How to Fill Out California Form GV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs

You fill out California Form GV-100 by entering your information as the petitioner, identifying the restrained person, describing the recent threats or dangerous acts, listing the firearms and ammunition involved, and asking the court for a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO). The form is the official Petition for Gun Violence Restraining Order published by the Judicial Council of California, and it is the front door to every type of GVRO the state issues.

You file Form GV-100 when someone you know poses a real, immediate risk of hurting themselves or another person with a gun. The consequence of getting it wrong is serious: a defective petition can be denied, delayed, or dismissed, leaving a dangerous person armed for days or weeks longer than needed.

According to the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program, California courts have issued more than 4,200 GVROs since the law took effect in 2016, and studies link these orders to the prevention of dozens of mass shootings and suicides.

In this guide you will learn:

• 🧾 How to complete every line and checkbox on Form GV-100 without missing a detail
• ⚖️ The difference between a Temporary Emergency, Ex Parte, and 1–5 Year GVRO
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Who qualifies as a petitioner under the expanded 2024 California law
• 🚫 The seven most common mistakes that get GVRO petitions denied
• 📂 The companion forms (GV-109, GV-110, GV-023, CLETS-001) you must file with GV-100

What Form GV-100 Actually Does

Form GV-100 is the official Judicial Council petition used to ask a California superior court to order a person to surrender their firearms, ammunition, and magazines, and to stop them from buying more. It is the starting point for every Gun Violence Restraining Order, whether the order lasts 21 days or five years. The petition tells the judge who the parties are, what happened, and why the court should act now.

The form sits inside a larger statutory framework found at Penal Code sections 18100 through 18205. These statutes describe who can file, what the petitioner must prove, and how long each type of order can last. The plain-English meaning is that California gives ordinary people, not just police, a way to pause someone’s gun rights when there is real danger.

The consequence of skipping or mis-completing this form is that the court has no legal basis to act. Without a properly filed GV-100, no judge can sign a GVRO, no firearms get surrendered, and no entry is made in the California Restraining and Protective Order System (CARPOS). The danger continues, and the petitioner has no court protection to lean on.

Consider Maria, a high school counselor in Fresno. A student tells her that his father has been drinking heavily, threatening the family, and cleaning his rifle at the kitchen table. Maria uses Form GV-100 to start an Ex Parte GVRO so the father must surrender his guns within 24 hours of being served.

A common misconception is that Form GV-100 is only for police officers. That is false. Since the passage of Assembly Bill 61 in 2019 and Senate Bill 320 in 2022, employers, coworkers, teachers, and many family members can also file.

Federal Backdrop: Why California Built GVROs

Federal law has banned certain people from owning firearms for decades, including felons, domestic abusers, and those committed to mental institutions, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The plain-English meaning is that Congress has long agreed some people should not have guns. The consequence of violating section 922(g) is up to 15 years in federal prison under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

But federal law leaves a gap: it does not cover a person who is dangerous right now but has no prior conviction or commitment. That gap is what California’s GVRO statute was built to fill, and Form GV-100 is the document that opens the courtroom door.

The U.S. Supreme Court tested red-flag-style laws in United States v. Rahimi in 2024, upholding firearm restrictions on people found to be a credible threat. That ruling, read together with NYSRPA v. Bruen from 2022, keeps California’s GVRO framework on solid constitutional ground. A common misconception is that Bruen killed red-flag laws; the Rahimi decision proved the opposite.

The Three Types of GVRO Form GV-100 Can Trigger

Form GV-100 can launch three different orders, and you must check the right boxes so the judge knows which one you want. Picking the wrong type can cost you days of protection. The chart below explains each one.

GVRO Type	Key Features
Temporary Emergency GVRO	Requested by law enforcement only, by phone or in person, lasts up to 21 days, used in true emergencies under Penal Code § 18125
Ex Parte GVRO	Filed without notice to the restrained person, decided same day or next court day, lasts up to 21 days under Penal Code § 18150
1–5 Year GVRO	Issued only after a noticed hearing where both sides can speak, can last one to five years under Penal Code § 18175

The plain-English explanation is that emergency and ex parte orders are fast and short, while a multi-year GVRO is the long-term tool. The consequence of asking for the wrong order is that the judge may deny part of your request or set a hearing too far out to keep you safe.

