California · Penal Code

PEN §18900: (a) Every dealer, manufacturer, importer, and exporter of any destructive device, or any motion picture or television studio using destructive devices in the conduct of its business, shall obtain a pe

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Dealers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and others possessing destructive devices must obtain a permit from the Department of Justice. Permits are denied to convicted felons, those addicted to narcotics, or those prohibited from possessing firearms.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Every dealer, manufacturer, importer, and exporter of any destructive device, or any motion picture or television studio using destructive devices in the conduct of its business, shall obtain a permit for the conduct of that business from the Department of Justice. (b) Any person, firm, or corporation not mentioned in subdivision (a) shall obtain a permit from the Department of Justice in order to possess or transport any destructive device. No permit shall be issued to any person who meets any of the following criteria: (1) Has been convicted of any felony. (2) Is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug. (3) Is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm. (c) An application for a permit shall comply with all of the following: (1) It shall be filed in writing. (2) It shall be signed by the applicant if an individual, or by a member or officer qualified to sign if the applicant is a firm or corporation. (3) It shall state the name, business in which engaged, business address, and a full description of the use to which the destructive devices are to be put. (d) Applications and permits shall be uniform throughout the state on forms prescribed by the Department of Justice.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.