PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Information on the Handgun Safety Certificate Program

Effective January 1, 2003, the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate Program was replaced with the Handgun Safety Certificate Program. These new statutes affect the general public in two principal ways. First, unless exempt, individuals must possess a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) prior to purchasing or acquiring a handgun. Second, unless exempt, individuals must perform a safe handling demonstration prior to taking delivery of a handgun from a licensed dealer.

HSCs are acquired by taking and passing a written test on handgun safety, generally at participating firearms dealerships and private firearms training facilities. A Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide (PDF) to help individuals prepare for the Handgun Safety Certificate Test is available for purchase at firearms dealerships at $.50 each. There is also a Handgun Safety Certificate Video available for purchase at firearms dealerships or from DOJ Certified Instructors at $5.00 each.

The handgun safety demonstration protocols and DOJ Certified Instructor standards have been established and implemented by DOJ. An explanation of the handgun safety demonstration can be found starting on page 45 of the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide.

Frequently asked questions and information regarding the Handgun Safety Certificate Program.
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General FAQs

What are the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) requirements?

Prior to purchasing or acquiring a handgun, unless exempted, you must have a valid Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). You must present your HSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase/acquire a handgun.
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How do I get a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC)?

To obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) you must score at least 75% (23 correct answers out of 30 questions) on the Handgun Safety Certificate Test covering handgun safety and basic firearms laws. The true/false and multiple choice test is given by Department of Justice Certified Instructors who are generally located at firearms dealerships.
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How much does the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) cost?

The fee for taking the Handgun Safety Certificate Test and obtaining a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) is twenty five dollars ($25). The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice if necessary.
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Are there any minimum qualifications/requirements for a person who wants to take the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) test?

The only requirements are that the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver's License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.
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How can I prepare for the Handgun Safety Certificate Test?

The best way to prepare for the Handgun Safety Certificate Test is to read the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide. The study guide contains all the information necessary to pass the test. The Handgun Safety Certificate Video Guide is also a good supplemental study tool.
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How can I get a Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide?

Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guides are available from licensed California Firearms Dealers or DOJ Certified Instructors at $.50 each. You can also order a study guide with a Department of Justice downloadable order form, FD040 (PDF). You can also view or download the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide (PDF) for free on this web site.
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How can I get a Handgun Safety Certificate Video Guide?

Handgun Safety Certificate Videos are available from licensed California Firearms Dealers and some DOJ Certified Instructors at $5.00 each. You can also order a video with a Department of Justice downloadable order form, FD040 (PDF).
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If I don't pass the test, can I take it again?

Yes. The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice if necessary. If you fail the test the first time, you may retake another version of the test from the same DOJ Certified Instructor without any additional fee after 24 hours have elapsed. The Certified Instructor is required to offer or make available to you the Handgun Safety Certificate Video Guide.
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How long is a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) valid?

A Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
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There are a variety of Handgun Safety Certificate requirement exemptions. It should be noted that these exemptions are not identical to the former Basic Firearms Safety Certificate (BFSC) certification exemptions. Two general BFSC exemption categories, persons who hold a valid hunting license issued by the State of California and persons who were honorably discharged from the military, do not qualify as exemptions from HSC certification requirements.
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Yes. There are no "grandfathering" provisions in the statute ending the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate (BFSC) program and initiating the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) program. Anyone wishing to purchase or acquire a handgun needs an HSC, regardless of whether he/she possesses a BFSC.
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Yes. A replacement Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) is available only through the DOJ Certified Instructor who issued your HSC. The HSC replacement cost is $15. The replacement HSC will reflect the same expiration date as your original HSC.
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Yes. Prior to taking possession of the handgun, you must have a valid Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). You must also report the transfer to DOJ, pursuant to Penal Code section 12078(c)(2)(A), within 30 days of the transfer. You may obtain Form FD4542 (PDF) for this purpose on this web site.
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No. Mere possession/ownership of a personally-owned handgun does not require a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). However, you do have to present your HSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase/acquire a handgun.
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It depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, a person being loaned a handgun must have a current Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). However, an HSC is not required when the loan does not exceed three days in duration and the person loaning the handgun is at all times within the presence of the person being loaned the handgun.
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No. Mere possession/ownership of a personally-owned handgun does not require a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC).
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No, you do not need a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) for the purpose of moving into California with your handgun. However, pursuant to Penal Code section 12072(f)(2), there are important personal handgun importation responsibilities that are explained on this web site.
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The safe handling demonstration is a statutory requirement mandating handgun purchasers/recipients to execute a series of specific steps related to loading and unloading the handgun safely. The safe handling demonstration must be performed under the supervision of a DOJ Certified Instructor, and the purchaser must sign an affidavit attesting completion of the safe handling demonstration. The performance steps of a successful safe handling demonstration can be found beginning on page 45 of the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide (PDF).
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The safe handling demonstration must be performed on or after the date the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) is submitted to DOJ, and prior to the delivery of the handgun. You may find it helpful to perform the safe handling demonstration prior to actually initiating the DROS to ensure that you will be able to take possession of the make and model you select.
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The exemptions to the safe handling demonstration include all the exemptions from the Handgun Safety Certificate requirement.

