How to Properly Dispose Unwanted Firearms

THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO REDUCE THE AVAILABILITY OF GUNS IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING COMMUNITY MEMBERS DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAFE DISPOSAL OF FIREARMS.

Link to Firearm Disposal Flyer: English | Spanish

 Call A Deputy Sheriff For A Residential Pick-Up 

• Call the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line: (858) 565-5200
• Request for a deputy to confiscate the firearm(s) from a residence
• The reporting party shall leave the firearm(s) inside of the residence where it is currently located at the time of the call. (In a safe, bedroom, garage, etc.)
• If you are turning in ammunition it cannot be attached to the handgun in any manner
• If possible, have the registration for the firearm(s) ready to provide to the deputy. If you no longer have the registration, the Sheriff’s Department will still accept the firearm
• The deputy will check to ensure the firearm(s) is rendered safe and give the individual a “notice of confiscation of weapons” with the case number

 Drop Off At The Nearest Sheriff's Station 

• Safely transport the weapon to the nearest Sheriff’s Station or Substation with the registration for the firearm(s), if possible. Make sure the weapon is unloaded and placed in the trunk of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a trunk, it must be carried in a “locked container.” And out of reach of the driver
• If you are turning in ammunition it cannot be attached to the handgun in any manner
• While outside of the Sheriff's Station you can use the phone located
  outside of the station or your personal phone to call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line and notify dispatch you are outside of the station to turn in a firearm(s). If you arrive at the station during normal business hours, leave the weapon inside of the vehicle and contact a staff member at the front counter to assist you
• When contacted by a deputy, notify the deputy of the location of the firearm(s)
• Unlock your vehicle and allow the Deputy to remove the firearm(s)
• The Deputy will check to ensure the firearm(s) is rendered safe and give the individual a “notice of confiscation of weapons” with the case number

INDIVIDUALS MAY ALSO CONTACT A LOCAL LICENSED FIREARMS RETAIL STORE TO SELL/TRANSFER THEIR FIREARM(S) 

FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT NON-EMERGENCY LINE AT (858) 565-5200 OR YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF STATION OR SUBSTATION