California

Secure Storage
Laws in California

California has the strongest gun laws in the country and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These include a full secure storage law, which took effect January 1, 2026.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in California

California state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms — in the home and in vehicles — to prevent unauthorized access. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met. 

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in California* are required to store their firearm(s) in their homes securely to prevent unauthorized users from accessing them. This means that all gun owners must securely store all firearms in their residence whenever the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the owner or a lawful authorized user.

Secure storage means securing the gun with any firearm safety device or gun safe that is listed on the Department of Justice’s roster for tested and approved firearm safety devices.

*Note: Some cities and counties in California have enacted local ordinances that impose additional secure firearm storage requirements.

Citation: See California Penal Code §§ 25000, 25100, 25105, 25110, 25145.

California’s secure gun storage laws apply to handguns left in unattended vehicles. If a gun owner is leaving their handgun in an unattended vehicle, they are required to secure it in one of the following ways:

  • Lock the handgun in the trunk;
  • Lock the handgun in a locked container** that is placed out of plain view or is permanently affixed to the vehicle’s interior and not in plain view; or
  • Lock the handgun in a locked toolbox or utility box (meaning a fully enclosed container that is permanently affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or vehicle that does not contain a trunk).

** A vehicle’s utility or glove compartment does not constitute a locked container for purposes of this storage requirement.

Citation: See California Penal Code §§ 25000, 25100, 25105, 25110, 25145.

Gun owners who do not follow the above requirements, as well as any additional requirements in their locality, may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties, which could include fines or imprisonment.

By the Numbers

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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

California Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in California in English or Spanish.