Compliance Resources
California AB 1263 Compliance
New requirements for selling accessories, barrels, and manufacturing equipment to California. Here is how to stay compliant.
What AB 1263 Requires You to Do
Since January 1, 2026, every sale of a firearm accessory, unattached barrel, or manufacturing equipment to a California consumer requires all of the following:
Written Notice
Provide a clear notice informing buyers of specific activities that are crimes in California without a valid manufacturing license.
Signed Acknowledgment
Obtain a signed attestation from the buyer confirming they received and understand the notice.
Age & Identity Verification
Verify the buyer is at least 18 years of age via proof of age and identity.
Delivery Requirements
Packages must require signature and ID from a person aged 18+, and the shipping address must match the buyer's ID.
Note: These requirements apply to consumer-facing sales. Sales to federally licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers, importers, ammunition vendors, wholesalers, and law enforcement acting in an official capacity are exempt.
How eCheckpoint Helps
AB 1263 is one law in one state. Your compliance obligations extend far beyond it. eCheckpoint’s compliance platform automates AB 1263 requirements as part of a comprehensive solution that covers regional restrictions, product screening, buyer-type recognition, and more across all 50 states:
Age & Identity Verification with Verify™
Verify automates age and identity verification directly within your checkout workflow, helping you meet AB 1263's verification requirements with no manual steps.
Buyer-Type Recognition with ClearCart
ClearCart automatically adjusts screening rules based on customer type. Individual consumers, retailers, and government buyers each get the appropriate compliance treatment, so exempt transactions move through without unnecessary friction.
Regional Screening with CityCheck
CityCheck screens every transaction against California-specific restrictions across 42,000 regions, so affected products are flagged automatically.
Complete Audit Trail
Every compliance action is documented and ready for review. Verification records, screening results, and buyer-type decisions are all in one place.
Your AB 1263 Compliance Checklist
- Review your product catalog for affected items (accessories, unattached barrels, manufacturing equipment)
- Implement the required written notice for applicable sales
- Establish a process to obtain signed buyer acknowledgments
- Update age and ID verification procedures for California transactions
- Implement delivery signature and identification requirements for shipments to California
- Audit digital file distribution practices for California customers
- Train staff on new requirements
- Consult legal counsel for specific compliance questions
Firearm Barrel Sales: SB-704
Standalone firearm barrels are subject to both AB 1263 and SB-704. As of January 1, 2026, all standalone barrels must be sold or transferred through a California-licensed FFL. Direct-to-consumer shipment of barrels into California is no longer lawful.
Coming July 1, 2027Starting July 1, 2027, SB-704 adds further requirements:
- Buyer must complete a DOJ-prescribed background check in person at the FFL
- Dealer must electronically report transaction details to California DOJ
For guidance, consult the California DOJ Firearms Bureau.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are affected by AB 1263?
Firearm accessories (including pistol grips, stocks, flash suppressors, forward grips, threaded barrels, and other attachments described in Section 30515), unattached firearm barrels, firearm manufacturing machines, and any device, tool, kit, or parts set clearly designed for use in manufacturing firearms.
Who does AB 1263 apply to?
Any business selling affected products directly to California consumers, regardless of where the business is located. Sales to FFLs, manufacturers, wholesalers, ammunition vendors, and law enforcement acting in an official capacity are exempt.
What about barrel sales?
Standalone barrels are subject to both AB 1263 and SB-704. As of January 1, 2026, all barrel sales require the same notice, buyer acknowledgment, and age verification as firearm accessories, and all standalone barrels must be sold or transferred through a California-licensed FFL. Direct-to-consumer shipment is no longer lawful. Starting July 1, 2027, SB-704 adds a DOJ-prescribed background check and electronic reporting of transaction details to the California DOJ.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties may include criminal liability, civil liability under FIRA, and potential 10-year firearm prohibitions for certain offenses. Consult legal counsel for specific guidance.
Can eCheckpoint help with AB 1263 compliance?
Yes. Verify automates age and identity verification at checkout, ClearCart recognizes buyer types like licensed FFLs, retailers, and government buyers and adjusts screening rules accordingly, and CityCheck screens every transaction against California-specific restrictions across 42,000 regions. Unlike point solutions that only address AB 1263, eCheckpoint is a comprehensive compliance platform that covers regional restrictions, product screening, and FFL validation across all 50 states. Schedule a demo to see how it works for your store.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Businesses should consult with qualified legal counsel familiar with California firearms law to ensure compliance.
Sources: California Legislative Information - AB 1263, California Legislative Information - SB 704, California Attorney General
Last updated: March 2026