California Firearms Dealer Signage and Display Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Licensed firearms dealers in California must comply with specific signage and display requirements under the California Penal Code to promote public safety and regulatory adherence. These requirements include displaying the dealer’s license and posting three mandatory signs that inform customers about legal obligations, safety protocols, and operational policies related to firearm sales and transfers. As of May 2025, state law mandates four items: the dealer’s license (a display requirement) and signs from three categories addressing firearm safety, suicide prevention, and surveillance. This article provides a detailed overview of these requirements, including the exact text of each sign, specific details such as font size, placement, and additional considerations for compliance.

Required Displays Under State Law

Research indicates that California firearms dealers must display the following four items under state law, as updated by legislation effective January 1, 2024:

1. Dealer’s License

• Legal Basis: Penal Code § 26810
• Requirement: The dealer’s license, or a certified copy, must be displayed on the premises where it can easily be seen.
• Purpose: Ensures transparency and compliance with licensing authorities, allowing customers and inspectors to verify the dealer’s legal status.
• Details: Effective since January 1, 2012, this is a display requirement, not a sign. No specific font size or formatting is mandated, but the license must be clearly visible, typically near the entrance or counter.

2. Comprehensive Warning Sign

• Legal Basis: Penal Code § 26835(a)
• Content: A sign with nine specific warnings in block letters at least one inch in height:
  1. “FIREARMS MUST BE HANDLED RESPONSIBLY AND SECURELY STORED TO PREVENT ACCESS BY CHILDREN AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED USERS. CALIFORNIA HAS STRICT LAWS PERTAINING TO FIREARMS, AND YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THEM. VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL AT HTTPS://OAG.CA.GOV/FIREARMS FOR INFORMATION ON FIREARM LAWS APPLICABLE TO YOU AND HOW YOU CAN COMPLY.”
  2. “IF YOU KEEP A FIREARM WITHIN ANY PREMISES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY OR CONTROL, AND A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE OBTAINS IT AND USES IT, RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH, OR CARRIES IT TO A PUBLIC PLACE, YOU MAY BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY UNLESS YOU STORED THE FIREARM IN A LOCKED CONTAINER OR LOCKED THE FIREARM WITH A LOCKING DEVICE TO KEEP IT FROM TEMPORARILY FUNCTIONING.”
  3. “CHILDREN MAY BE UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH FIREARMS FROM TOYS AND MAY OPERATE FIREARMS, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES OR DEATH. IF YOU KEEP A FIREARM WITHIN ANY PREMISES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY OR CONTROL, AND A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE GAINS ACCESS TO THE FIREARM AND CARRIES IT OFF-PREMISES, YOU MAY BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR, UNLESS YOU STORED THE FIREARM IN A LOCKED CONTAINER, OR LOCKED THE FIREARM WITH A LOCKING DEVICE TO KEEP IT FROM TEMPORARILY FUNCTIONING.”
  4. “YOU MAY BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR, INCLUDING A SIGNIFICANT FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, IF YOU KEEP A FIREARM WHERE A MINOR IS LIKELY TO ACCESS IT OR IF A MINOR OBTAINS AND IMPROPERLY USES IT, OR CARRIES IT OFF OF THE PREMISES TO A SCHOOL OR SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENT, UNLESS YOU STORED THE FIREARM IN A LOCKED CONTAINER OR LOCKED THE FIREARM WITH A LOCKING DEVICE.”
  5. “IF YOU NEGLIGENTLY STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM WITHIN ANY PREMISES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY OR CONTROL WHERE A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE IS LIKELY TO ACCESS IT, YOU MAY BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR, INCLUDING A SIGNIFICANT FINE, UNLESS YOU STORED THE FIREARM IN A LOCKED CONTAINER OR LOCKED THE FIREARM WITH A LOCKING DEVICE.”
  6. “DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS, OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD, A SUBSTANCE KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM, AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE.”
  7. “FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT IF YOU DO NOT TAKE PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF THE FIREARM THAT YOU ARE ACQUIRING OWNERSHIP OF WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE INITIAL BACKGROUND CHECK PAPERWORK, THEN YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS A SECOND TIME IN ORDER TO TAKE PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF THAT FIREARM.”
  8. “NO PERSON SHALL MAKE AN APPLICATION TO PURCHASE MORE THAN ONE FIREARM WITHIN ANY 30-DAY PERIOD AND NO DELIVERY SHALL BE MADE TO ANY PERSON WHO HAS MADE AN APPLICATION TO PURCHASE MORE THAN ONE FIREARM WITHIN ANY 30-DAY PERIOD.”
  9. “IF A FIREARM YOU OWN OR POSSESS IS LOST OR STOLEN, YOU MUST REPORT THE LOSS OR THEFT TO A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHERE THE LOSS OR THEFT OCCURRED WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF THE TIME YOU KNEW OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THE FIREARM HAD BEEN LOST OR STOLEN.”
• Placement: Must be posted conspicuously within the licensed premises, typically at the point of sale or near firearm displays.
• Details: This sign consolidates multiple warnings previously required under separate sections. The text must be in block letters not less than one inch in height, ensuring readability.

