds of ammunition in any 30-day period. A Certificate of Eligibility is required if you are a California ammunition vendor or any agent or employee of an ammunition vendor who handles, sells, delivers, or has under his or her custody or control any ammunition. (Pen. Code, §§ 30342, 30347)
5. Must a target facility have an ammunition vendor license?
   • No, so long as the target facility holds a business or other regulatory license and the ammunition that is sold is at all times kept within the facility’s premises. (Pen. Code, § 30312, subd. (c)(9))
6. What proof is needed for an ammunition vendor license when a city or county doesn't issue a business license for ammunition sales?
   • You can submit documentation from the city or county that indicates no business license is required.
7. If a hunter from California takes ammunition out of state and then reloads the casing to bring back to California, would they need to go through an ammunition vendor?
   • Yes. Any ammunition purchased or otherwise obtained from outside of California has to be delivered to a licensed ammunition vendor for delivery. (Pen. Code, §§ 16150, 30314(a))
8. If children under 18 work in their parents' (ammunition vendor or firearms dealer) store are they required to have a Certificate of Eligibility?

   Children—of both employees and customers—cannot have access to unsecured firearms and ammunition at the dealer’s or vendor’s business premises.
   
   A child cannot obtain a COE because a person must be “at least 18 years old” to obtain a COE. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 11, § 4032, subd. (a).)

9. Does a firearms dealer or ammunition vendor collect sales tax from a customer that has ammunition delivered to their dealership?
   • Sales tax questions should be directed to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Please visit https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/sellers-of-firearm-and-ammunition-products for more information.
10. Ammunition vendors, firearms Dealers, and firearms manufacturers making retail sales are now required to pay an excise tax at the rate of 11% of the gross receipts from the retail sale in this state of any ammunition, firearm, or firearm precursor parts. If I am a firearms dealer and/or ammunition vendor, how often do I have to pay the excise taxes and who do I send the payment to?
    • Excise tax questions should be directed to the California Department of Tax and Fee administration. Please visit https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/sellers-of-firearm-and-ammunition-products for more information.
11. The Ammunition Vendor Licensing Application, form BOF 1021, does not list ownership by a non-profit business as a “Type of Business.” How can this be indicated on the application?
    • Indicate by writing or typing in "non-profit" on the application in the business section. Business Ownership Type Checklist, pdf

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