• Buyer verification
• Legal disclosures
• Controlled shipping procedures

What Changed

You must now:

• Provide a legal notice before sale
• Collect acknowledgment
• Verify buyer age

Shipping Rules

• Adult signature required
• ID must match delivery address

Why This Matters

These rules apply to:

• Dealers
• Online sellers
• Out-of-state businesses

Full Compliance Guide

AB 1263 and SB 704 Guide

FFL+ helps you implement compliant checkout, verification, and shipping workflows.

The post California Firearm Accessory Laws (AB-1263 for FFLs) appeared first on FFL+.

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.

The post California Barrel Laws for FFLs (SB-704 Explained) appeared first on FFL+.

Checklist

• Provide Legal Notice
• Capture Customer Acknowledgment
• Verify Age (18+)
• Confirm Identity
• Update Shipping (signature required)
• Match delivery address to ID
• Review product classifications
• Monitor suspicious purchasing patterns

High-Risk Areas

• Online sales without verification
• Shipping without signature controls
• Ignoring product classification risk

Full Law Overview

AB 1263 and SB 794 Compliance Guide

FFL+ gives you systems and guidance to implement this checklist correctly.

The post AB-1263 Compliance Checklist for Dealers appeared first on FFL+.

⸻

The Old Way (Pre-2024)

• Most firearm parts could be sold:
• Direct-to-consumer
• Online without dealer involvement

⸻

The New Reality (Post-July 1, 2024)

Under SB-704:

👉 Certain parts must now:

• Be transferred through an FFL
• Require a background check
• Be documented like firearm transactions

⸻

Which Parts Require FFL Processing?

Generally:

• Precursor parts (as defined broadly by the state)
• Items that can be used to build or convert a firearm

⸻

What This Means for Dealers

FFLs are now responsible for:

• Processing transactions for regulated parts
• Ensuring proper background checks are completed
• Maintaining accurate records

⸻

What This Means for Out-of-State Sellers

If you ship into California:

• You may need to route shipments through a California FFL
• Direct-to-consumer shipping may create compliance issues

⸻

Common Dealer Mistakes

• Assuming a part is “just a part”
• Skipping FFL processing on borderline items
• Not updating procedures after July 1, 2024

⸻

Quick Compliance Check

If you’re unsure, ask:

• Can this part help build a firearm?
• Is it critical to function?
• Would regulators likely consider it a precursor part?

If “yes” or “maybe” → treat it as regulated until confirmed otherwise

The post Do FFLs Need to Process Gun Parts in California? appeared first on FFL+.

What Is a “Firearm Precursor Part”?

Under California law (SB-704), a precursor part is generally:

A component that can be used to build or convert a firearm and is determined to be critical to its function.

Key Point for FFLs

This is intentionally broad. It’s not a checklist—it’s a category.

Commonly Regulated Precursor Parts (Practical Examples)

While not exhaustive, FFLs should closely scrutinize:

• Frames and receivers (including unfinished variants)
• Fire control components
• Certain upper/lower assemblies
• Parts kits that could be used to build a firearm

What Is NOT Typically Included

(Not guaranteed—classification matters)

• Cosmetic parts (grips, stocks, etc.)
• Accessories (optics, lights, slings)
• Non-critical hardware

Why There’s No Clear List

California structured the law this way to:

• Prevent workarounds
• Allow regulators to expand interpretation over time

👉 Translation for FFLs: If you’re waiting for a “safe list,” it doesn’t exist.

FFL Risk: Misclassification

The biggest compliance risk is:

• Treating a regulated part like a normal retail item
• Failing to route it through proper transfer procedures

Best Practice for Dealers

• Default to caution on borderline items
• Verify whether a part could be considered “critical to function”
• Document your classification decisions

FFL-Only CTA

If you’re an FFL trying to determine whether a part qualifies as a precursor part:

👉 FFL+ provides clear, dealer-focused guidance so you don’t have to guess.

The post California Precursor Parts List (FFL Guide) appeared first on FFL+.

• Barrels must now go through an FFL (no direct-to-consumer sales)
• Accessories and parts now trigger age verification, notices, and delivery restrictions
• Online sellers and out-of-state companies are fully covered
• New civil and criminal liability risks apply to how products are sold and marketed

If you sell firearm-related products to California—even from another state—these laws apply to you.

Who These Laws Apply To (Important)

These laws apply to:

• Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs)
• Online parts retailers
• Manufacturers and distributors
• Any business selling firearm-related products into California

This is not just a California dealer issue—it directly impacts interstate commerce.

