If you’ve shopped for firearms online, you know the FFL transfer fee can add $50–$150 to a purchase. At TacticCAL Gun Store in Sunnyvale, we waive that fee for orders placed at TacticCALGunStore.com. Here’s how it works and why it matters.
What is an FFL transfer?
Federal law requires firearms to ship to a Federally Licensed Firearms (FFL) dealer for legal transfer to the buyer. You don’t pick up a handgun, rifle, or shotgun the way you’d pick up a package — it has to go through a licensed dealer who logs the transfer, runs a background check, and (in California) files DROS paperwork.
That dealer charges a fee for the service. Across the Bay Area — Sunnyvale, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Fremont, Oakland — typical FFL transfer fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the dealer and whether the firearm requires special handling.
Tier 1: TacticCAL orders pay zero
When you order a firearm from TacticCALGunStore.com or TTCal.com, the FFL transfer fee is FREE. Additional firearms on the same order are also FREE. Ammunition transfer fees on the same order are FREE. You only pay the standard CA DROS background check fee of $37.19, plus the $5 or $19 ammo background check if applicable.
This is a major cost saving compared to buying elsewhere and transferring through a Bay Area FFL.
Tier 2: All other internet orders
If you bought a firearm somewhere else online and need an FFL to receive it, we can do that too. Tier 2 transfers are $150 + tax for the first firearm, $100 + tax for each additional firearm on the same shipment, plus the $37.19 DROS fee.
Why the difference? When you buy from us, we make our money on the firearm itself. When you buy from a third party, the transfer service is the only revenue, so we charge a market-rate fee.
Bay Area service area
Customers from across the Bay Area regularly use our Sunnyvale store for FFL transfers:
- Sunnyvale residents — local pickup, no shipping fee
- San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View — quick drive
- Palo Alto, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos — under 20 minutes
- Fremont, Milpitas — short hop across 880
- Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward — 30–45 minutes via 880 or 580
- Campbell — under 15 minutes via 85
We’re at 175 San Lazaro Ave Ste 160 Sunnyvale CA 94086, open Tuesday through Saturday 10am–6pm.
The transfer process
Step 1. Have the seller ship to us. Our FFL info: TacticCAL LLC, CA Dealer License #23996, 175 San Lazaro Ave Ste 160, Sunnyvale CA 94086.
Step 2. We notify you when the firearm arrives.
Step 3. Schedule a DROS appointment. Bring your CA driver’s license, FSC, and proof of residency.
Step 4. Pass the background check (DROS).
Step 5. Wait 10 days (California’s mandatory waiting period).
Step 6. Pick up the firearm.
Important rules
The firearm has to be Roster-compliant if it’s a semi-automatic handgun (or PC 32100 exempt). If you ordered a non-Roster handgun online, California won’t let us transfer it to you. We’ll do our best to help you resolve the situation, but the law applies.
You also have to be a California resident with a valid FSC, and you have to pass the background check. These rules apply to every firearm transfer in California, regardless of which dealer you use.
Pickup deadline
You have 7 days from your pickup notification to claim the firearm. Storage fees apply after 15 days.
Questions about a specific transfer? Email info@tacticcal.com or call 408-877-1212.