New Buyer Question

[RickW]

I'm turning 21 at the end of the year and want to buy a handgun. What do I need to have to be able to purchase a gun in California. I am 20 now but will be 21 in January. I was born in Germany but have lived here since I was little and am a US citizen. I have a valid drivers license and can show utility bills. Is there anythin else I would need? Thanks

[nick]

Yes, you'll need to get a Handgun Safety Certificate. It's an easy test that any gun store that sells handguns can administer. Other than that, you just need money, you have everything else ready

Also, you can get a handgun even now (if you get the HSC above, of course). Your parents can gift it to you between 18 and 21.

[Ed_Hazard]

As a citizen all you need is your current/valid ID, HSC card, and second proof of residence. Your utility bills, car registration will work fine as long as the address matches the one on your photo ID.

[RickW]

Thanks

Okay, I got confused reading some of the articles on this site about alien and non immigrant alien. I didn't know if being born and residing in Germany when I was young would effect things. I thought maybe I needed 90 days of utility bills.

I'm not interested in having my parents buy it and gift it to me. I want this to be all my own decision plus I wont have all the money for a couple more months.

Thanks again

[RickW]

oops. I just re-read your response. My addresses don't match. My license has my parents address and my utility bills show my new address. My Registration shows my parents address which would match my license as proof but I havent lived there for about a year. I still use it as an address though since its my parents address and they are more permanent than me moving from time to time. What do you suggest?

[ugimports]

oops. I just re-read your response. My addresses don't match. My license has my parents address and my utility bills show my new address. My Registration shows my parents address which would match my license as proof but I havent lived there for about a year. I still use it as an address though since its my parents address and they are more permanent than me moving from time to time. What do you suggest?

If you're still using your parents address and that is valid for you as a residence you're fine.

If you want to use your current address then you'll need a government document in addition to your utility bill both with your new address.

Government docs include (this is not all inclusive):
DMV Registration (get it updated for new place) - this can double for state/fed requirements
Voter Registration
Court Paperwork
Any utilities you get at new place that are run by city/county