Form BOF 978. Affidavit Stating Ownership of a Gun Safe or Lock Box

Form BOF 978 is an affidavit issued by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, that is used to declare ownership of an acceptable gun safe or lock box as required by California Code of Regulations, title 11, section 4100. This form is required to ensure that firearm owners in California have proper storage facilities that meet safety and security standards.

Parts and Sections

The form consists of the following sections:

1. Affidavit Stating Ownership of an Acceptable Gun Safe or Lock Box: This section provides checkboxes for the applicant to indicate the type of gun safe they possess, along with space to provide make and model information.
2. Certification Criteria for Gun Safe: This section outlines the specific criteria a gun safe must meet to be considered acceptable, including construction materials, locking mechanisms, boltwork, wall and door thickness, and protective features.
3. Certification Statement: This is the declaration section where the applicant certifies the information provided is true and complete under penalty of perjury. The applicant must sign and date this section.

Important Fields and Considerations

• Make and Model: The applicant must specify the make and model of the gun safe or lock box they own.
• Checkboxes: The applicant must check the appropriate box that corresponds to the type of gun safe they own.
• Certification Criteria: If applicable, the applicant needs to ensure their gun safe meets the specified certification criteria.
• Certification Statement: The applicant must provide their signature and date, certifying the accuracy of the information provided.

Parties Involved: The applicant (firearm owner) is the primary party involved in this form. The California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, is the regulatory authority responsible for receiving and processing the affidavit.

Application Examples and Use Cases

• Gun Safe Ownership: Individuals who own a gun safe in California can use this form to declare their ownership and confirm that their safe meets the state's safety standards.
• Lock Box Ownership: Individuals who own a DOJ-certified lock box can use this form to declare ownership and confirm its compatibility with the firearm they are taking delivery of.
• Non-Availability of Receipt: If a receipt for the gun safe is not available, the section allows the applicant to declare ownership without the need for a receipt.

Related Forms and Alternatives:

• Form BOF 968 - Personal Firearms Eligibility Check Application: This form is used to determine if a person is eligible to possess firearms in California.
• Form BOF 4542A - Firearm Safety Certificate Application: This form is used to apply for a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) required for purchasing firearms.

Differences and Analogues: Form BOF 968 is more focused on determining personal eligibility to possess firearms, while Form BOF 978 specifically addresses the ownership and certification of gun safes and lock boxes. Form BOF 4542A, on the other hand, is concerned with the application for a Firearm Safety Certificate, which is different from the ownership and storage certification addressed in Form BOF 978.