What constitutes "documentation"?

[mk2dave]

In an effort to be prepared, I've created an home inventory of firearms listing the make, model, caliber, and SN. If some of these come up missing/stolen/confiscated, is this self generated list sufficient to get the pieces back? Or do I need to try and get documentation from the state DOJ?

[IVC]

What you have is enough to identify firearms and there is nothing else that is intrinsic to them. If some are not stock, you could also add "comments" where you list non-factory parts.

Any "documentation" from the state has nothing to do with the firearm itself, it's not a descriptor or characteristic of the firearm. Those are legal papers that you might need for other reasons, but not for what you're looking for. And those documents are not like a title to a car or real estate, those documents are vaporware and can be created or eliminated by push of a button.

[n8vrmind]

Why not keep your copies of DROS paperwork?

[mk2dave]

Thanks for the feedback. IVC, nothing I have is irreplaceable and is mostly stock, although the comments is a good idea for a variety of reasons. N8vrmind, keeping the DROS paperwork would be preferred. Some pieces have been in the family for almost 100 years.... I'm not sure they did DROS back then. I may have misplaced the paperwork from 20 years ago, much less 3 generations and 12 moves ago.

[Librarian]

In an effort to be prepared, I've created an home inventory of firearms listing the make, model, caliber, and SN. If some of these come up missing/stolen/confiscated, is this self generated list sufficient to get the pieces back?

No, it is not.

At the moment, the law says if LE is going to return something, you need to file for a Law Enforcement Release, and LE cannot return the guns unless they are listed in CA's Automated Firearms System.

See https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/lerinfo

[ar15barrels]

You can voluntarily register the guns that you have from before DROS to get them listed as yours in AFS.
That will cover the requirements that they are listed in AFS should you ever have them stolen and have hopes of possibly recovering them through law enforcement.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Why not keep your copies of DROS paperwork?

I was thinking the same thing.

I keep all my DROS paperwork for all firearms I?ve bought and sold in a folder in a fireproof safe/lock box.

[mk2dave]

Thanks all. To summise what I need to do:
- Find out from CA DOJ what isn't registered in my name
- Register identified pieces in my name
- Fill out LER in CFARS if anything gets detained

From what I am understand, DROS paperwork itself doesn't really help me. I'd still have to complete LER online, an that info would get confirmed with info from within CA DOJ. Please let me know if I'm wrong about this.

[TrailerparkTrash]

Why not keep your copies of DROS paperwork?

Too late. I’m about 180 guns lost then. I never saved that paper work.

[ar15barrels]

Thanks all. To summise what I need to do:
- Find out from CA DOJ what isn't registered in my name
- Register identified pieces in my name
- Fill out LER in CFARS if anything gets detained

From what I am understand, DROS paperwork itself doesn't really help me. I'd still have to complete LER online, an that info would get confirmed with info from within CA DOJ. Please let me know if I'm wrong about this.

First step is here:

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/forms/AFSPrivateCitizen.pdf

Any of the handguns that you DROSed as well as any assault weapons you registered should already be in AFS.
Any long guns purchased in CA after 2013 should be in AFS as well.
The AFS report will tell you what the state has a record of you purchasing.

There will also be AFS entries for any guns you have DROSed from a CA dealer and then later sold because the AFS does not keep track of your dispositions.
AFS is only acquisitions so it will have your whole DROS history of handguns and the post 2013 long guns.

My AFS report request in May of 2022 took 176 days.

[Spyder]

I do the same, and have it stored in 2 trusted places. My insurance company said it is sufficient. I update it the same time I do batteries in fire alarms and optics...every time change.

[67Cuda]

So, any long gun purchased before 2013 and not in there system would not be returned? Even if I have the receipts?
If so, Then I would need to report these pre-2013 long guns to recover them from the police, if stolen and found.
Sounds like a gamble. I can see many people in jeopardy, should something happening.

[ar15barrels]

So, any long gun purchased before 2013 and not in there system would not be returned? Even if I have the receipts?
If so, Then I would need to report these pre-2013 long guns to recover them from the police, if stolen and found.
Sounds like a gamble. I can see many people in jeopardy, should something happening.

Sure looks like it.

From here:

LER Application Submission Process
Individuals seeking the return of a firearm, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency must submit a LER Application along with the appropriate fees to the Department. Additionally, if an individual is seeking the return of a long gun purchased prior to January 1, 2014 which has not been subsequently recorded in their name by either a self reporting application, or registered as an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle, should submit a Firearms Ownership Report application (BOF 4542A), pdf , along with the appropriate fees.

[67Cuda]

Thanks for the info.

Sure looks like it.

From here:

[CSACANNONEER]

Why not keep your copies of DROS paperwork?

What about the millions of legally owned firearms in CA that don't have DROS paperwork? That includes ALL long guns transferred prior to 2014, all firearms legally imported into CA, all firearms purchased PPT prior to 1991, all firearms transferred via intrafamilial transfer prior to 1998(?), etc.

I suggest knowing and understand what you're talking about prior to talking about it.