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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 11Pt. 2Ch. 6§ 12640 Fireworks Permit Requirements

§ 12640 Fireworks Permit Requirements

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12640 Fireworks Permit Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •You need a permit from the State Fire Marshal or local agency to handle fireworks in any way (make, sell, store, etc.).
  • •This includes all types of fireworks: dangerous ones, safe ones, and even those used for farming or wildlife.
  • •Even using fireworks for special effects or public shows requires a permit.
  • •Retail stores selling safe fireworks don’t need a permit just to transport them.

Example

A person wants to sell fireworks at a local fair.

They must first get a permit from the State Fire Marshal or local agency before they can sell any fireworks, even the safe ones.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12640 Fireworks Permit Requirements

In any case in which this chapter requires that a permit be obtained from the State Fire Marshal, or in any case in which the public agency having local jurisdiction requires pursuant to this chapter that a permit be obtained, a licensee shall possess a valid permit before performing any of the following: (a) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, possessing, or selling dangerous fireworks at wholesale. (b) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, or selling at wholesale or retail safe and sane fireworks or transporting safe and sane fireworks, except that a transportation permit shall not be required for safe and sane fireworks possessed by retail licensees. (c) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, possessing, storing, transporting, using, or selling at wholesale or retail, those fireworks classified by the State Fire Marshal as agricultural and wildlife fireworks. (d) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, possessing, storing, or selling at wholesale or retail, model rocket motors. (e) Discharging dangerous fireworks at any place, including a public display. (f) Using special effects. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 182. (SB 1171) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

permitState Fire Marshaldangerous fireworkssafe and sane fireworksspecial effects

Related Statutes

  • § 12722 Fireworks Seizure Conditions
  • § 12643 Fire Permit Application Requirements
  • § 12689 Fireworks Sales To Minors
  • § 12728 Fireworks Enforcement And Disposal Fund
  • § 12151 Explosives Storage Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 12640.
View Official Source