AR-15 Laws in California: A Comprehensive Guide

California’s firearm regulations remain among the strictest in the United States. These laws prioritize public safety but also shape ongoing debates over Second Amendment rights. For AR-15 owners, builders, and travelers, compliance requires precision. This guide explores AR-15 laws in California based on state codes, 2025 legislative developments, and practical compliance considerations. Whether you are building your first rifle or visiting the state, we outline ownership, transport, and restrictions for rifles like the AR-15.

In 2025, California’s laws continue to focus on features, magazine capacity, and part serialization. This includes major bills such as AB-1263, which becomes effective January 1, 2026, and federal proposals like the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, which remains unpassed. Always cross-check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or a qualified attorney before acting on any legal interpretations.

Is an AR-15 Legal to Own in California?

Yes, with restrictions. An AR-15 is legal to own only if it complies with California’s assault weapon laws outlined in Penal Code sections 30510 through 30530. The state does not ban all AR-15s outright, but many configurations are designated as “assault weapons,” which cannot be sold, transferred, or newly registered.

Registration windows closed in 2017, leaving only grandfathered assault weapons lawful for continued possession.

Key Definitions and Categories

California defines assault weapons under three primary categories.

Category 1: Specifically Named Models

These include Beretta AR-70/90, Colt AR-15 Sporter, and various AK-pattern rifles such as the Norinco NDM-86.

Category 2: AR-15 and AK-Series Variants

Covers firearms deemed copies or duplicates of AR-15/AK models under Title 11, section 5499 of the California Code of Regulations. This category captures many standard AR-15 rifles from manufacturers such as DPMS and Bushmaster.

Category 3: Feature-Based Assault Weapons

A semiautomatic centerfire rifle becomes an assault weapon if it has a detachable magazine plus any one prohibited feature:

• Pistol grip protruding beneath the action
• Thumbhole stock
• Folding or telescoping stock
• Grenade or flare launcher
• Flash suppressor
• Forward pistol grip

A fixed magazine (tool-required removal, 10-round max) allows otherwise banned features without creating assault weapon status. The 2016 bullet-button ban eliminated prior compliance workarounds, and detachable magazines now trigger feature restrictions.

Grandfathered Assault Weapons

AR-15s legally registered before June 2016 (or January 1, 2017, depending on conversion date) remain lawful to own, but:

• They cannot be sold or transferred except to specially permitted successors.
• When the owner dies, the firearm must be surrendered, disabled, or removed from the state.
• New registrations are not allowed.
• Adding new prohibited features is a felony.

Compliance Builds for New Owners

Most California-compliant AR-15s fall into two types: featureless or fixed-magazine (mag-lock). Your choice should depend on intended use and ergonomics.

Featureless AR

Advantages:
• Standard magazine release with fast, intuitive reloads.
• Lets owners use legally possessed pre-ban standard-capacity magazines, including those from 2019’s Freedom Week.

Disadvantages:
• No pistol grip, collapsible stock, flash suppressor, or forward grip.
• Reduced ergonomics and a less traditional AR-style appearance.

Mag-Lock AR (Fixed Magazine)

Advantages:
• Retains all standard AR-15 features: pistol grip, adjustable stock, flash suppressor, and forward grip.
• Preserves the classic rifle profile.

Disadvantages:
• Reloading is slower because the action must open or a tool must be used.
• Only 10-round magazines allowed, regardless of prior legal ownership.

General Considerations

• Training is essential if relying on mag-lock systems for defensive use.
• Featureless rifles are typically preferred for scenarios requiring rapid reloads.
• Ergonomics vary widely—test both configurations if possible.

Common featureless parts include Thordsen FRS-15 stocks, Sparrow Dynamics grips, and A2 fixed stocks. Popular mag-lock systems include Juggernaut Hellfighter and ARMagLock.

Magazine Laws: 2025 Update

On March 20, 2025, the Ninth Circuit upheld California’s large-capacity magazine ban in Duncan v. Bonta (7–4). The 10-round limit remains enforceable for all new acquisitions while the Supreme Court considers review (petition filed August 15, 2025).

