Leave Your Gun Unlocked in California? Now Illegal Even If You Live Alone – Plus Glock Ban Starting July

California’s strictest gun laws yet took effect January 1, 2026. All firearms must be stored in DOJ-approved locked boxes or safes even if you live alone—leaving a gun on your nightstand while sleeping is now illegal. Starting July 1, 2026, dealers can’t sell Glock handguns or similar models with cruciform trigger bars, with penalties including $1,000 fines, misdemeanors, and license revocation. All gun barrels must be purchased through licensed dealers starting January 1, and background checks become mandatory July 2026. These laws affect every California gun owner.

Universal Gun Storage Law Now Mandatory (SB 53)

Starting January 1, 2026, all firearms in your residence must be stored in a DOJ-approved locked box or safe whenever they’re not being carried or in your immediate control.

What changed from previous law:

Before 2026, California only required safe storage if children or prohibited persons could access guns. This new law applies even if you live alone or only with other adults.

What counts as violations:

• Leaving a gun on your nightstand while you sleep
• Storing a gun unlocked in your closet
• Keeping a loaded firearm in a drawer
• Having a gun accessible without a lock

Penalties for non-compliance:

First offense: Up to 6 months jail, fines

Subsequent offenses: Higher fines, potential felony charges if firearm is accessed and used in crime

What you must do:

Buy DOJ-approved gun safes or lockboxes for all firearms. Quick-access biometric safes meet requirements as long as they’re certified by California DOJ.

California Glock Ban Takes Effect July 2026 (AB 1127)

Governor Newsom signed AB 1127 in October 2025 banning the sale of semiautomatic “machinegun-convertible pistols”. These are defined as semiautomatic pistols with cruciform trigger bars that can be converted by hand or with common household tools into machine guns.

What this bans:

All 54 Glock handguns currently approved for sale in California would no longer be available, plus Glock clones like Shadow Systems handguns.

When the ban starts:

Dealers can’t order new Glock stock after January 1, 2026. Starting July 1, 2026, licensed firearms dealers can’t sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any covered pistols.

Who is exempt:

Law enforcement officers and military personnel can still purchase affected handguns. Current Glock owners can keep guns purchased before January 1, 2026, and private party transfers remain legal.

Dealer penalties:

First violation: $1,000 fine

Second violation: Increased fines

Third violation: Misdemeanor and license revocation

Can manufacturers fix this:

AB 1127 includes a carve-out allowing manufacturers to redesign pistols to address the issue and be re-added to the roster. They must submit for independent lab testing by January 1, 2027.

Current lawsuits:

The Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging AB 1127 as unconstitutional, arguing Glocks are among the most popular firearms in modern history with millions in circulation since the 1980s.

Ghost Gun Parts Now Require Licensed Dealers (AB 1263 & SB 704)

Assembly Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 704 create new standards and accountability measures for ghost gun parts taking effect January 1, 2026.

What changed for online parts sales:

AB 1263 requires age/ID verification (21+), signed acknowledgment forms detailing legal use, and delivery requiring buyer’s signature at time of sale.

New barrel regulations:

Starting January 1, 2026, all standalone firearm barrels—including partially finished barrels that can be readily completed—must be sold or transferred through California-licensed FFLs.

Direct-to-consumer shipment of barrels into California is no longer lawful unless the buyer is exempt (law enforcement, military, C&R with proper credentials, estate transfers, or when barrel is attached to firearm being purchased).

Background checks coming July 2026:

On July 1, 2026, barrel purchases will require background checks. Buyers must appear in person at the FFL and complete DOJ-prescribed eligibility/background check, and dealers must record and electronically report purchaser and barrel details to California DOJ.

Expanded definitions:

The definition of “firearm accessory” is expanded, a new definition for “firearm manufacturing machine” is added under California’s Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, and firearm barrels now receive their own regulatory framework.

Criminal penalties for violations:

Misdemeanor offenses and 10-year firearm prohibitions for those who knowingly/willfully aid, abet, promote, or facilitate unlawful firearm manufacturing.

