California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 27925

(a) Section 27545 does not apply to a person who takes possession of a firearm by operation of law in a representative capacity who subsequently transfers ownership of the firearm to himself or herself in an individual capacity.

(b) Until January 1, 2015, in the case of a handgun, the individual shall obtain a handgun safety certificate prior to transferring ownership to himself or herself, or taking possession of a handgun in an individual capacity.  Beginning January 1, 2015, the individual shall obtain a firearm safety certificate prior to transferring ownership to himself or herself, or taking possession of a firearm in an individual capacity, except that in the case of a handgun, an unexpired handgun safety certificate may be used.