Proof of Residency

[jimmerjammermrk]

I've done some searching and have come to the following conclusion, please let me know if I'm right.

I'm a college student and have lived in dorms in the past. I'm now moving into an apartment and I'd like to buy a handgun. I have a CA driver's license. I'll also soon have a rental agreement/cable bill with my name on it. My issue is that my DL address won't match the proof of residency. From what I've read, this shouldn't matter as long as I put my new address on the form at the gun shop so it will match the rental agreement/cable bill. Am I right about this?

Also, I seem to remember that when buying a long gun, only a driver's license is required. Is this true?

Thanks.

[kalibear]

You need to file a change of address with DMV and they give you that little brown card with your new address and make sure they stamp it

[The SoCal Gunner]

Your address on the DL does not need to match the proof of residency but some dealers may give you trouble over this. I I've experienced three different situations in this regard.

1) dealer knows the rules and doesn't give you trouble

2) you write your new address on the back of the DL (I write it on tape and tape it to my DL) and the dealer accepts that

3) a dealer gives you trouble with this and you go to the DMV to get the brown card to write your new address one

Yes you only need a DL for long guns. Big 5 makes up their on rules and requires proof of residency as well.

[Coda]

I go to college in northern CA and my family and my CDL address is in southern CA. I just started the 10 day wait for my wilson a few days ago. I was told by my FFL that my DL address would have to be the same as my proof of residency and I was really frustrated as it wasn't. However, I printed out a PG&E bill anyway and went down to the FFL to see if they could do anything. I had to wait for the head honcho in the shop to be free with another customer as the regular salesman didn't know exactly what to do. The guy called up the DOJ on the spot and spoke with a Bill I believe. As it ends up, everything with this type of transaction is on the up and up. The head honcho said that Bill said this happens all the time and is approved all the time. I think it may help that you describe your situation of being a student and thus having two different addresses as Bill at the DOJ seemed to understand my particular situation and was fine with it. If the FFL refuses to do this transaction ask the manager to call the DOJ for confirmation.

[Fjold]

You're online, do the DMV change of address and print out the form.

[jimmerjammermrk]

What does it cost to file for change of address? I'd rather not do it as I'll only be living in this particular apartment for 1 to 2 years, but I guess I'll do it if I have to.

Technically, though, it shouldn't be required, correct?

Also, what's up with Big 5 and long guns? Just trying to cover all angles in case of legal problems?

[Bobshouse]

We were just inspected by the ATF a couple of weeks ago. If your address on your DL does not match your current address you will need to provide proof of residency to your FFL. A copy of your utility bill, or some other Government paper with your current address will suffice.

We have alot of Military purchase guns at our club, most have out of state drivers licenses and must show state residency in California. A copy of their PCS orders, a utility bill works fine.

[The SoCal Gunner]

Okay did some more searching and found the page I was referring to:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/resprf.php

Proof of Residency

Under Bureau of Firearms policy and soon to be proposed in regulations, firearms dealers may accept any of the following:

* Utility bill reflecting services to a fixed place of residence. The utility bill must bear on its face both of the following:
1. The name of the transferee.
2. Either the residential address declared on the DROS form or the address as it appears on the transferee's identification.
* Residential lease that bears both of the following:
1. The name of the transferee.
2. Either the residential address declared by the transferee on the DROS form, or the address as it appears on the transferee's CDL or CID.
* Property deed the bears both of the following:
1. The name of the transferee
2. Either the residential address declared by the transferee on the DROS form, or the address as it appears on the transferee's CDL or CID.
* Government-issued (city, county, special district, state or federal) documentation that has all of the following - - This does not include a drivers license or DMV-issued ID card:
1. The name of the transferee as it appears on the transferee's CDL or CID.
2. The name of the transferee as the transferee declares on the DROS form.
3. The residential address of the transferee as it appears on the transferee's CDL or CID or the address update attachment to the driver's license/identification card.
4. The residential address of the transferee as the transferee declares on the DROS form.
* Examples of acceptable proof of residency pursuant to newly-proposed regulations:
1. DMV registrations are NOW acceptable.
2. Electricity, gas, cable bill from within the last 3 months.
3. Signed, dated and notarized rental agreement/contract.
* Examples of documents that are NOT acceptable proof of residency:
1. Hunting or fishing license (these documents are not issued by the government).
2. Cellular phone bill.
3. Passport.
4. Pay stub.

[The SoCal Gunner]

What does it cost to file for change of address? I'd rather not do it as I'll only be living in this particular apartment for 1 to 2 years, but I guess I'll do it if I have to.

Technically, though, it shouldn't be required, correct?

Also, what's up with Big 5 and long guns? Just trying to cover all angles in case of legal problems?

Change of address online does not cost anything but you really won't get anything to print out and you won't receive a new DL until your current one is due to expire which is why it is such a hassle when a FFL doesn't accept a proof of residency that doesn't match the DL.

DMV says you could just write your new address on a piece of paper and sign it but some FFLs want the brown card which means you need to go to the DMV in person.

To get the brown card all you need to do is either fill out the change of address form at the DMV or tell them you already changed your address online and just want the brown card.

[Mike's Custom]

YOu need to do a change of address to match your Proof of Residency. Once this is done you can just write in your new address on the back of your DL where it is marked. This is good as long as you tell the FFL that you have a address change so he can enter the correct address into the DROS. If he just swipes your DL then it will show your old addy. If yoru car registration is coming due then you can change your addy on that and that new registration will work as POR.

[jimmerjammermrk]

So this information is incorrect?

What documentation is acceptable to demonstrate proof of residency for handgun purchasers?

* Utility bill from within the past three months that bears on its face the individual's name and either of the following:

1. The individual's current residential address as declared on the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) form

or

2. The individual's residential address as it appears on his or her California Driver License or California Identification Card, or change of address attachment thereto.

[Fjold]

Change of address online does not cost anything but you really won't get anything to print out and you won't receive a new DL until your current one is due to expire which is why it is such a hassle when a FFL doesn't accept a proof of residency that doesn't match the DL.

DMV says you could just write your new address on a piece of paper and sign it but some FFLs want the brown card which means you need to go to the DMV in person.

To get the brown card all you need to do is either fill out the change of address form at the DMV or tell them you already changed your address online and just want the brown card.

I just changed my address on line with the DMV two months ago and there is a form with the DMV seal on it and everything that you can print out.

[jacksonator]

I bought a handgun two weeks ago with my valid CA license (old address, not my current one) and my car registration (which DOES have my current address). That worked fine, as it should by law. I also brought two utility bills and my lease "just in case," but those documents were not necessary. You SHOULD be able to use your license and your lease.

[The SoCal Gunner]

I just changed my address on line with the DMV two months ago and there is a form with the DMV seal on it and everything that you can print out.

I'll have to check this out more carefully. I've done the online change a few times and all I ever get is a confirmation but nothing that shows the new address.

[The SoCal Gunner]

So this information is incorrect?

Since that info is again straight from the CA DOJ, it should be correct. Print it out and bring it to your FFL with the URL so they can see for themselves if they give you trouble.