This includes manufacturing assault weapons, .50 BMG rifles, unserialized guns, machineguns, large capacity magazines or conversion kits, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, undetectable firearms, unsafe handguns, zip guns, or any “generally prohibited weapon”.

Three Guns Per Month Limit Starts April 2026 (AB 1078)

AB 1078 limits firearm purchases to three per month starting April 1, 2026. It replaces a one-gun-per-month law struck down by courts.

What this means:

You can only purchase three firearms within any 30-day period through licensed dealers.

Private party transfers may have different rules—check with FFL handling transfer.

Non-resident CCW permits:

The law also allows non-Californians to hold California concealed carry weapons permits, though the process is expensive and burdensome.

Lost or Stolen Firearm Reporting Expanded (AB 725)

AB 725 expands lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements to include precursor parts and unfinished frames or receivers.

What you must report:

• Lost or stolen firearms
• Missing firearm precursor parts
• Unfinished frames or receivers

Reporting deadline:

You must report losses to local law enforcement within 5 days of discovering the loss or theft.

Failure to report missing items—whether stolen or misplaced—could result in criminal penalties for the victim.

Gun Violence Restraining Orders Streamlined (SB 899)

SB 899 streamlines the process for courts to enforce gun violence restraining orders, requiring some individuals to surrender their firearms.

What changed:

Courts can now issue restraining orders more efficiently when evidence shows a person poses danger to themselves or others.

Once issued, affected individuals must surrender all firearms to law enforcement or licensed dealers within required timeframe.

Insurance Must Ask About Your Guns (AB 3067)

AB 3067 mandates that insurance companies update applications for homeowners’ and renters’ insurance to ask specifically about firearms.

What you’ll be asked:

When you apply for or renew a policy in 2026, you’ll be required to disclose if you have firearms in the home, how many, and if they’re stored securely.

Data reporting:

Insurers must report aggregated data to the state legislature annually starting in 2027.

Privacy concerns:

Gun rights advocates worry this creates a de facto gun registry through insurance companies, though insurance companies claim data is anonymized and aggregated.

FFL Employee Training Requirements (SB 241)

SB 241 targets Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), requiring annual firearms training for employees who handle guns.

Who must comply:

All FFL employees who handle firearms must complete annual training.

Training topics:

• California gun laws
• Safe handling procedures
• Proper transfer procedures
• Recognizing prohibited persons
• Documentation requirements

This mandate places additional financial and operational strain on small businesses already struggling under California’s regulatory environment.

Who These Laws Affect

Current gun owners:

• Must store all firearms in DOJ-approved safes (SB 53)
• Can keep Glocks purchased before January 1, 2026 (AB 1127)
• Must report lost/stolen parts within 5 days (AB 725)
• Limited to 3 gun purchases per month starting April 2026 (AB 1078)
• Must disclose firearms on insurance applications (AB 3067)

Prospective gun buyers:

• Can’t buy new Glocks from dealers after July 1, 2026 (AB 1127)
• Must purchase barrels through FFLs starting January 2026 (SB 704)
• Background checks required for barrel purchases July 2026 (SB 704)
• Three gun per month limit starting April 2026 (AB 1078)

Licensed gun dealers:

• Face $1,000+ fines and license revocation for selling banned pistols (AB 1127)
• Must facilitate all barrel transfers starting January 2026 (SB 704)
• Must conduct background checks on barrel sales July 2026 (SB 704)
• Must ensure employees complete annual training (SB 241)

Online parts sellers:

• Must verify age and ID for firearm accessory sales (AB 1263)
• Must obtain signed acknowledgment forms (AB 1263)
• Must require signature at delivery (AB 1263)
• Can’t ship barrels directly to California residents (SB 704)

What You Should Do Right Now

If you own Glocks:

Your guns are grandfathered—you can keep and use them legally. Private sales remain legal after July 2026.

If you want to buy a Glock:

Purchase before July 1, 2026. Dealers can’t order new stock after January 1, 2026, so inventory is limited.

