California’s New 2026 Laws: What AR-15 Owners Need to Know About Accessories and Barrels

California has passed two major firearm laws that will change how residents purchase certain AR-15 parts starting January 1, 2026. Both were signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025 and focus specifically on firearm accessories and barrels. At AR15Discounts.com we ship compliant parts nationwide and want our California customers to fully understand these upcoming rules so you can stay legal and keep building responsibly.

The Two New Laws

Assembly Bill 1263 (AB-1263)

Signed on October 11, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, AB-1263 targets firearm accessories as defined in Penal Code section 30515. This includes common AR-15 components such as pistol grips, thumbhole stocks, folding or telescoping stocks, flash suppressors, forward pistol grips, grenade or flare launchers, threaded handgun barrels, second handgrips, and handgun shrouds.

Beginning January 1, 2026, every sale or transfer of these items will require identity and age verification using a government issued photo ID. The buyer must also sign a written notice acknowledging that they understand the illegal uses of the item, such as assembling an assault weapon under California law. For any shipment, the delivery address must exactly match the address on the verified ID, and an adult must sign for the package upon arrival.

The law also increases legal exposure for manufacturers, sellers, and distributors. If an accessory is used in a way that causes injury or death, even if it was legally sold and later misused, those in the supply chain can face civil lawsuits. AB-1263 also strengthens restrictions on sharing digital design files, such as CAD, CNC, or 3D printer code, used to produce firearms or accessories. Websites that host such files and individuals who distribute them can be held liable through civil penalties or private lawsuits.

Senate Bill 704 (SB-704)

Signed on October 10, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, SB-704 applies to any firearm barrel sold separately, not attached to a complete firearm. This directly affects AR-15 builders who purchase barrels on their own.

Under this law, barrels can only be sold in person through a California licensed firearms dealer. The buyer must pass a Department of Justice eligibility check, similar to the background check required when purchasing a complete firearm. The dealer is required to record the transaction and submit it to the state, with full electronic reporting mandated starting July 1, 2027. A fee of up to five dollars may be charged for the process.

How These Laws Differ from the Precursor Parts Rules

A common point of confusion is the difference between these new 2026 laws and the existing precursor parts regulations in effect since July 1, 2022. The precursor parts rules apply only to unfinished receivers, such as 80 percent lowers, that can be completed into a functional firearm frame or receiver. Those core structural components have required purchase through a licensed vendor with a full background check and DOJ approval since 2022.

The new 2026 laws do not change precursor part rules. Instead, AB-1263 and SB-704 target finished accessories and separately sold barrels — items you add to an already complete or serialized firearm. For example, a pistol grip or flash hider is an accessory; a standalone barrel is a separate component. These items were previously available with standard shipping if compliant, but starting January 1, 2026 they will face new sales and shipping restrictions.

Put simply, 80 percent lowers have already been covered under strict 2022 rules, but accessories and barrels are the new focus starting in 2026.

What This Means for You

As of 2025, California residents can still order compliant AR-15 accessories and barrels from online retailers and have them shipped directly to their home, provided the build complies with state law. Beginning January 1, 2026, that will change significantly.

Accessories such as pistol grips, adjustable stocks, and flash hiders will require full identity verification, a signed acknowledgment form, and strict shipping protocols. Many online retailers may stop shipping these items to California to avoid the added compliance burden and liability risk.

Barrels will no longer be available for direct shipment. You will need to purchase them in person at a licensed California gun dealer and go through a background check, just as when buying a complete firearm.

One clarification: these new laws do not affect 80 percent lowers or unfinished receivers. Those parts have been regulated since July 1, 2022 and already require purchase through a licensed vendor with a background check.

How We’re Helping California Customers

At AR15Discounts.com we follow all California laws and will fully implement the new requirements on January 1, 2026. Until then you can continue to order compliant accessories and barrels with standard shipping.

After January 1, 2026 we will verify customer identity before processing accessory orders and will ship only to the address on file with an adult signature required. Barrels will be available only through in-state licensed dealer transfer or local pickup.

If you need pistol grips, stocks, flash hiders, or barrels for a compliant California build, our strong recommendation is to order before December 31, 2025 while direct shipping is still permitted.