How to Apply for a Firearm Serial Number

 

1. Create an account in the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) System

   • https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/login.do

1. Obtain a Unique Serial Number:

   • https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/serialNumRequestHome!displaySerialNumRequestHome.do

   • New Firearm:

     • Requesting serial number because I plan to manufacture or assemble a firearm.

   • New to California:

     • Requesting serial number, as I am a new California resident, and wish to possess a previously self-manufactured or self-assembled firearm or a firearm that I own, that does not have a unique Department issued serial number, a serial number from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), or other mark of identification.

   • Information Needed for Application:

     • HSC (Handgun Safety Certificate) or FSC Number (Firearm Safety Certificate)

     • Type (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Rifle/Shotgun Combo)

     • Category (Semi-Auto, Bolt, Carbine, …)

     • Receiver Only (Yes, No)

     • Caliber

     • Barrel Length (if complete firearm)

     • Model

     • Color

     • Date of Manufacture

     • Material (Steel, Aluminum, Poly, Iron, Other)

   • Cost $15 (as of 01/01/2019)

2. Information for DelSpec Precision to engrave Firearm Identification (Refer to Regulation 479.102):

   • Model

   • Caliber or Gauge

   • Your Full Name

   • Domestic or Foreign Manufacturer if applicable

   • City and State where the firearm was manufactured

   • If Firearm was imported:

     • Country where Firearm was manufactured

     • City and State of the importer in the U.S.

     • For additional regulations see 19 CFR Part 134

 

 

Notes from the CFARS USNA Website (up to date as of 01/01/2019, see site for current info)

https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/serialNumRequestHome!displaySerialNumRequestHome.do

 

USNA Home Page

Unique Serial Number Application – Statement to Applicant

• Commencing January 1, 2019, a new resident to the state shall submit a Unique Serial Number Application (USNA) via the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) within 60 days of arrival to be issued a unique serial number for any firearm the resident wishes to possess in the state that the resident previously self-manufactured or self-assembled or a firearm the resident owns, that does not have a unique serial number or other mark of identification, and to record the firearm with the Department.

  1. If the Department issues the applicant a unique serial number, the applicant has 10 days from the date of the unique serial number's issuance to engrave, cast, stamp (impress), or permanently place the unique serial number in a conspicuous location on the receiver or frame of the firearm and submit the requisite digital images of each firearm via CFARS through this USNA process. (Pen. Code, § 29180.)

• Commencing July 1, 2018, prior to manufacturing or assembling a firearm, an individual shall submit a USNA via CFARS to be issued a unique serial number and record the firearm with the Department.

  1. If the Department issues the applicant a unique serial number, the applicant shall, within 10 days of manufacturing or assembling the firearm, engrave, cast, stamp (impress), or permanently place the unique serial number in a conspicuous location on the receiver or frame of the firearm and submit the requisite digital images of each firearm via CFARS within 30 calendar days from the date of the unique serial number's issuance. (Pen. Code, § 29180.)

• A self-manufactured or self-assembled firearm is prohibited from being sold or transferred to another individual. (Pen. Code, § 29180.)

• Please be advised, a self-manufactured or self-assembled firearm must not be classified as a weapon prohibited under Penal Code section 16590, an assault weapon as defined in Penal Code section 30510 or 30515, a machinegun as defined in Penal Code section 16880, a .50 BMG rifle as defined in Penal Code section 30530, or a destructive device as defined in Penal Code section 16460. In addition, a person shall not manufacture or assemble an unsafe handgun that violates Penal Code section 32000.

• Pursuant to Penal Code section 29181, the following firearms do not need a Department-issued unique serial number:

  1. A firearm containing a serial number assigned to it by the Department pursuant to Penal Code section 23910 or pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Part 1 of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.

  2. A long gun that does not contain a serial number that was made or assembled prior to December 16, 1968.

  3. A firearm that was entered into the centralized registry with the Department prior to July 1, 2018, pursuant to Penal Code section 11106. Such a firearm contains a serial number or other mark of identification assigned by the individual who manufactured or assembled the firearm and reported the serial number or mark of identification to the Department so that it is on file with the Department.

  4. A firearm containing a serial number pursuant to Chapter 53 of Title 26 of the United States Code and regulations issued pursuant thereto. Hence, if the individual's firearm already has a serial number issued to it by a Federal Firearms Licensee - whether it is a functionally complete firearm or only a receiver or frame by itself, it is not a self-manufactured or self-assembled firearm; thus, the individual does not have to reapply for a Department-issued unique serial number.

  5. A firearm that is a curio or relic, or an antique firearm.

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Other Interesting Information:

• Calguns Semi-Auto Flowchart