Picture David, a coworker at a Sacramento warehouse. His teammate brought a loaded handgun to work and made specific threats. David files an Ex Parte GVRO because he needs same-day action, then asks the court to convert it to a 1–5 year order at the follow-up hearing.

A common misconception is that you must pick only one type. You can ask for an Ex Parte order and a longer 1–5 year GVRO at the same time on Form GV-100, and most petitioners should.

Who Can File Form GV-100

California’s GVRO law has expanded several times, and as of 2024 the list of eligible petitioners is wide. The plain-English meaning is that more people now have legal standing to ask the court for help. The consequence of filing without standing is automatic denial, no matter how strong the facts are.

Family and Household Members

Immediate family includes spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, and any person related by blood, marriage, or adoption within the second degree. The plain-English meaning is that most relatives qualify. The consequence of filing as a non-relative roommate without checking the right box is that the court may reject the petition for lack of standing.

A real example is Lisa, a daughter who files Form GV-100 because her father, recently widowed, has stopped sleeping, started drinking, and told her, “I’m done.” Lisa checks the “child” box on item 2 and qualifies under Penal Code § 18150(a)(1).

A common misconception is that step-relatives do not count. They do, as long as the relationship falls within the second degree of affinity.

Law Enforcement Officers

Any sworn peace officer in California can file Form GV-100, often using their badge number in place of a home address. The plain-English meaning is that police, sheriffs, and CHP officers have the broadest authority. The consequence of an officer-filed petition is faster service because law enforcement can serve the order themselves.

For example, Officer Reyes responds to a welfare check and finds an unstable veteran with multiple rifles. Reyes files Form GV-100 the same shift and asks for a Temporary Emergency GVRO under Penal Code § 18125.

A common misconception is that officers must witness the threat themselves. They do not; they may rely on credible witness statements.

Employers, Coworkers, Teachers, and School Employees

Since SB 320 took full effect in 2024, employers, coworkers who have substantial and regular interactions with the subject for at least one year, and teachers or other employees of a secondary or post-secondary school the subject has attended in the last six months may all petition. The plain-English meaning is that workplaces and schools are now part of California’s gun-violence prevention system.

A consequence of this expansion is that human-resources teams and school administrators now train staff on how to use Form GV-100. For example, Janet, a high school principal in San Diego, files a petition after a former student posts videos of himself loading a firearm and naming classmates.

A common misconception is that coworkers can file based on rumor. The statute requires firsthand, substantial, and regular contact.

Section-By-Section Walkthrough of Form GV-100

The form has 11 numbered sections and several attachment options. Each section has a purpose, and skipping one almost always triggers a clerk rejection. The plain-English meaning is that the form must be complete, legible, and signed under penalty of perjury.

Item 1: Person Asking for the Order (Petitioner)

You write your full legal name, your relationship to the restrained person, and a contact address. The plain-English meaning is that you tell the court who you are. The consequence of using a nickname or initials is that the clerk may reject the filing.

You may use a P.O. box, a workplace address, or, if you fear for your safety, request a confidential address using Form CH-160. For example, Karen, a sister who fears retaliation, lists her workplace and files CH-160 the same day.

A common misconception is that you must list a home address. You do not, and many petitioners should not.

Item 2: Person to Be Restrained

You enter the restrained person’s full name, date of birth, age, sex, height, weight, hair color, eye color, race, and home and work addresses. The plain-English meaning is that the more detail you give, the easier it is for law enforcement to serve and enforce. The consequence of vague information is delayed service or wrongful contact with the wrong person.

For example, Tom lists his brother’s tattoos and the make of his pickup so the sheriff can spot him at his usual jobsite.

A common misconception is that you can leave physical descriptors blank. The court strongly prefers complete identifiers because CARPOS needs them to flag firearm purchase attempts.

Item 3: Your Relationship to the Restrained Person

You check the box that matches your standing: family member, household member, employer, coworker, school employee, or law enforcement. The plain-English meaning is that this box proves you have legal authority to file. The consequence of checking the wrong box is dismissal for lack of standing.