For all gun owners:

Buy DOJ-approved gun safes immediately. Quick-access biometric safes work and let you secure guns while maintaining fast access for self-defense.

Check California DOJ website for list of approved storage devices: oag.ca.gov

If you buy gun parts online:

Ship all barrels to licensed FFLs starting January 1, 2026. Expect to pay transfer fees ranging from $25 to $75.

Starting July 1, 2026, budget extra time and money for background checks on barrel purchases.

For insurance renewals:

Expect questions about firearm ownership when renewing homeowners or renters insurance in 2026. Answer truthfully—lying on insurance applications is fraud.

Penalties for Violating New Gun Laws

Safe storage violations (SB 53):

First offense: Up to 6 months jail, fines up to $1,000

If someone accesses your unsecured gun and uses it in crime: Felony charges possible, up to 3 years prison

Glock ban violations for dealers (AB 1127):

First violation: $1,000 fine

Second violation: Increased fines

Third violation: Misdemeanor conviction and license revocation

Barrel transfer violations (SB 704):

Shipping barrels directly to consumers: Criminal charges

Selling without background check after July 2026: FFL license revocation

Failure to report lost/stolen items (AB 725):

Criminal penalties including fines and potential jail time

Three gun limit violations (AB 1078):

Purchases exceeding limit may be denied by DOJ background check system

California Gun Law Enforcement in 2026

Attorney General Rob Bonta has made ghost guns and gun safety a priority, previously sponsoring legislation, issuing reports, supporting litigation, and joining national advocacy efforts.

What to expect:

Increased enforcement of storage laws through spot checks during unrelated police contacts

Strict penalties for dealers violating Glock ban

Regular audits of FFL compliance with new reporting requirements

How violations are discovered:

Safe storage violations typically discovered when:

• Police respond to domestic disturbance calls
• Guns are stolen and later used in crimes
• Minors access firearms
• Search warrants are executed for other reasons

Comparison to Other States’ Gun Laws

California now has the strictest gun laws in the nation:

Storage requirements:

No other state mandates universal storage for all gun owners regardless of household composition.

Handgun bans:

California is the first state to ban popular handgun models based on potential for illegal modification.

Parts regulation:

California is the first state requiring background checks for gun barrels.

Purchase limits:

Few states limit gun purchases per month; most states have no limits.

Upcoming Changes in 2027 and Beyond

Microstamping requirements:

If the Department determines that microstamping components are technologically viable, the Department must by July 1, 2027 determine if microstamping components are available at commercially reasonable prices and if options of microstamping-enabled firearms are readily available for purchase in California.

Barrel background check implementation:

Full DOJ system for barrel transfers operational July 1, 2027.

More legislation expected:

Gun control advocates have already announced plans for additional legislation in 2027 and 2028 targeting:

• Ammunition purchases
• Private party transfers
• Magazine capacity
• “Assault weapon” features

Resources for California Gun Owners

California Department of Justice

Firearms Division: oag.ca.gov/firearms

Phone: 916-210-3300

California DOJ Approved Gun Safes:

Check approved storage device list: oag.ca.gov

Licensed FFL Finder:

Find local dealers for barrel transfers: ezcheck.doj.ca.gov

California Penal Code:

Read full text of new laws: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Gun Rights Organizations:

Gun Owners of California: gunownersca.com

Firearms Policy Coalition: firearmspolicy.org

Second Amendment Foundation: saf.org

Legal Help:

California Rifle & Pistol Association attorney referral: crpa.org

These organizations provide legal resources and updates on ongoing lawsuits challenging California gun laws.

This article provides general information about California gun laws effective January 2026. It is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified California firearms attorney about your specific situation. Laws described here include SB 53 (universal storage), AB 1127 (Glock ban), AB 1263/SB 704 (parts regulations), AB 1078 (purchase limits), AB 725 (reporting requirements), SB 899 (restraining orders), AB 3067 (insurance disclosure), and SB 241 (FFL training).

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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