California Penal Code Sections 16350 through 16370 establish the definitional framework for commercial firearms transactions. These definitions determine who qualifies as a dealer and what events qualify as gun shows, triggering the extensive regulatory requirements found in later sections of Part 6.[1]
Dealer Definition (PC 26700)
Section 26700 defines a "dealer" as a person who satisfies its requirements, including a valid federal firearms license (FFL), required local licenses, a seller's permit and tax registration, a DOJ certificate of eligibility, a prescribed license, and inclusion on the centralized dealer list.[2] California imposes its own licensing requirements on top of the federal FFL. To operate as a dealer in California, a person must hold both a valid FFL and a California state firearms dealer license. The state license requires compliance with local zoning ordinances, security requirements for the business premises, and completion of a DOJ-approved training course.
Gun Show Definition (PC 16360)
Section 16360 defines a "gun show" as an event where firearms are offered for sale, transfer, or exchange and where 50 or more firearms are at the event, or where 25 or more vendors display firearms or firearms-related products for sale.[3] This definition is broader than many states' definitions, capturing smaller events that might not be considered gun shows in other jurisdictions. The definition ensures that any sizable gathering involving firearms sales is subject to California's gun show regulations.
Gun Show Vendor (PC 16370)
Section 16370 defines a "gun show vendor" as any person who displays or offers for sale, sells, transfers, or exchanges any firearm, firearm part, or ammunition at a gun show or event.[4] Under this definition, even a person who brings a single firearm to sell at a gun show is classified as a vendor. Gun show vendors who are not licensed dealers are not permitted to sell firearms directly; all sales must be processed through a licensed dealer at the event.
Regulatory Consequences
Gun shows are regulated under Penal Code Sections 27200 through 27245 and 27300 through 27350. Gun show promoters must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the DOJ, maintain detailed records of all vendors, and ensure that all firearms transactions at the event comply with state law. Unless a statutory exemption applies, firearm sales at gun shows must be processed through a licensed dealer, including the standard DROS background check and 10-day waiting period. Private party transfers at gun shows are not exempt from these requirements. Gun show producers may face criminal sanctions and penalties for violating gun show laws.
Verification
9 of 9 factual claims on this page were matched to their source text as of 2026-10-16.
Show the claims
| Claim | Type | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC 16350Source text: # § 16350 As used in Section 30515, “capacity to accept more than 10 rounds” means capable of accommodating more than 10 rounds. The term does not apply to a f | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| 16370Source text: # § 16370 As used in Sections 31610 to 31700, inclusive, “certified instructor” or “DOJ Certified Instructor” means a person designated as a handgun safety ins | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| Penal Code Sections 16350Source text: # § 16350 As used in Section 30515, “capacity to accept more than 10 rounds” means capable of accommodating more than 10 rounds. The term does not apply to a f | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| California Penal Code Sections 16350Source text: # § 16350 As used in Section 30515, “capacity to accept more than 10 rounds” means capable of accommodating more than 10 rounds. The term does not apply to a f | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| PC 26700Source text: # § 26700 As used in this division, and in any other provision listed in Section 16580, “dealer,” “licensee,” or “person licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| PC 16360Source text: # § 16360 As used in this part, “CCW” means “carry concealed weapons.” | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| PC 16370Source text: # § 16370 As used in Sections 31610 to 31700, inclusive, “certified instructor” or “DOJ Certified Instructor” means a person designated as a handgun safety ins | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| Penal Code Sections 27200Source text: # § 27200 ## (a) No person shall produce, promote, sponsor, operate, or otherwise organize a gun show or event, as specified in subdivision (b) of Section 268 | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
| 27245Source text: # § 27245 ## (a) A willful failure by a gun show producer to comply with any of the requirements of this article, except for the posting of required signs, sh | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |
Sources
[1] California Legislature. Penal Code Section 16350 - Dealer Definition
Part 6, Title 1, 16350
[2] California Legislature. Penal Code Section 26700 - Dealer Licensing Requirements
Part 6, Title 4, 26700
[3] California Legislature. Penal Code Section 16360 - Gun Show Definition
Part 6, Title 1, 16360
[4] California Legislature. Penal Code Section 16370 - Gun Show Vendor Definition
Part 6, Title 1, 16370