For example, Priya, a coworker, checks “coworker” and attaches a short statement showing she has worked the same shift as the subject for two years, satisfying Penal Code § 18150(a)(2)(D).

A common misconception is that “household member” covers any roommate. It generally requires shared living space within the past six months.

Item 4: Description of the Most Recent Incident

You describe the most recent act, threat, or pattern of behavior that shows the subject poses a significant danger of harming themselves or others with a firearm. The plain-English meaning is that you tell the story in plain, factual language. The consequence of vague or conclusory writing is denial because the judge cannot find the required “significant danger.”

The strongest petitions include the date, time, place, exact words spoken, witnesses, and any photos or screenshots. For example, Ahmed describes how his cousin pointed a loaded shotgun at the ceiling on April 14, 2026, at 9:42 p.m., and said, “Next time it won’t be the ceiling.”

A common misconception is that you must prove a crime occurred. You do not; the standard is danger, not conviction.

Item 5: History of Firearm Threats and Violence

You list prior incidents going back any length of time, including police reports, hospitalizations, and threats. The plain-English meaning is that pattern evidence makes the petition stronger. The consequence of leaving this blank is that the judge sees only one incident, which may not be enough for a 1–5 year order.

For example, Renee lists three prior 911 calls and a 5150 hold from 2024, all attached as exhibits. A common misconception is that old events do not matter. They do, especially for the longer order.

Item 6: Firearms, Ammunition, and Magazines

You describe every firearm, magazine, and round of ammunition you know the subject owns, possesses, or controls, including make, model, caliber, and storage location. The plain-English meaning is that the sheriff needs a shopping list. The consequence of an incomplete list is that guns get missed during the surrender.

For example, Carlos lists a Glock 19 in the bedroom safe, a Remington 870 in the truck, and “approximately 600 rounds of 9mm” in the garage. A common misconception is that you must know exact serial numbers. Best-effort descriptions are enough.

Item 7: Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Permit

You check whether the subject holds a CCW license issued under Penal Code § 26150. The plain-English meaning is that the court will suspend the permit on issuance. The consequence of guessing is minor, but accurate information speeds enforcement.

A common misconception is that California has no CCW system. It does, even after Bruen, although standards have shifted.

Item 8: Request for Search Order

You can ask the court to issue a search warrant if you believe the subject will hide firearms. The plain-English meaning is that you give law enforcement permission to look. The consequence of skipping this when guns are likely to be hidden is that surrender becomes a polite request.

For example, Officer Park checks this box because the subject has a hidden floor safe under the kitchen tile. A common misconception is that the search request is automatic. It is not; you must affirmatively request it.

Item 9: Time for Service

You can ask the court to allow service less than five days before the hearing if needed. The plain-English meaning is that you tell the judge you need speed. The consequence of not asking is that a hearing may be reset if service is late.

Item 10: Other Orders

You can ask for additional protective terms, such as no contact with named witnesses. The plain-English meaning is that you tailor the order to your situation. The consequence of leaving it blank is that you may have to come back to court for more relief.

Item 11: Signature Under Penalty of Perjury

You sign and date the petition, swearing that everything is true. The plain-English meaning is that lying on this form is a crime. The consequence of false statements is prosecution under Penal Code § 118 for perjury.

A common misconception is that the form needs notarization. It does not; the perjury declaration replaces a notary.

Companion Forms You Must File With GV-100

Form GV-100 never travels alone. The Judicial Council requires several companion forms, and missing any one of them can stall the case for days. The plain-English meaning is that GV-100 is one piece of a packet.

The required and commonly used companion forms include the GV-109 Notice of Court Hearing, the GV-110 Temporary Gun Violence Restraining Order, the GV-110A Additional Orders, the GV-023 Confidential CLETS Information, and the law-enforcement CLETS-001 form. The consequence of missing any of these is rejection at the clerk’s window.

For example, Hector, a paralegal in Los Angeles, builds a packet template that pre-fills GV-100, GV-109, GV-110, and GV-023 from a single intake sheet. A common misconception is that you must pay a filing fee. There is no filing fee for a GVRO under Government Code § 70617(a)(2).

Three Real-World Scenarios

The table below shows how a petitioner’s choice on Form GV-100 leads to a real outcome in court. The plain-English meaning is that small choices change big results.

