Property & Evidence

State law requires additional steps for the release of any firearm held by law enforcement. Under Penal Code Section 12021.3, the Law Enforcement Gun Release Program (LEGRP) is administered by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Firearms.

Important requirements:

• A DOJ Clearance Letter is mandatory before any firearm can be released—this applies to firearms held as evidence, found property, or safekeeping.
• Processing may take up to 30 days.
• If the firearm is part of a criminal case, final release must be approved by the assigned detective.
• Firearms not claimed within 180 days of notification or eligibility may be disposed of in accordance with law (PC 33875).
• The Sheriff’s Office cannot waive or modify DOJ requirements.

DOJ Fees:

• $20 for the application and first firearm
• $3 for each additional handgun

The DOJ will conduct a background check and register the firearm to the applicant. If approved, they will issue a clearance letter, which must be presented to the Sheriff’s Office to complete the release.
Clearance letters expire 30 days after issuance, and firearms not claimed within 180 days may be subject to disposal.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms https://oag.ca.gov/firearms  directly.