New COE processing time?

[cruffler]

Does anyone have a sense about current processing time for a new COE?

It's been about a month in processing so far for me. I'd like to know what other people's experiences are.

[speedydave]

Mine took 6 weeks.

[TheFriendlyKat]

COE app - two weeks and counting

I applied for a new COE approximately 2 weeks ago (never had a COE before).

In the first couple days, I jumped through the various hoops as discussed elsewhere on CalGuns, but I was expecting them (i.e. app kicked back requesting FFL 03 and my DL.) If you don't have an FFL 03, they are now asking for the reason you are applying. This question is not part of the application and is not required under the provisions of California Code of Regulations (CCR) 4305. Reading the statute ahead of time was very helpful and I recommend doing that. I cited it it in my responses when the application was kicked back.

Since providing my responses and DL, my application status has been "in progress." It's only been about two weeks since I initiated the application.

I did not provide an FFL 03 number because, #1 I don't have one yet, and #2 it's not required by statute to apply for a COE. (Technically neither is the DL, but I relented since it's a legal identification which verifies I am who I say I am in the application.) I don't think I would have provided an FFL 03 # even if I had one because it is not required so it just feels like they are creating additional barriers without justification, something that I don't want to reward or encourage. I've read elsewhere on the forum that if you don't give in and reiterate that it's not required, your application is eventually processed without it, so that is my strategy.

I will update with the final timeline when it's approved or if I run into any additional difficulty to give a better idea of current turn-around times for new COE apps.

[Goldencat33]

DL

Drivers license is required now. Just filed mine, so I found out hard way (lost one day)

[vino68]

My renewal last summer took about 6 weeks. Pre-Covid times, 1-2 business days.

[DennisCA]

Mine took 6 weeks.

Sounds about right

[Dvrjon]

and CA PEN 30370(a)(3)

The statute governing COEs is pretty clear. You don't have to have a reason:

26710.
(a) A person may request a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Justice.

[TheFriendlyKat]

DOJ rejecting ammunition purchases as a valid reason for COE

I applied for a new COE approximately 2 weeks ago (never had a COE before).

In the first couple days, I jumped through the various hoops as discussed elsewhere on CalGuns, but I was expecting them (i.e. app kicked back requesting FFL 03 and my DL.) If you don't have an FFL 03, they are now asking for the reason you are applying. This question is not part of the application and is not required under the provisions of California Code of Regulations (CCR) 4305. Reading the statute ahead of time was very helpful and I recommend doing that. I cited it it in my responses when the application was kicked back.

Since providing my responses and DL, my application status has been "in progress." It's only been about two weeks since I initiated the application.

I did not provide an FFL 03 number because, #1 I don't have one yet, and #2 it's not required by statute to apply for a COE. (Technically neither is the DL, but I relented since it's a legal identification which verifies I am who I say I am in the application.) I don't think I would have provided an FFL 03 # even if I had one because it is not required so it just feels like they are creating additional barriers without justification, something that I don't want to reward or encourage. I've read elsewhere on the forum that if you don't give in and reiterate that it's not required, your application is eventually processed without it, so that is my strategy.

I will update with the final timeline when it's approved or if I run into any additional difficulty to give a better idea of current turn-around times for new COE apps.

The DOJ has kicked back my COE application for a third time, marking it "incomplete." They've been repeatedly asking for the reason why I'm applying for a COE (in lieu of providing an FFL 03 number). As stated elsewhere in this thread and other similar threads, a reason is not required to apply for a COE. They kicked it back twice when I indicated as such.

I resubmitted stating that I was applying for a COE for ammunition purchases, as described in 11 CCR 4305(a) (which states: A purchaser or transferee is authorized to purchase ammunition if they hold a current Certificate of Eligibility, subsequent to verification by the Department.)


