Gun inheritance questions

[DonM.]

very simple question, if I pass and the guns that I currently own and register to me. How is transfer done to my heirs to include if they are in another state other than California?

[DesertEagleXIX]

I thought you could do a DOJ bloodline transfer on line...

What about a living Will?

[SkyHawk]

If you pass, federal law says the guns can be given to anyone you bequeath them to - directly and with no FFL involvement. Regardless of relationship. Even across state lines. See 18 USC 922(a)(3) and (a)(5)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922

However, some states will require a FFL. For California recipient heirs for instance, the guns can be given to direct family (parent/grandparent/child/grandchild/spouse) of the deceased with no FFL involvement. The recipient simply files a form and pays a single $19 fee.

However for a CA recipient of any other relationship, they will need to have the guns transferred using a FFL, and if there are off roster handguns involved that are not roster exempt, it will require an in person PPT with the executor of the estate.

So you will need to know the laws of the different states these heirs live in. Most free states require nothing at all. The executor can box up the guns and ship them directly to the recipient. New Jersey, New York, Mass, Hawaii and similar places will likely have extra laws that need to be observed.

[4DSJW]

Make sure you have it all in writing, in a will or a trust. Just telling someone that they can have you guns, or saying that you want so-n-so to have "that" gun, is NOT sufficient. Put it in writing in a will or a trust, or it will not legally happen.

[AreWeFree]

Skyhawk is right as usual.

I'd like to add that if you're worried about passing or have specific guns you aren't using and would like to gift, start now so you can do it in person and also give them the connection, stories, and enjoy the company with your family.

[SkyHawk]

Make sure you have it all in writing, in a will or a trust. Just telling someone that they can have you guns, or saying that you want so-n-so to have "that" gun, is NOT sufficient. Put it in writing in a will or a trust, or it will not legally happen.

Absolutely put it in writing and have it witnessed.

Skyhawk is right as usual.

I'd like to add that if you're worried about passing or have specific guns you aren't using and would like to gift, start now so you can do it in person and also give them the connection, stories, and enjoy the company with your family.

This is also a good practice, and I like the idea of passing on more than just a gun. Nothing beats a gun with a story! Plus you get the satisfaction of seeing someone enjoy the gift, before you pass.