Since January 1, 2026, California SB 53 requires a firearm at home that is not being carried or under a lawful user's control to be kept in a secure gun safe, or locked or disabled with a certified firearm safety device. First and second violations are infractions with fines of up to $500.
Updated · By FirearmSafety.us editors · Sources linked in the article
California's Senate Bill 53 took effect on January 1, 2026. It extends the state's older child-access rules to every home. In short, if a firearm in a residence is not being carried or kept under the control of a lawful user, it has to be stored securely.
What counts as secure storage
The law defines it as being kept in, locked by, or disabled with a certified firearm safety device or a secure gun safe. In practice, that means one of these:
- A DOJ-approved gun safe or lockbox.
- A certified cable lock or trigger lock fitted so the firearm cannot fire.
Hiding a firearm in a drawer, a closet or under a mattress is not secure storage.
Penalties
First and second violations are infractions with fines of up to $500. Later violations can be charged as misdemeanors. Separate, more serious laws apply if a child or prohibited person gets hold of a firearm.
A simple storage plan
- Choose the container for how you use the firearm: a quick-access lockbox for a home-defense handgun, a larger safe for long guns.
- Unload before storing unless you have a considered reason not to, and lock ammunition separately when you can.
- Control access. Do not share codes with children, and do not hide keys where they can be found.
- Practice opening it in the dark and under pressure so secure storage does not feel like a trade-off.
- Re-check when guests stay or when life changes, such as a new baby or a teenager in the house.
This is general information, not legal advice. Read the current rules on the California Department of Justice website and ask a qualified attorney about your own situation.
Common questions
When did SB 53 take effect?
January 1, 2026.
What is the penalty for not storing a firearm securely in California?
The first and second offenses are infractions with fines of up to $500. Later offenses can be misdemeanors.
Does a cable lock count as secure storage?
A certified firearm safety device, such as an approved cable lock fitted so the firearm cannot fire, meets the definition.
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