Petitioner Choice	Court Outcome
Sister files Ex Parte GVRO with detailed timeline, photos, and request for search order	Judge signs same-day order, sheriff serves brother that night, six firearms surrendered
Coworker files only a 1–5 year request with no Ex Parte box checked	No immediate order issues, hearing set 21 days out, subject keeps guns until then
Teacher files GV-100 but forgets GV-023 with subject’s date of birth	Clerk rejects packet at the window, three-day delay before refiling

Each scenario shows that careful drafting, complete attachments, and the right combination of boxes drive the outcome.

Three Named Examples in Detail

These examples show how real petitioners use Form GV-100 to reach specific goals.

First, Angela, a wife in Bakersfield, wants her husband disarmed during a manic episode. She files Form GV-100 with an Ex Parte request, attaches three text-message screenshots, and lists his AR-15, two pistols, and “about 1,000 rounds.” The judge signs a 21-day order within four hours.

Second, Mr. Patel, a small-business owner in San Jose, wants a fired employee disarmed after the employee posts a photo of a firearm with the caption, “See you Monday.” Mr. Patel files Form GV-100 as an employer under Penal Code § 18150(a)(2)(B) and asks for a search order. The court issues both.

Third, Coach Daniels, a high school football coach in Oakland, wants a former player disarmed after the player threatens current students online. Coach Daniels files as a school employee, attaches the social-media posts, and asks for a 1–5 year order at the noticed hearing. The court grants three years.

Mistakes to Avoid

The following errors are the ones judges and clerks see most often. The plain-English meaning is that fixing these can be the difference between a granted and a denied order.

• Filing without standing, which leads to dismissal because the petitioner is not on the Penal Code § 18150 list.
• Writing vague allegations like “he is dangerous,” which leads to denial because the judge cannot find a “significant danger.”
• Forgetting to check the Ex Parte box, which delays protection for up to 21 days while a hearing is set.
• Listing only one firearm when more exist, which leads to incomplete surrender and continued danger.
• Skipping the GV-023 form, which leads to clerk rejection because CARPOS lacks identifiers.
• Failing to ask for a search order when guns are hidden, which leads to a useless surrender notice.
• Missing the signature on the perjury line, which leads to instant rejection at the window.
• Lying or exaggerating, which leads to perjury charges under Penal Code § 118.
• Not serving the restrained person at least five days before the hearing, which leads to a continuance.
• Bringing no exhibits to the noticed hearing, which leads to denial of the long-term order even after a successful Ex Parte.

Do’s and Don’ts of Filing Form GV-100

The plain-English meaning is that good habits at filing time prevent bad outcomes in court.

• Do write in clear, dated, factual sentences because judges read dozens of petitions a day and reward clarity.
• Do attach screenshots, photos, and police-report numbers because corroboration moves the danger standard from “maybe” to “yes.”
• Do ask for both Ex Parte and 1–5 year relief because it costs nothing extra and protects you faster.
• Do request a confidential address with Form CH-160 when retaliation is a real risk because safety must come first.
• Do read Form GV-100-INFO before filing because it explains every box in plain language.
• Don’t copy and paste another petition because every fact pattern is different and judges spot reused language fast.
• Don’t skip the firearms inventory because the sheriff cannot collect what you do not list.
• Don’t file in the wrong county because venue must be where the subject lives, works, or where the incident happened.
• Don’t miss the hearing because non-appearance leads to dismissal of the long-term order.
• Don’t contact the restrained person to “warn” them because that may compromise service and your safety.

Pros and Cons of Using Form GV-100

The plain-English meaning is that GVROs are powerful but not perfect.

• Pro: No filing fee under Government Code § 70617, which removes a barrier for low-income petitioners.
• Pro: Same-day Ex Parte relief possible, which can stop violence before it starts.
• Pro: Broad list of eligible petitioners after SB 320, which allows schools and workplaces to act.
• Pro: Clear constitutional footing after United States v. Rahimi, which reduces appellate risk.
• Pro: Statewide enforcement through CARPOS, which blocks new gun purchases automatically.
• Con: The petitioner’s name and basic facts become part of the court record, which may strain family relationships.
• Con: Service can be hard if the subject is evasive, which can delay the hearing.
• Con: Ex Parte orders last only 21 days, which means the petitioner must show up again to win the long-term order.
• Con: A denied petition does not stop the danger and may anger the subject.
• Con: Restoring rights after a 1–5 year order requires a second court process under Penal Code § 18185, which adds time and cost.

