What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a California Firearms Safety Certificate?

To obtain a California Firearms Safety Certificate, an individual must be at least 18 years old. This requirement is set to ensure that applicants have reached an age where they can be responsible for handling firearms safely and legally. The emphasis on the age of 18 aligns with various legal standards regarding the purchase and possession of firearms in California, as individuals who are 18 years of age are considered adults with the capacity to enter into legal agreements and responsibilities.

While younger individuals, such as those who are 16, may participate in junior shooting programs or receive training under adult supervision, the legal threshold mandated by the state for obtaining a safety certificate and, consequently, a firearm is 18 years old. This rule underscores the importance of maturity and responsibility in firearm ownership and use.