Gun Laws/California/Federal update October 9, 2026; state rules reviewed October 12, 2026

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Are suppressors legal in California?

Quick answer

No

California makes possessing a suppressor a felony.

0 of California's 3 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with suppressors.

What ATF's October 9 change means for suppressors →

Put a suppressor on a short AR in 3D with California's rules →

Not legal advice. Source: Cal. Penal Code § 33410, checked October 12, 2026

Suppressor laws by state

Alabama: LegalAlaska: LegalArizona: LegalColorado: LegalFlorida: LegalGeorgia: LegalIndiana: LegalKansas: LegalMaine: LegalMassachusetts: BannedMinnesota: LegalNew Jersey: BannedNorth Carolina: LegalNorth Dakota: LegalOklahoma: LegalPennsylvania: LegalSouth Dakota: LegalTexas: LegalWyoming: LegalConnecticut: LegalMissouri: LegalWest Virginia: LegalIllinois: BannedNew Mexico: LegalArkansas: LegalCalifornia: BannedDelaware: BannedHawaii: BannedIowa: LegalKentucky: LegalMaryland: LegalMichigan: LegalMississippi: LegalMontana: LegalNew Hampshire: LegalNew York: BannedOhio: LegalOregon: LegalTennessee: LegalUtah: LegalVirginia: LegalWashington: LegalWisconsin: LegalNebraska: LegalSouth Carolina: LegalIdaho: LegalNevada: LegalVermont: LegalLouisiana: LegalRhode Island: BannedALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Legal (42)Banned (8)Suppressor laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means Legal; caution means Restricted; restricted means Banned

Muzzle devices in California

Suppressors are off the table in California. California also has an assault weapon law, and a flash hider is a listed feature in most of those laws (some also count muzzle brakes, compensators or a threaded barrel). Check the state's own feature list against your rifle before you buy a muzzle device.

Not legal advice. Confirm your own configuration before you buy. All California gun laws

What the California statute says

California makes possessing a suppressor a felony

Cal. Penal Code § 33410

“Any person, firm, or corporation who within this state possesses a silencer is guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

California makes possessing a silencer a felony with a fine of up to $10,000, and federal registration does not change that. Section 33415 exempts only the law enforcement agencies listed in section 830.1, the military, on duty peace officers, and NFA registered dealers or manufacturers selling to those agencies. No permit exists for a private owner.

Statute text checked October 12, 2026. Quotes are the statute's own words.

California law in detail

  • Heavily restricted (NFA) — SBRs, suppressors, and machine guns are prohibited for civilians. Only SBS may be obtainable with special permits in rare cases.

The federal rule

Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act, and the federal tax dropped from $200 to $0 on January 1, 2026. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). That follows the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF ruling, which the Justice Department chose to apply nationwide. This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. A dealer still runs a Form 4473 and a background check. State law can still ban suppressors outright. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Suppressors in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Are suppressors legal in California?

No. California makes possessing a suppressor a felony. The statute: Cal. Penal Code § 33410. Federal update October 9, 2026; state statute checked October 12, 2026.

What is the federal rule on suppressors?

Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act, and the federal tax dropped from $200 to $0 on January 1, 2026. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). That follows the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF ruling, which the Justice Department chose to apply nationwide. This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. A dealer still runs a Form 4473 and a background check. State law can still ban suppressors outright. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

How many states restrict suppressors?

Nationwide by our review: 42 states: legal; 8: banned.

More California gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the California statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.