The California DROS, or Dealer’s Record of Sale, is the background check entry system that Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) use to register firearm purchases or transfers to residents of California. This system is an essential component of California’s legal framework, ensuring that firearm transactions are conducted in compliance with federal and state law.
Point of Contact (POC) State
The state of California acts as the Point of Contact (POC) for All Firearm Transactions. California is a “POC state” along with Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. This role requires California to be responsible for administering these background checks to the FBI. This way, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has more direct oversight over firearms transactions.
The Dealer’s Record of Sale system allows the ATF to keep more efficient background check records. Regulations surrounding this system state:
- “NICS states” are states in which the FBI Conducts NICS Checks for All Firearms Transactions
- “POC states” act as the Point of Contact (POC) for All Firearms Transactions
- “Partial POC” states Act as a Partial Point of Contact (POC) for NICS Checks
Accurate and Complete Record-Keeping
Accurate data entry is a crucial part of making sure firearms don’t end up in the hands of criminals. Additionally, paying employees to hand-type information into the FFL Dealer’s Record of Sale system is time-consuming and costly. Detailed record-keeping is essential for compliance with California law and supporting law enforcement agencies in monitoring and regulating firearm transactions.
What’s Required for the California DROS Transaction Process
As mandated by California law, the firearms dealer must contact the FBI to conduct thorough background checks for firearm purchases. These checks must adhere to the procedures set by the California DOJ and the ATF.
To comply with these regulations, every DROS entry must include the purchaser’s name, driver’s license or identification card number, address, and date of birth. It should also detail the firearm’s serial number, the type of firearm (handgun, long gun, or a firearm precursor part), and the specific penal code sections that govern the purchase. The system requires the collection of a DROS fee, acquisition of a firearm safety certificate, and adherence to the mandatory waiting period.
The ATF’s regulatory framework outlines the significance of accurate record-keeping and compliance with federal law. ATF field divisions, ATF inspectors, and ATF agents have a lot of discretion at their disposal. FFLs who take the time to implement the controls to mitigate risks before a single inspection has even taken place are heavily considered. Aside from extraordinary circumstances, this precaution can make all the difference when ATF agents use that discretion to recommend corrective actions or cite for a willful violation, or criminal activity with serious punishment.
FastBound’s Role in Automated Background Check Systems
FastBound’s intuitive and efficient digital platform simplifies the firearm transaction process for FFLs by automating the background check system. We assist FFLs in the accurate entry of information, such as the firearm purchaser’s details and specifics about the firearm being purchased. Our software helps reduce the potential for human error and the time spent on manual data entry. We are committed to keeping FFLs ahead of compliance requirements and ATF inspections.
Find out why thousands of FFLs have chosen FastBound to process over a billion firearms transactions since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting period?
The waiting period is ten 24-hour periods from when the DROS paperwork is accepted by the DOJ.
Can I cancel or change a DROS submission?
You can cancel or correct your submission within 60 days. You must submit a cancellation/correction form to the DOJ.
How much is the associated fee you have to pay in the DROS process?
The state's fee is $31.19. Firearm purchases pay this fee at the time of transfer and it covers the costs of the background check and transfer registry.
Can a DROS background check expire?
Yes. The purchaser has 30 days to take possession of the firearm after submission. If they don't, the dealer can cancel the DROS submission.
Are there a maximum number of handguns that someone can purchase?
A person can't make more than one application for a handgun purchase within any 30-day period. However, some individuals are exempt from this 30-day restriction.