Recent 2025 Legislative and Court Updates

• Assault weapon definitions remain unchanged.
• AB-1263 (effective 2026) imposes ID verification and restrictions on certain firearm accessories such as pistol grips and adjustable stocks.
• SB-704 adds new rules for barrel sales effective 2027.
• The federal Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 stalled in committee.
• On June 2, 2025, the Supreme Court declined review of California’s assault weapon restrictions (Snope v. Brown), solidifying state authority over AR-15 features.
• Microstamping investigation results (July 18, 2025) impact semiautomatic pistols, not rifles.
• Monthly firearm purchase limits remain removed after being struck down in 2024.

Penalties for non-compliance range from misdemeanors to felonies, fines up to $10,000, and confiscation.

Do AR-15 Laws Apply to Visitors?

Yes. California does not exempt tourists or temporary visitors. Any AR-15 classified as an assault weapon under California law is illegal to possess in the state.

Visitors and Temporary Possession Rules

• Transportation only: FOPA protects travelers passing through California if the firearm is unloaded, locked, and legal at both origin and destination. Any stop for tourism or overnight stays voids protection.
• No registration requirement: Visitors do not register firearms, but they also cannot possess an assault weapon.
• Military: Active-duty personnel stationed in California may apply for a Military Assault Weapon Permit.

Moving to California with an AR-15

New residents must report firearms within 60 days using form BOF 4010A. Assault weapons generally cannot be imported unless already registered before the cutoff dates.

Options for non-compliant rifles include converting to featureless or fixed-magazine, surrendering, or storing out of state.

Pistol vs. Rifle Regulations

Pistols

• Unlimited purchases
• Must appear on the Safe Handgun Roster (except for new residents)
• Ten-round magazine limit
• Age 21+ for purchasing semiautomatic pistols
• Serialization required for frames/receivers
• Microstamping implementation set for 2028

Rifles (Including AR-15s)

• Unlimited purchases
• No roster requirement
• Ten-round magazine limit (grandfathering allowed)
• Age 18+
• Serialized lower receivers with background checks
• Feature-based assault weapon restrictions apply

All transfers must go through an FFL with background checks.

Costs of Compliance

• 11 percent state excise tax on firearms and ammunition (AB 28)
• DROS fee: $37.19
• Precursor part serialization fees: $20–50
• Typical compliant build cost: $800–1,200

Transportation Laws

Handguns

Must be unloaded and stored in a locked container or trunk. Ammunition stored separately.

Long Guns

Must be unloaded. Locked storage required only for assault weapons or when leaving the firearm unattended in certain locations.

School Zones

Within 1,000 feet of K–12 schools, rifles must be locked or properly secured per federal law.

Assault Weapons

Must always be transported unloaded and locked, and only to approved destinations.

Safe Storage Requirements

California requires firearms to be stored unloaded and locked when not under the owner’s direct control (Penal Code 25100). Biometric safes are recommended for home defense rifles.

Beginning January 1, 2026 (SB 53), all firearms in residences must be securely stored when not carried or directly controlled. Penalties escalate from infractions to misdemeanors.

Precursor Parts and Home Builds

Since July 1, 2022, 80% receivers are legally treated as firearms. Requirements include:

• Purchase through an FFL
• Background check and DROS
• Serialization before machining
• Age 21+
• One precursor part per 30 days
• Full compliance on completed rifles

Starting July 1, 2025, vendors must submit precursor sales records to DOJ.

AB-1263 and SB-704: 2026 and 2027 Restrictions

AB-1263 (Effective January 1, 2026)

• Requires age and ID verification for accessory purchases
• Adds shipping restrictions and adult-signature delivery
• Covers pistol grips, flash suppressors, folding/telescoping stocks, and similar parts
• Restricts digital distribution of 3D-printing files
• Expands liability under the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act

SB-704 (Effective July 1, 2027)

• Limits barrel sales to licensed dealers only
• Requires background checks and a $5 eligibility fee

Final Compliance Tips

• Verify current law through the California DOJ.
• Keep all receipts and documentation for parts and firearms.
• Consider membership in the California Rifle & Pistol Association for legislative updates.
• Apply for a CCW through your county sheriff; non-residents become eligible on April 22, 2025.
• For home defense, many owners prefer featureless rifles for faster reloads.
• Test both featureless and mag-lock configurations to determine which suits your needs.

Laws continue to evolve. Staying educated and building rifles that meet California’s strict requirements is the best way to avoid legal risk.

This is not legal advice. Laws current as of December 2, 2025.