This was their response:


Your application indicates you are obtaining a COE for the purpose of purchasing ammunition. The Bureau is not authorized to utilize federal databases to determine eligibility to specifically purchase, possesses, or own ammunition. As such, we are unable to process your application. For information regarding the Ammunition Purchase Authorization Program please refer to the following website https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/apap


I'm not sure what "reason" the CA DOJ will accept other than providing an FFL 03 number.

The statutes pertaining to COE applications are very clear and straight forward. It appears the statutes are just being blatantly disregarded by the DOJ.

Any other ideas?

[TheFriendlyKat]

COE approved - Had to provide FFL03 #

I applied for a new COE approximately 2 weeks ago (never had a COE before).

In the first couple days, I jumped through the various hoops as discussed elsewhere on CalGuns, but I was expecting them (i.e. app kicked back requesting FFL 03 and my DL.) If you don't have an FFL 03, they are now asking for the reason you are applying. This question is not part of the application and is not required under the provisions of California Code of Regulations (CCR) 4305. Reading the statute ahead of time was very helpful and I recommend doing that. I cited it it in my responses when the application was kicked back.

Since providing my responses and DL, my application status has been "in progress." It's only been about two weeks since I initiated the application.

I did not provide an FFL 03 number because, #1 I don't have one yet, and #2 it's not required by statute to apply for a COE. (Technically neither is the DL, but I relented since it's a legal identification which verifies I am who I say I am in the application.) I don't think I would have provided an FFL 03 # even if I had one because it is not required so it just feels like they are creating additional barriers without justification, something that I don't want to reward or encourage. I've read elsewhere on the forum that if you don't give in and reiterate that it's not required, your application is eventually processed without it, so that is my strategy.

I will update with the final timeline when it's approved or if I run into any additional difficulty to give a better idea of current turn-around times for new COE apps.

My COE was approved approximately 6 weeks after submitting my application. I received it a few days after I provided my FFL 03 number (which was issued to me while I was waiting for the COE app to process.) I resisted provided the FFL 03 number at first, but they kept rejecting my application without it. I didn't want to hold out any longer in case my Livescan might become outdated and waste $100.

[BubbaCluck]

They asked for my reason and I responded with "collecting curios and relics". I hope I didn't jeopardize my application.

[Lanejsl]

DOJ was actually faster than ATF for my FFL 03. MY COE was approved in a month and one week but I still haven't received anything in the mail. I was able to download my certificate off of CFARS though. I was initially asked for my FFL 03 and emailed them back and told them that the statute doesn't require it. They put it back in "processing" and it was approved shortly after that. I never had to provide my FFLO 03 number.

[Dvrjon]

DOJ was actually faster than ATF for my FFL 03. MY COE was approved in a month and one week but I still haven't received anything in the mail. I was able to download my certificate off of CFARS though. I was initially asked for my FFL 03 and emailed them back and told them that the statute doesn't require it. They put it back in "processing" and it was approved shortly after that. I never had to provide my FFLO 03 number.

I have been preaching this for some time. The statute and regulations are clear. Provision of an FFL-03 is not included in the identification/submission requirements for the COE. Tell them, kindly, that the submission of an FFL-o3 isn't required.

[Lanejsl]

I have been preaching this for some time. The statute and regulations are clear. Provision of an FFL-03 is not included in the identification/submission requirements for the COE. Tell them, kindly, that the submission of an FFL-o3 isn't required.

Dvrjon, I actually got that from you from another post so thank you for the solid advice.

[tdo-ca]

I have been preaching this for some time. The statute and regulations are clear. Provision of an FFL-03 is not included in the identification/submission requirements for the COE. Tell them, kindly, that the submission of an FFL-o3 isn't required.

So since the above poster noted that they were pushing back hard on saying purpose was for ammo, is it best to say collecting C&R even if FFL not (yet) in hand? Shifting bureaucratic sands?

[Dvrjon]

So since the above poster noted that they were pushing back hard on saying purpose was for ammo, is it best to say collecting C&R even if FFL not (yet) in hand? Shifting bureaucratic sands?