Firearm Relinquishment

California prohibits certain people from owning or possessing firearms. For example, individuals convicted of felony offenses or certain domestic violence misdemeanors may not own or possess firearms. The California Department of Justice tracks individuals who have obtained firearms and later become prohibited through its Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS). The DOJ removes firearms from these individuals both through its Bureau of Firearms, and by supporting local efforts through our Gun Violence Reduction Program Grants.

In addition to certain criminal convictions, courts can prohibit certain dangerous individuals from possessing firearms through Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVROs) and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs). For more information on how to seek an order from the court, see below.