3. Suicide Prevention Sign

• Legal Basis: Penal Code § 26835(b)
• Content: “WARNING: IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS EXPERIENCING DISTRESS OR DEPRESSION OR IS CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE, PLEASE CALL 988 (THE 988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE). ACCESS TO A FIREARM IN THE HOME SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES THE RISK OF SUICIDE, DEATH, AND INJURY DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISPUTES, AND THE UNINTENTIONAL DEATH AND TRAUMATIC INJURY TO CHILDREN, HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS, AND GUESTS.”
• Placement: Must be posted on the counter of one main gun display or within five feet of the cash register. If this is not feasible, it must be posted conspicuously within the premises, not on the floor or ceiling. The word “WARNING” must be on a separate line above the other text, and the suicide hotline line must be below “WARNING” and above the other text.
• Details: This sign addresses public health concerns by highlighting firearm-related risks and providing crisis resources. No specific font size is mandated beyond being conspicuous, but it must be clearly visible.

4. Surveillance Warning Sign

• Legal Basis: Penal Code § 26806(c)
• Content: “THESE PREMISES ARE UNDER VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE. YOUR IMAGE AND CONVERSATIONS MAY BE RECORDED.”
• Placement: Must be posted conspicuously at each entrance to the premises.
• Details: Added by SB-1384 (2022) and effective January 1, 2024, this requirement aligns with mandates for digital video surveillance systems. The text must be in block letters not less than one inch in height.

These inaccuracies reflect changes in the law, particularly the consolidation of warnings into Penal Code § 26835, effective January 1, 2024.

Additional Signage Considerations

Research suggests no additional dealer specific signs are required under state law beyond the four displays listed. However, dealers should consider:

• Proposition 65 Compliance: The lead exposure warning in Penal Code § 26835(a)(6) satisfies Proposition 65 requirements under California Health and Safety Code § 25249.6, as it addresses chemical exposure from firearms and ammunition. Dealers may opt for a separate Proposition 65 sign for clarity, especially if selling other products requiring warnings, but should verify with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
  • Example of a Proposition 65 Warning Sign for a Firearms Dealership
  • Given the presence of lead in firearms and ammunition, firearms dealerships must provide a Proposition 65 warning to comply with California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The warning must inform customers about potential exposure to lead, known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Based on standard Proposition 65 warning language and examples from businesses, an example of such a sign is:
  • Example Text: “⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.“
  • Details:
    • The sign must include the warning symbol (⚠).
    • The text must be in block letters at least one inch in height to ensure readability.
    • It must be posted conspicuously, typically at the entrance or near the point of sale, where customers can easily see it.
    • The URL provides additional information for consumers.
  • Purpose: This sign informs customers about the potential risks associated with lead exposure from handling firearms and ammunition, ensuring compliance with Proposition 65.
• Local Jurisdictions: Cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco may impose additional signage requirements, such as warnings about local ammunition sales restrictions or zoning rules. Dealers must consult local authorities to ensure compliance.
• Vendor Practices: Vendors like RK Enterprises offer packages with additional signs (e.g., for ammunition sales or background checks) that may be useful for customer information or federal/local compliance, though not state-mandated.

Placement and Penalties

• Placement: All signs must be posted conspicuously as specified:
  • Dealer’s License: Displayed where easily seen, often near the entrance or counter.
  • Comprehensive Warning Sign: Conspicuously within the premises, typically at the point of sale or firearm display areas.
  • Suicide Prevention Sign: On the counter or within five feet of the cash register, or another conspicuous location if not feasible.
  • Surveillance Warning Sign: At each entrance to the premises.
  • Signs must use block letters at least one inch in height (where specified) and be printed on durable material to remain legible during DOJ inspections.
• Penalties: Failure to display the required license or signs can lead to:
  • Fines: Monetary penalties for each missing or non-compliant sign.
  • License Violations: Repeated violations may result in suspension or revocation of the dealer’s license.
  • Criminal Penalties: In rare cases, willful non-compliance could lead to misdemeanor charges.
  • Civil Liability: Non-compliance with Proposition 65 warnings may result in lawsuits or fines under consumer protection laws.
  • The DOJ’s Bureau of Firearms conducts regular inspections to verify compliance, and dealers should maintain documentation of signage to demonstrate adherence.

Obtaining Compliant Signs

The California DOJ does not provide pre-printed signs; dealers must source them independently. RK Enterprises offers compliant signage tailored to Penal Code requirements, including packages with all required signs and additional informational posters. Dealers should ensure purchased signs match the exact wording and formatting specified in the law.

Conclusion

California firearms dealers must display their license and three specific categories of signs under state law: the comprehensive warning signs, suicide prevention sign, and surveillance warning sign, as mandated by Penal Code §§ 26810, 26835, and 26806. No additional dealer signs are required by state law, but local jurisdictions may impose further mandates. The lead exposure warning in the comprehensive sign meets Proposition 65 requirements. Proper placement and formatting are essential to avoid penalties during DOJ inspections. Dealers can source compliant signage from vendors like RK Enterprises.

If you are a dealer and need any guidance on California or federal firearm laws, contact us at 866-545-4867 or via e-mail at [email protected]