Regulations: Gun Show Inspections

Summary:

Firearm and ammunition transactions at California gun shows must be conducted in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. (Pen. Code, § 27310, subd. (a); see also §§ 26805, 30348.) These regulations are being promulgated to specify the requirements for gun show producers who produce gun shows and gun show vendors (including firearm dealers, ammunition vendors, exempted federal firearms licensees, manufacturers, and gun show traders) who participate in gun shows. These regulations will also ensure consistency and promote efficiency within the Department for the increasing number of inspections at gun shows since the statutory mandate to inspect at least one-half of all gun shows took effect on July 1, 2023. (§ 27310, subd. (c).)

The gun show producer licensing process ensures that producers are eligible to possess a firearm, are familiar with applicable laws, and maintain liability insurance. Departmental review of all prospective gun show vendors ensures that the vendors possess valid licenses and are thus eligible to sell firearms or ammunition at the show. By ensuring that all gun show laws are followed, these regulations may help reduce firearm deaths and injuries.

NOTE: Regulation documents prepared by the Department may contain markup including underline, strikethrough, or highlight. While these documents are ADA-compliant, upon request, the Department can prepare a more screen reader-friendly version of these documents with annotations that explain the marked changes. Please submit all requests to regulations@doj.ca.gov.

Notice Register Publication Date: October 24, 2025

Status of the Proposal: This rulemaking is undergoing a 45-day public comment period. Any person or their authorized representative may submit written comments regarding the proposed regulatory action. The written comment period closes at 5:00 pm on December 9, 2025 . All timely comments that specifically pertain to the proposed regulations will be reviewed and responded to by Department staff. Comments may be submitted by mail or email to:

The information below relates to recent rulemaking activity, including links to the regulations text and associated documents. Any person who has submitted a comment regarding a proposed action has the right to request a copy of the Final Statement of Reasons. The Final Statement will also be posted to this webpage upon completion of this rulemaking.

Public Notice and Related Documents