As of January 1, 2026, two California bills — AB 1263 and SB 704 — have changed how firearm parts, accessories, and barrels can be sold and shipped to California residents. Many retailers have already stopped shipping gun parts to California entirely. Here's what's in the bills and what it means for buyers and sellers.
The Short Version
If you live in California and buy firearm parts or accessories online, expect mandatory age verification, address matching to your state ID, adult signature delivery, and acknowledgment forms. Standalone barrels must now ship to an FFL — and starting July 1, 2026, barrel purchases will require a background check.
Table of Contents
What Changed on January 1, 2026?
Two pieces of California legislation took effect simultaneously:
- AB 1263 — Imposes age verification, identity matching, adult signature delivery, and acknowledgment requirements on the sale and shipment of firearm parts, accessories, and precursor parts to California residents.
- SB 704 — Makes it unlawful to ship standalone firearm barrels directly to a California resident. All barrels must now go through a licensed FFL dealer for pickup.
Together, these laws change the online purchase process for most gun parts for California residents. The stated goal is to combat "ghost guns" and untraceable firearms, but the scope reaches beyond 80% lowers and unfinished frames into common accessories and replacement parts.
AB 1263: Firearm Parts & Accessories Restrictions
AB 1263 targets a broad range of firearm-related products. For any covered item sold to a California resident, the vendor must:
- Verify the buyer is 21 years or older using a current, valid state-issued ID
- Match the shipping address to the address on the buyer's ID
- Obtain a signed acknowledgment — a state-mandated legal warning form detailing lawful use
- Require adult signature delivery — the package must be signed for by someone 21 or older (USPS Adult Signature Confirmation, FedEx/UPS equivalent)
These requirements apply to both online and in-person sales, though the practical impact falls hardest on e-commerce.
Full List of Affected Parts & Accessories
AB 1263 covers a wide range of components. Here's what falls under the new restrictions:
Firearm Precursor Parts
- Unfinished frames, receivers, or lowers (80% lowers, polymer frames)
- Any forging, casting, printing, extrusion, or machined body that can readily be completed into a functional frame or receiver
Conversion Components
- Slides and bolt carriers
- Bolts and bolt assemblies
- Hammers and trigger assemblies
- Upper receivers and parts kits
- Auto-sears, switches, and similar devices
Regulated Accessories (Per Penal Code 30515)
- Pistol grips that protrude conspicuously beneath the action
- Thumbhole stocks
- Folding or telescoping stocks
- Detachable stocks
- Flash suppressors
- Forward pistol grips
- Grenade or flare launchers
- Threaded handgun barrels
- Second handgrips
- Handgun shrouds
Manufacturing Equipment
- 3D printers capable of printing firearm components
- CNC milling machines designed for firearm manufacturing
- Jigs and tools specifically for completing precursor parts
Other Restricted Items
- Large-capacity magazines
- Large-capacity magazine conversion kits
- Multiburst trigger activators
- Silencer/suppressor components
What's NOT Affected
The following items can still be shipped directly to California residents without the new AB 1263 requirements:
- Iron sights and optics (red dots, scopes, reflex sights)
- Weapon-mounted lights and lasers
- Slings and sling mounts
- Bipods and monopods
- Holsters and cases
- Cleaning kits and maintenance supplies
- Rail covers
- Ammunition (subject to existing California ammo laws)
- Standard grips that don't fall under Penal Code 30515 definitions
SB 704: Standalone Barrel Restrictions
SB 704 specifically targets firearm barrels sold separately from complete firearms:
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | All standalone firearm barrels (rifle, pistol, shotgun — any caliber, including threaded and partially finished) must ship to a California-licensed FFL for customer pickup. No direct-to-door delivery. |
| July 1, 2026 | Barrel purchases will additionally require an in-person DOJ background check at the receiving FFL. |
This means that starting mid-2026, buying a replacement barrel in California will require roughly the same process as buying a firearm — FFL transfer and background check included.
New Shipping & Purchase Requirements Summary
| Requirement | AB 1263 (Parts/Accessories) | SB 704 (Barrels) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Verification (21+) | Yes | Yes |
| ID Address Matching | Yes | N/A (ships to FFL) |
| Adult Signature Delivery | Yes | N/A (ships to FFL) |
| Acknowledgment Form | Yes | Yes |
| Must Ship to FFL | No (ships to ID address) | Yes |
| Background Check | No | Yes (starting July 1, 2026) |
How Retailers Are Responding
The compliance burden has been significant, and retailers have taken different approaches:
- Many major retailers have stopped shipping all firearm parts and accessories to California entirely — not just the restricted items
- Major distributors like RSR Group now require California FFLs to complete and file compliance affidavits before shipping inventory into the state
- Some retailers are implementing the verification systems but passing the added shipping costs (adult signature services) to customers
- California gun shops are reporting inventory challenges as the supply chain adjusts
Legal Challenges
Multiple lawsuits challenging AB 1263 and SB 704 have been filed or are in preparation. Second Amendment organizations argue these laws place burdens on the right to maintain and repair lawfully owned firearms. The California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) has published guidance for both consumers and FFLs navigating the new requirements.
Constitutional challenges are expected to focus on whether requiring background checks and FFL transfers for common replacement parts has historical precedent — a key test under the Supreme Court's Bruen framework established in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AB 1263 ban gun parts in California?
No — it doesn't ban the parts themselves. It imposes verification and shipping requirements on how they can be sold and delivered. However, many retailers have stopped shipping to California rather than take on the compliance requirements.
Do these laws apply to in-store purchases?
Yes. The age verification and acknowledgment requirements apply to both online and in-person sales. In-store purchases don't have the same shipping complications, however.
Can I still order gun parts if I have a California FFL?
FFLs have a somewhat different path, but distributors are now requiring compliance affidavits. Law enforcement is explicitly exempted from most requirements.
I don't live in California. Does this affect me?
Not directly — these laws only apply to shipments into California. Some industry observers have noted that retailers restructuring their operations for California compliance could affect pricing and availability elsewhere.
When do background checks for barrels start?
July 1, 2026. Until then, barrels must ship to an FFL but don't require a background check. After that date, a DOJ check at the FFL will be required before taking possession.
Where can I read the full text of these bills?
The full text of AB 1263 is available on the California Legislative Information website. The CRPA has also published a guidance document for manufacturers and FFLs.
What do you think about these new California laws? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
