California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 26162

(a) Prior to the issuance of a license, renewal of a license, or amendment to a license, each licensing authority with direct access to the designated Department of Justice system shall determine if the applicant is the recorded owner of the particular pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person reported in the application for a license or the application for the amendment to a license under this chapter.

(b) An agency with direct access to the designated Department of Justice system shall confirm the applicant's information with firearm ownership maintained in the system. An agency without access to the system shall confirm this information with the sheriff of the county in which the agency is located.