How to Voluntarily Relinquish Firearms to the Sheriff's Office

If you find yourself in possession of unwanted firearms, you can surrender it to the Sheriff's office by following the steps below.

1. ​Call the Non-Emergency Number (408) 299-2311. Let the dispatchers know you have firearms to bring in for destruction.
2. Identify the items to the dispatcher and advise which Sheriff’s Office location you plan to bring the firearms/ammunition:
   1. Sheriff’s Headquarters: Open 24/7/365 55 W. Younger Ave. San Jose, CA 95110 
   2. West Valley Division: Available Mon. to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm 1601 S. De Anza Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014
   3. South County Station: Available Mon. to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm 80 W. Highland Ave. San Martin, CA 95046
3. If you know how to safely unload the firearm(s), Please Do So.
4. If possible, place a flex tie or other obstruction to lock open the chamber on a revolver or the slide on a semi-automatic handgun.
5. Lock your firearm(s) in a secure container. Ammunition should be placed in a separate box or specific ammunition can.
6. Transport the firearm(s) locked in the trunk of your vehicle and store the ammunition in either the glove box and/or the interior compartment area.
7. Drive straight to your selected Sheriff’s Office location.
8. Park your vehicle in a Sheriff’s Office visitor space, make sure your vehicle is locked, and go inside to ask for further instructions.
9. Please do not bring any firearms into any Sheriff’s Office building. Leave all firearms in their locked containers inside your vehicle until given further instructions by a Sheriff’s Office Deputy.
10. You will receive a receipt for documentation.​

Wha​t Happens to Items I Bring in?

1. Firearms will be checked to be sure they have not been reported stolen.
2. Firearms/ammunition is stored until we have accumulated a sufficient quantity to send out for destruction.
3. The Sheriff’s Office will not sell firearms that are voluntarily and permanently surrendered.​

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