Beginning January 1, 2026, firearm barrels must be transferred through an FFL in California.
Starting July 1, 2027, background checks and reporting are required.
Core Rule
A firearm barrel cannot be transferred directly to a consumer.
It must go through a California FFL.
Dealer Responsibilities
FFLs must:
- Complete in-person transfers
- Verify eligibility
- Prepare for DOJ reporting (2027)
Out-of-State Seller Impact
If you ship barrels to California:
- You must ship to an FFL—not the customer
Compliance Risk
- Direct shipment to consumers
- Misclassifying partially completed barrels
Full Law Context
California AB-1263 & SB-704: FFL Compliance Guide (2026–2027 Laws)
FFL+ helps dealers properly process regulated items and avoid violations.