Firearms AlmanacEst. 2026

Dealer Finder

FFL Transfer Dealers in San Diego, CA

14 federally licensed firearms dealers are listed in San Diego, California, including 2 pawnshops. Most listings come from ATF's public license list (October 2026), so it's worth a quick call to confirm a shop accepts transfers and to ask about its fee.

See distances from 92111NFA dealers near San Diego

Nearby cities

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Buying a gun in California: good to know

Waiting period
10 days for all firearms. Purchase-frequency limit: the former one-gun-per-30-days rule was struck down (Nguyen v. Bonta, 9th Cir. 2025). A replacement law (AB 1078, Stats. 2025 ch. 570) limits purchase applications to 3 firearms in any 30-day period starting April 1, 2026 (Pen. Code 27535, confirmed by CA DOJ).
Handgun purchase permit
No permit, but buyers need a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), and all sales go through a dealer (the DROS process). New handguns must be on the state's Handgun Roster (the roster is being challenged in court).
Shipping and online purchases
One of the most restricted markets for online buyers. Magazines over 10 rounds, handguns not on the roster, and rifles with 'assault weapon' features generally can't be sold to CA residents. Ammunition must ship to a CA licensed ammunition vendor, not to your home. Body armor and certain parts are restricted, and many retailers block CA addresses entirely. Filtering for 'CA-compliant' products is strongly recommended.
Read the full California gun law guide →

How an FFL transfer works

When you buy a gun online or from someone in another state, it ships to a local licensed dealer (an FFL) instead of your door. The dealer logs it in, you fill out ATF Form 4473 and pass the background check, and then you take it home. Dealers charge a transfer fee for this, often $20 to $75. Call first: ask whether they accept transfers from your seller, what the fee is, and whether they need the seller to email a copy of their license.