SB-704: Barrel Sales Now Require FFL Processing

Effective: January 1, 2026

Expanded Requirements: July 1, 2027

SB-704 creates a new rule:

Standalone firearm barrels must be transferred through a licensed dealer

What This Means:

• Barrels cannot be shipped directly to consumers
• Online orders must be sent to a California FFL
• The customer must complete the transfer in person

Starting July 1, 2027:

• A background check is required for barrel purchases
• Dealers must submit transaction records to CA DOJ

Related Deep Dive:

California Barrel Laws

AB-1263: New Rules for Accessories, Parts, and Sales Processes

Effective: January 1, 2026

AB-1263 expands compliance beyond firearms to include:

• Firearm accessories
• Manufacturing tools (e.g., CNC/3D equipment)
• Certain parts and product categories

1. Mandatory Notices + Customer Acknowledgment

Before completing a sale, businesses must:

• Provide a legal warning about unlawful firearm manufacturing
• Obtain confirmation the buyer received and understands it

2. Age & Identity Verification

Before sale or delivery:

• Verify the buyer is at least 18
• Collect and confirm identification

3. Shipping & Delivery Requirements

All covered products must:

• Require adult signature upon delivery
• Be shipped to an address matching the buyer’s ID
• Be clearly labeled with delivery restrictions

Related Guide:

California Firearm Accessory Laws

4. Expanded Definitions = Expanded Risk

The law broadens what counts as:

• “Firearm accessory”
• “Firearm manufacturing machine”

Many items previously treated as standard retail products may now fall under regulated categories.

5. Digital Files & Manufacturing Liability

The law expands restrictions on:

• Digital instructions used to produce firearms or components
• Platforms or businesses distributing those materials

It also creates new legal exposure for:

• Enabling unlawful manufacturing
• Assisting prohibited activity (even indirectly)

6. New Criminal & Civil Liability

Businesses now face risk for:

• Facilitating unlawful firearm manufacturing
• Failing to implement proper controls

Additional offenses now trigger:

• 10-year firearm prohibitions for individuals

What FFLs Should Do Immediately

1. Update Sales Processes

• Add required notices + acknowledgments
• Implement age verification

2. Fix Shipping Policies

• Ensure adult signature + labeling compliance

3. Review Product Catalog

• Identify items that may now fall under expanded definitions

4. Prepare for Barrel Processing

• Train staff for incoming barrel transfers
• Plan for 2027 background check requirements

Supporting Guides for FFLs

• California Barrel Laws
• California Firearm Accessory Laws
• AB 1263 Compliance Checklist

These laws are intentionally broad—and enforcement risk is real.

FFL+ helps dealers and firearm businesses implement compliant systems, reduce liability, and stay ahead of California regulations.

If you’re an FFL or sell into California: Don’t guess—hire FFL+.

The post California AB-1263 and SB-704 for FFLs: Compliance Guide (Effective Dates + What Dealers Must Do) appeared first on FFL+.

Federal Firearm License Background

In order to be engaged in the business of selling, making, or importing firearms, you must have a Federal Firearms License and there is a different FFL type for each activity.

As a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), the person or company that is the FFL holder, there are many benefits but there are also many requirements and many rules and regulations to follow. Also, the ATF can and will conduct compliance inspections.

For example, you must keep a log of all firearms you’ve received and transferred, called a bound book, you must satisfy the background check requirements for in-person sales, and you must have a copy of another FFL’s license before transferring a firearm.

As an FFL Dealer, you must be able to show that you had a copy of a valid ffl prior to conducting an ffl transfer and you’ll need to have certain FFL information (like the ffl number, licensee name and the expiration date).

Even if you’re not an FFL dealer yourself, you’re going to need to use an FFL is you’re selling a gun across state lines (and some state laws require an FFL be used for all firearm sales).

Ez Check System

The Ez Check system is run by the ATF and it allows anyone (not just FFLs) to enter the number from an FFL license and then get an official status of that particular license.

A full FFL number is 15 characters long, however, only the first three and last five digits need to be entered for an ffl license query on Ez Check.

The ATF ez check system will provide the following information for each valid federal firearm license:

• Expiration Date
• License Name (and Trade Name if any)
• Premises Address (and Mailing Address if any)

Also, if a license is expired but it is in the process of being renewed, the ATF may provide a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to the FFL. If an LOA has been issued, and therefore the FFL can continue business until their new license comes, the ez check system will also provide the LOA issue and expiration dates.

Why and When to Use FFL Ez Check

If you’re an FFL dealer or FFL Manufacturer, then ATF rules and regulations REQUIRE you to have a valid copy of another licensee’s FFL prior to transferring a firearm to them. 

The easiest way to do this is to contact the other dealer and have them send a copy which you can then confirm that the expiration date hasn’t passed and then keep it in your records in case of an inspection.

However, for reasons we’ll discuss below, just getting a copy of the ATF form may not be enough. We strongly recommend using FFL Ez Check every time you’re transferring a firearm so that you can verify the FFL.

Even if you’re not an FFL, you may be purchasing a firearm online or having a gun transferred to you. If so, especially if it’s across state lines, you’re going to need to use an FFL and you can use FFL Ez Check to make sure you’re dealing with an actual licensee.

Importance of FFL Verification

Unfortunately, there can be fraud with firearms transactions and FFLs.

It is all too easy for a criminal to make a fake copy of an FFL – afterall, in most cases it’s just a photocopy or a scan of a license. Criminals can then alter the address to have the firearms shipped to them instead of the actual FFL.

Or, in the case of a bad dealer, the ATF may revoke the license after a bad inspection and the company or person is no longer able to operate as an FFL. However, they may still have a copy of their old FFL and the expiration date hans’t passed yet (or they could alter the date).

In both of these cases, is you use FFL Ez Check, you will see the live and actual information straight from the ATF so you’ll know if the license is still valid and the official address and name of the FFL.

The post ATF’s FFL Ez Check appeared first on FFL+.