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 another location would an additional separate ammunition vendor license be required?

   • 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.

     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 pursuant to Penal Code section 30348, subdivision (b).

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, do they need an Ammunition Vendor License or a Certificate of Eligibility?

   • An ammunition vendor license is only required if you sell more than 500 rounds of ammunition. 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?

   • Yes, if they sell more than 500 rounds of ammunition, they are required to have an ammunition vendor license. (Pen. Code, § 30342)

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. (Pen. Code, § 30395)

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, § 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?

   • Minors under 18 cannot handle, sell, deliver, or transport ammunition because they cannot meet the age requirement for a Certificate of Eligibility. (Pen. Code, § 26710, 30300, 30347)

9. Does a firearms dealer collect sales tax from a customer that has ammunition delivered to their dealership?

   • Sales tax questions should be addressed to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

10. If a gun club does not sell more then 500 rounds of ammunition, therefore not required to obtain an ammunition vendor license and requires all ammunition to be used at their facility, who is responsible if a customer leaves the premises with purchased ammunition?

    • The gun club and customer are both responsible. The gun club is exempt from ammunition vendor license requirements and a customer is exempt from having to go through an ammunition vendor, pursuant to Penal Code section 30312, subdivision (c)(9) which states, a person who purchases or receives ammunition at a target facility holding a business or other regulatory license, provided that the ammunition is at all times kept within the facility’s premises.

      If both parties do not follow the requirements then, pursuant to Penal Code section 30312, subdivision (d), a violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

11. The Ammunition Vendor Licensing Application, form BOF 1021, does not list ownership for 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

Back To Top