Service, Hearing, and Surrender Process

Once the judge signs the temporary order, the court issues Form GV-110, and law enforcement or any adult over 18 who is not a party serves the restrained person. The plain-English meaning is that the order is not effective until the subject is personally served. The consequence of late service is a continued hearing and continued danger.

After service, the subject must surrender all firearms, ammunition, and magazines within 24 hours and file a GV-800 Receipt within 48 hours. For example, the Los Angeles Sheriff accepts surrendered firearms at designated stations, while some counties allow transfer to a licensed dealer under Penal Code § 18120.

A common misconception is that the subject can keep firearms with a relative. They cannot, unless that relative is a licensed dealer who agrees to hold them under court order.

Constitutional and Case-Law Recap

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen created a “history and tradition” test for gun laws, which led some to predict the end of red-flag statutes. The plain-English meaning is that gun laws now must look like something the Founders would have recognized.

The 2024 decision in United States v. Rahimi answered that question for civil firearm-restriction orders, holding that disarming people found by a court to pose a credible threat fits the historical tradition. The consequence is that California’s GVRO law, including Form GV-100, stands on firm ground.

California courts have also weighed in. In People v. Lara and related appellate decisions, courts have upheld GVROs against due-process challenges where the petitioner produced specific facts, dates, and witnesses. A common misconception is that GVROs can be appealed easily. They can be appealed, but reversals are rare when the record is detailed.

Where and How to File

You file Form GV-100 with the Superior Court of California in the county where the restrained person lives, works, or where the dangerous incident happened. The plain-English meaning is that venue is flexible, and you should pick the county most convenient and safest for you. The consequence of filing in the wrong county is transfer or dismissal.

Many counties accept e-filing through portals like One Legal or File & ServeXpress. For example, San Francisco accepts GVRO e-filing through its self-help portal, while smaller counties still require paper filing.

A common misconception is that you can file online statewide. You cannot; e-filing depends on the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a filing fee for Form GV-100?

No. California waives all filing, service, and certified-copy fees for GVRO petitions under Government Code § 70617(a)(2), so cost should never stop a qualified petitioner from filing.

Can a coworker file Form GV-100?

Yes. Under Senate Bill 320 and Penal Code § 18150, a coworker with substantial and regular interactions with the subject for at least one year may file with employer approval.

Does the restrained person get notice before the order issues?

No. An Ex Parte GVRO is decided without prior notice, then served on the subject; the subject gets full notice and a hearing within 21 days under Penal Code § 18150.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form GV-100?

No. The form is designed for self-represented petitioners and explained step by step in Form GV-100-INFO, although consulting an attorney can help in complex cases.

Will my address become public?

No. You can keep your address confidential by filing Form CH-160 and listing a workplace or P.O. box on Form GV-100 itself.

Can the restrained person buy guns during the order?

No. Once the order is entered into CARPOS, the subject cannot purchase, receive, or possess firearms or ammunition during the order’s term.

Does a GVRO count as a criminal record?

No. A GVRO is a civil order, not a criminal conviction, although violating it is a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 18205.

Can I refile if my petition is denied?

Yes. You may refile Form GV-100 if you have new facts, new incidents, or stronger evidence, because denial is not a permanent bar to future petitions.

Does a GVRO apply outside California?

Yes. Federal law under the full faith and credit clause requires other states to enforce valid California protective orders, including GVROs, in most situations.

Can the subject get their guns back?

Yes. After the order expires, or by petition under Penal Code § 18185, the subject may seek the return of lawfully owned firearms through the DOJ Law Enforcement Gun Release process.

Can a teacher file against a parent of a student?

Yes. A school employee may file under Penal Code § 18150(a)(2)(F) when the subject has been on campus or threatened the school community within the past six months.

Does filing Form GV-100 trigger a mental-health hold?

No. A GVRO is separate from a Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150 hold, although the same facts may support both, and law enforcement can pursue them together.