Process for the Return of Firearms, Ammunition or Feeding Devices

Law Enforcement Release (LER)

• Create an account with DOJ CFARS: https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/login
• Follow their application process and pay all DOJ fees
• You will receive a letter from DOJ acknowledging receipt of your LER application
• After you receive the letter from DOJ, call the Evidence department at (760) 355-4329 to schedule an appointment. (Note: The letter expires within 30 days from the date of the notice)

• At the time of your appointment you will need to bring:
  • valid CA REAL ID/Driver’s License, valid Military ID, or valid US Passport.
  • Original DOJ letter with stamped gold seal

*Firearms will only be released to the registered owner (Ensure firearms are registered in AFS through DOJ)

If you have any questions or comments concerning CFARS, please contact the Customer Support Center using one of the following options:

• Log into the CFARS application website listed above and select the Report an Issue link from any screen
• Phone number: (916) 210-2300
• Fax number: (916) 227-7480
• Email: firearms.bureau@doj.ca.gov
• Mail:       
  Bureau of Firearms       
  P.O. Box 820200       
  Sacramento, CA 94203-0200

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/lerinfo

The Law Enforcement Release process requires any person who claims title to any firearm, ammunition or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency and who wishes to have the aforementioned items returned, to submit a LER Application form to the California Department of Justice (the Department) to determine eligibility to possess a firearm, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding device.  (Penal Code section 33850)

LER Application Submission Process

Individuals seeking the return of a firearm, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency must submit a LER Application along with the appropriate fees to the Department. Additionally, if an individual is seeking the return of a long gun purchased prior to January 1, 2014 which has not been subsequently recorded in their name by either a self reporting application, or registered as an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle, should submit a Firearms Ownership Report application (BOF 4542A), pdf , along with the appropriate fees.

An eligibility check will be conducted to determine if the applicant is lawfully eligible to possess firearms, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding devices. A notice of the results will be sent to the applicant via U.S. mail. The notice must be presented to the court or law enforcement agency within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice. Notices over 30 days are considered expired.  If you allow your notice to expire, you will need to submit a new application and fees to initiate a new eligibility check.

Applications for firearm only: you may utilize the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) to submit your application.