The HSC program also provides for an exemption when physical disability deprives an individual the necessary agility to execute the demonstration. A signed, written letter from a licensed physician attesting that a physical disability precludes an individual from being able to perform the safe handling demonstration is required for this exemption. This exemption applies to the safe handling demonstration only. There is no exemption from the Handgun Safety Certificate requirement based on physical disability.
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Certified Instructor FAQs

The DOJ Certified Instructor may administer the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) Test, issue HSCs, and oversee safe handling demonstrations.
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DOJ Certified Instructor applicants also must possess certification to provide firearms training from one of the entities detailed in Penal Code section 12804(j).
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The entities determined by DOJ to give comparable instruction in firearms safety listed on this web site are generally more directly available to the public.
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To become a DOJ Certified Instructor you must submit a Certified Instructor Application, Form FD037, to DOJ with a copy of your valid qualifying certification pursuant to California Penal Code section 12804(j) and a $14 non-refundable fee. The $14 fee is waived if you hold a current Certificate of Eligibility and so indicate on your application form.
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The DOJ Certified Instructor Certificate is valid for 5 years.
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Yes. In the event of loss or destruction, you may request a replacement DOJ Certified Instructor certificate. The request must be made in writing and include a copy of your California Driver's License or California Identification Card, and a ten dollar ($10) processing fee.
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The maximum fee you can charge for administering the Handgun Safety Certificate Test and issuing a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) is $25. This fee entitles the applicant to take the test twice if necessary.
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The only requirements are that the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver's License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.
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Non-dealer DOJ Certified Instructors may not delegate testing/certificate issuance responsibilities. Similarly, employees at firearms dealerships who are DOJ Certified Instructors may not delegate testing/certificate issuance responsibilities.
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No. Only DOJ Certified Instructors may oversee the safe handling demonstration.
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Yes. To satisfy the safe handling demonstration affidavit requirement, a Certified Instructor may oversee his/her own safe handling demonstration and sign the safe handling demonstration affidavit.
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"That handgun" is either the very handgun being transferred, or one of the same make and model as the one being transferred.
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The firearms dealer or his/her employee agent must complete and attach to the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) the affidavit stating the safe handling demonstration requirement was met. The DOJ Safe Handling Demonstration Affidavit, Form FD039 (PDF), must be signed and dated by the DOJ Certified Instructor, the handgun purchaser/recipient, and the dealer or his/her employee agent delivering the handgun.
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The safe handling demonstration must be performed on or after the date the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) is submitted to DOJ, and prior to the delivery of the handgun. The Safe Handling Demonstration Affidavit must be completed prior to the delivery of the handgun.
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DOJ Certified Instructors may obtain Handgun Safety Certificate Program materials by submitting a completed HSC Supply Order Form, Form FD038 (PDF), and correct remittance to: California Department of Justice, Firearms Division - HSC, P. O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200.
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No. Handgun Safety Certificates (HSCs) must be ordered in sets of ten, at a cost of $150 per set.
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No. A minimum order of 25 study guides is required by firearms dealers and DOJ Certified Instructors. Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guides are $.50 each.
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No. Handgun Safety Certificates (HSCs) are recorded under the name of the specific DOJ Certified Instructor who purchased them and may not be sold or transferred to another DOJ Certified Instructor.
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You can exchange a damaged Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) for a replacement HSC at no charge by returning the voided HSC to DOJ. When returning damaged HSCs, you must provide your DOJ Certified Instructor number and indicate you want to receive a replacement HSC. Send damaged HSCs to California Department of Justice, Firearms Division - HSC, P. O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200.
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Yes. Any unused Handgun Safety Certificates (HSCs) can be returned to DOJ for a refund of the actual purchase price minus a $5 processing fee. If you are discontinuing as a DOJ Certified Instructor, provide a brief resignation statement along with any unused HSCs. Whenever returning HSCs, you must provide your DOJ Certified Instructor number and indicate you want to receive a refund. Return HSCs and accompanying refund request documentation to: California Department of Justice, Firearms Division - HSC, P. O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200.
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You must retain all completed test answer sheets for three years from the test date. You must retain Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) issuance records for five years.
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Each year during the month of January, DOJ will mail a reminder that, by March 1^st, all DOJ Certified Instructors who have ordered Handgun Safety Certificates (HSC) will be required to report the total number of HSCs issued during the previous calendar year. This volume report is required even if zero HSCs were issued.
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Firearms Dealers' FAQs

The firearms dealer ensures and documents that handgun purchasers/transferees present a valid Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) or valid exemption documentation at the time of purchase; completes and maintains a Safe Handling Demonstration Affidavit attesting the mandated safe handling demonstration was successfully performed; and makes the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide available to the public at $.50 each.
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Firearms dealers may obtain pertinent Handgun Safety Certificate Program supplies by submitting a completed HSC Supply Order Form, Form FD038 (PDF), and correct remittance to: California Department of Justice, Firearms Division - HSC, P. O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200.

