California 3-Gun Limit: AB 1078 Starting April 2026

On April 1, 2026, California's new firearm purchase limit takes effect. AB 1078 restricts the number of firearms any person can purchase to three within a 30-day period. This replaces the old one-handgun-per-30-days rule with a broader restriction that covers all firearm types -- handguns, rifles, and shotguns alike.

The Old Rule: One Handgun Per 30 Days

Since 1999, California has restricted handgun purchases to one per 30-day period under PC 27535. This restriction applied only to handguns. You could purchase one handgun per month, but there was no limit on how many rifles or shotguns you could buy in the same period. A buyer could legally purchase a handgun and multiple rifles in the same transaction if they wanted to.

The one-handgun rule had several exemptions, including private party transfers, law enforcement, licensed collectors, and transactions involving curio or relic firearms.

The New Rule: Three Firearms Per 30 Days

AB 1078 replaces the one-handgun limit with a three-firearm limit that applies to all firearm types. Starting April 1, 2026, the Department of Justice will flag any purchase application that would result in a person acquiring more than three firearms cumulatively within a 30-day period. If the DOJ notifies the dealer that the limit has been reached, the dealer is prohibited from completing the transfer.

Key changes:

• Applies to all firearms -- Handguns, rifles, and shotguns all count toward the three-gun limit
• Cumulative tracking -- The DOJ tracks all purchase applications within a rolling 30-day window. Three separate single-gun purchases over 30 days will trigger the cap just as much as a single three-gun purchase
• Dealer notification -- The DOJ notifies the dealer electronically during the background check process. If the limit is reached, the transfer is blocked at the point of sale

How It Works in Practice

Suppose you buy two handguns on April 5, 2026. On April 15, you try to buy a rifle. The DOJ check will show two previous purchases within the 30-day window, so the rifle transfer proceeds -- you are at three. If you then try to buy another firearm on April 20, the DOJ will block the transfer because you have already reached three firearms in the rolling 30-day period. You would need to wait until after May 5 (30 days from your first purchase) before the count begins to decrease.

Who It Affects

The three-gun limit applies to all California residents who purchase firearms through licensed dealers. This includes:

• Standard retail purchases at gun shops
• Online purchases transferred through a California FFL
• Gun show purchases processed through a dealer

Exemptions

AB 1078 carries forward several exemptions from the old one-handgun rule and adds context for the expanded scope:

• Private party transfers -- Transfers between private parties conducted through a licensed dealer may be exempt depending on the specific transaction type
• Law enforcement officers -- Active and retired law enforcement are exempt from the purchase limit
• Licensed collectors -- Holders of a federal Curio & Relic license (FFL Type 03) with a California Certificate of Eligibility may be exempt for qualifying firearms
• Inherited firearms -- Intrafamilial transfers (parent to child, grandparent to grandchild) follow separate rules and may not count toward the limit
• Replacements for stolen/lost firearms -- Specific provisions exist for replacing firearms that were reported stolen or lost

Comparison to Other States

California is not the first state to impose multi-firearm purchase limits, but the three-per-month cap is among the more permissive of such restrictions. Virginia had a one-handgun-per-month law from 1993 to 2012, repealed it, then re-enacted it in 2020. Maryland limits handgun purchases to one per 30 days. New Jersey limits handgun purchases to one per 30 days. Washington, D.C. limits all firearm purchases to one per 30 days.

California's three-firearm limit is actually more generous than several other states' single-firearm limits, though it is the broadest in scope by covering all firearm types rather than just handguns.

Additional CCW Changes in AB 1078

AB 1078 is not solely a purchase-limit bill. It also modifies the concealed carry permit (CCW) application process. The bill expands disqualification criteria for CCW applicants to include convictions under federal or out-of-state laws, unlawful use of controlled substances, and other risk factors. It also requires licensing authorities to conduct more thorough background investigations, including reviewing publicly available information and contacting character references.

If you hold or are applying for a California CCW permit, review the updated requirements with your issuing authority.

What You Should Do

If you were planning multiple firearm purchases, be aware of the April 1 effective date. Any purchases made before April 1, 2026 are under the old rules. After April 1, plan your purchases so that you do not exceed three firearms in any 30-day window. If you need to acquire more than three firearms in a short period (estate acquisition, collection building), explore whether any exemptions apply to your situation and consult with an FFL dealer who can advise on timing.