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Firearms Laws in California

If you are a resident of California or visiting us from out-of-state, please review the laws regarding owning and carrying firearms in the State of California.

Gun Violence Restraining Orders

Learn how to get a temporary gun violence restraining order against someone who poses a significant danger to themselves or others.

If you are the restrained party in a restraining order or protective order, you are prohibited from owning, possessing or buying firearms and ammunition. You must turn in or relinquish your firearms and ammunition within 24 hours. You may choose to:

  1. Store with or sell your firearm and ammunition to a federally licensed gun dealer;
  2. Turn in your firearm and ammunition to the San Diego Police Department or any other law enforcement agency. Read the instructions carefully below for how to relinquish your firearm at an SDPD station. 

Instructions for turning in your firearm to SDPD

Please follow these steps carefully for a safe relinquishment to any SDPD station. Do not walk into a police station with a firearm.

IMPORTANT! Prior to arriving at a station to turn in a firearm, please FIRST call the police non-emergency number at 619-531-2000 to inform us that you would like to turn in a gun. Do NOT walk into a police station with a firearm.

  • When you call, tell the dispatcher that you have a restraining order and that you need to turn in your firearm and ammunition. Call approximately 30 minutes before going to the station. You will need to provide an estimated time of arrival.

    An officer may call you with additional questions.

    The dispatcher will need a description of you and your car. The officer will need your ID and a copy of your court order.

  • Your firearm(s) must be unloaded.
  • Place your firearm(s) in your locked trunk. If you do not have a trunk, lock your firearm in a container and place it in the back of your vehicle, out of reach.
  • Do not put the firearm in your glove compartment.
  • Drive straight to the station. Do not drive to other locations. You must obey California laws regarding the transportation of firearms.
  • Wait in your car once you arrive at the station for contact from the responding officer. Your firearm and ammunition should remain locked and secured until they are relinquished to a law enforcement officer.

The officer will provide you with a receipt for the firearms you have relinquished and complete the GV-800 form provided to you by the courts.

Firearm Disposal

There are several ways a resident can surrender a firearm, magazines or ammunition that they no longer want.

All firearms surrendered to SDPD are crushed and reduced to scrap. There is no charge to the previous owner and the metal is recycled. 

Firearm Pick-up

Residents can contact the San Diego Police Department non-emergency line at 619-531-2000 to request a residential firearm pick-up.

Things to know:

  • IMPORTANT: Leave firearms unloaded in a locked and secure location until receiving instructions from the responding officer. 
  • An officer will respond to the request as other calls permit.
  • The firearm will be turned over for destruction.
  • Magazines and ammunition are also accepted to be disposed of by SDPD. about the Gang Intervention Unit

Guns for Giftcards

SDPD partners with community organizations to host events throughout the City for residents to exchange unwanted firearms for gift cards with no questions asked.

Check the SDPD Events Calendar for upcoming Guns for Giftcards events.

Licensed Firearms Dealer

Residents can contact a local, licensed firearms dealer to sell or transfer a firearm.

Recovering Impounded Firearms

  • No firearms will be released until approval is granted by the assigned investigator.
  • Once detective authorization has been received; it is your responsibility to contact the Gun Desk (see contact info below) so they can explain your options and provide you with the necessary documents. The release process may take up to 12 weeks.
  • All persons attempting to obtain an impounded firearm are required to go through a background check.
  • All person attempting to obtain an impounded firearm are required to have the firearm registered in their name.
  • An appointment is required for picking up a firearm.

Contact the Gun Desk Officers

Provide your full name, date of birth and any incident number or case number that may assist us in locating your record.

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