Please note that, absent DOJ Certified Instructor certification, not all Handgun Safety Certificate Program supplies such as the HSC Tests and Handgun Safety Certificates (HSCs) are available to dealers.

You must also complete and attach to the DROS, an affidavit stating the safe handling demonstration requirement was met.
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For individuals with federal credentials record the person's name, federal agency, and credential number rather than photocopying the credentials.
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No. The most common exemptions under the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate (BFSC) law that were removed under the new Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) law are: 1) persons who hold a valid hunting license issued by the State of California; 2) persons who were honorably discharged from the military; and 3) firearms dealers when acquiring a handgun for their personal ownership, regardless of whether the handgun is acquired from another dealer or from the dealer's own inventory. These exemptions to BFSC do not apply to HSC.
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A comprehensive explanation of the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) exemptions is provided in the Handgun Safety Certificate Manual for California Firearms Dealers and DOJ Certified Instructors.
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The firearms dealer or his/her employee agent must complete and attach to the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) the affidavit stating the safe handling demonstration requirement was met. The DOJ Safe Handling Demonstration Affidavit, Form FD039, must be signed and dated by the DOJ Certified Instructor, the handgun purchaser/recipient, and the dealer or his/her employee agent delivering the handgun.
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DOJ Certified Instructor applicants also must possess certification to provide firearms training from one of the entities detailed in Penal Code section 12804(j).
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The entities determined by DOJ to give comparable instruction in firearms safety listed on this web site are generally more directly available to the public.
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To become a DOJ Certified Instructor you must submit a Certified Instructor Application, Form FD037, to DOJ with a copy of your valid qualifying certification pursuant to California Penal Code section 12804(j) and a $14 non-refundable fee. The $14 fee is waived if you hold a current Certificate of Eligibility and so indicate on your application form.
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Interested Certified Instructor Training Entity FAQs

Penal Code section 12804 (j) authorizes DOJ to recognize entities which provide comparable instruction in firearms safety training as the entities specified within that subdivision. The statute also authorizes DOJ to issue a DOJ Certified Instructor card to applicants possessing training certification from any entity so recognized by DOJ.
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Requirement for all students to successfully perform the Safe Handling Demonstration as required by 12070 (b)(8)(D) PC with the three conventional handgun types (Semiautomatic, Double Action Revolver, Single Action Revolver). The handguns used for the demonstration must be provided by the instructor/training entity.
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There is no DOJ fee associated with this application process.
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The Application for Department of Justice Recognition of Entity Giving Comparable Firearms Safety Instruction to Entities Specified in Penal Code Section 12804(j) form is downloadable from this web site. The form is also available by written request to: California Department of Justice, Firearms Division - HSC Analyst, P.O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200.
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Entities Recognized by DOJ as Providing Comparable Handgun Safety Training to Those Entities Specified by Penal Code section 12804(j)

Penal Code section 12804 (j) authorizes the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to recognize entities which provide firearms safety training comparable to the entities specified within that subdivision. Individuals possessing a Certificate of Completion from any of the entities so recognized by DOJ may apply for DOJ Certified Instructor certification.

The entities recognized by DOJ as providing firearms safety training comparable to the entities specified by Penal Code section 12804(j) are:

• The Range, Grass Valley, (530) 273-4440
• Bullet Recovery Systems, Plymouth, (530) 620-4252
• HSC Instructor Training Course, Newark, (510) 713-8907
• Sierra Firearms Training, Sacramento and Marin Counties, (530) 642-1400
• Safer Training by Marcia, Vacaville, (707) 447-7632
• The Shooting Gallery, Inc., Vacaville, (707) 449-4867
• Pro-Right, Valley Springs, (209) 786-2922
• Herb Bauer Sporting Goods, Inc., Fresno, (559) 435-8600
• The Grant Boys, Costa Mesa, (949) 645-3400
• Gunrunner, Merced, (209) 723-3006
• BullsEyeTactical Firearms Training, Castella, (530) 235-0721
• 2nd Amendment Sports, Bakersfield, (661), 323-4512
• Safer Arms Indoor Shooting Range, Chico, (530) 893-2235
• El Cajon Gun Exchange, El Cajon, (619) 579-5152
• On Target Firearms Instruction, Modesto, (209) 575-2308
• Basic Practical Handgun Course, Riverside, (909) 898-8304 or (909) 736-1236
• HSC Course, Colton, (909) 824-6114
• Safe Gun Handling Course - Mike Green, Elk Grove, (916) 714-4867
• HSC Instructor Certification Course, Culver City, (310) 837-2412
• Basic Firearms Safety Course, Yorba Linda, (714) 701-9918
• Gun World, Burbank, (818) 238-9071