DOJ screwed up my C&R handgun registration, sort of

[thedrickel]

Here is the story. I purchased a couple of C&R handguns out of state. I sent in Form FD4100A with $38 for 2 handguns (19$ each). About a week later my check clears. But only $19 is withdrawn. I can see a scanned image of the check online, it clearly says $38. So either this is a bank error in my favor or they only registered one of my handguns. I queried my financial institution and this was their reply:

Dear member,

The payee's financial institution encoded this check incorrectly, as a
result the check has cleared for the incorrect amount. When this type
of error occurs, and the clearing amount in less than the written amount
on the check, the only thing that can be done is for you to remit
payment to them for the difference. You may want to contact the payee and
make arrangements.

I apologize if this is inconvenient, however there is nothing that can
be done by [us] to rectify this error.

I think my first action should be to fill in the "what guns do you think I own" form and send that to DOJ, and depending on what shows up there, THEN I will make arrangements to pay them the difference. What do you guys think?

[Mark in Eureka]

I think it is $19 for all the handguns listed on the form.

[thedrickel]

Nope, the form clearly states 19 per handgun, and although I can't find a copy of the form online (Amendment II was hosting it but it's not there any more, and god only knows why the DOJ can't actually HELP firearm owners by posting it on their website), but I found this:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/regs/chapter1.pdf#xml=http://search.doj.ca.gov:8010/AGSearch/isysquery/1be9d219-c168-4e9d-836c-c1c07113344a/1/hilite/

that states

(d)
Fee for C & R collector's out-of-state acquisition of C & R handgun report: $19 per handgun reported

[Matt C]

Funny, I sent my form and a postal MO, I never heard anything. I have NO idea if the gun (CZ-52) was really registered. How would you find out?

[Pthfndr]

Funny, I sent my form and a postal MO, I never heard anything. I have NO idea if the gun (CZ-52) was really registered. How would you find out?

You should have received a letter back from the DOJ confirming the handgun is now registered. I think it's written by someone's grandmother as it's very polite.

If you never received it you might want to check to make sure they actually received it.

[thedrickel]

Found this on the DOJ FAQ page:

Can I get a list of the firearms for which I am listed as the purchaser, transferee, or owner? Yes. To obtain a list of firearms listed in your name, send a letter requesting this information to the Automated Firearms Unit, P.O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200. The letter must be signed, notarized, and include a photocopy of your photo ID card (ie., driver's license or DMV ID).

I guess I will have to do this in order to find out what is registered in my name. Good thing my boss is a notary.

EDIT - I think I will wait a few weeks to see if I get the confirmation letter. This is why I sent a check and not a MO, I wanted to know when it was cashed.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

How long has it been since the check cleared? For the last C&R handguns I registered on a Form FD4100A it took two months for DOJ-FD to mail back the polite registration confirmation letter.

Here is the downloadable Form FD4100A if anybody wants it. It is hosted on a different server now, which is why the old link doesn't work anymore.

Here's the CalDOJ Curio Or Relic Handgun Report Form. This is the form that a Type 03 FFL holder in California needs to use to report any C&R handguns purchased while out of state. CalDOJ won't post this one on their web site for some reason, so you have to call them to get a copy mailed to you. The form number is FD4100A, but when you call to ask for one just ask for the Curio or Relic Handgun Report Form. They have them filed by name and not by number. If you don't want to call or you don't want to wait then go ahead and download a copy right here...

http://www.type03.net/pdf/FD4100A.pdf

You have five days to mail in this completed form after bringing any C&R handguns back into California. You must include a payment of $19 per handgun. Here are the instructions that are normally printed on the back of ther form...

California Department of Justice Firearms Division
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CURIO OR RELIC HANDGUN REPORT



Reporting Requirements
-----------------------------

Effective January 1, 1998 State law requires all California federal type "03" firearms licensees (collectors of curios or relics) who obtain curio or relic handguns while out of state to report such purchases or acquisitions to the Department of Justice within five days of transporting the handgun(s) into California.

Please use the reporting form on the reverse side. Make extra copies of this reporting form to meet your reporting needs. Do not use this form to report ownership of long guns. If you would like to voluntarily report ownership of a long gun, please use the Firearm Ownership Record form available on our web site at www.ag.ca.gov/firearms or by calling (916)263-4887.

Please be aware that your failure to comply with this mandated handgun reporting requirement could result in your criminal prosecution (Penal Code section 12072(g)).


Form Completion Instruction
-----------------------------------

The completed form(s) must be returned with a $19.00 processing fee for each handgun reported (e.g., 3 handguns x $19 = $57). Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Department of Justice. Mail completed form and fees to:

Department of Justice
Firearms Division - C&R
P.O. Box 820200
Sacramento, CA 94203-0200

If you have questions regarding this reporting requirement, direct questions to (916) 263-4887 or visit the Firearms Division web site at www.ag.ca.gov/firearms.

[Matt C]

I'm a little worried now, but I did send it certified so I think my arse is covered. From the USPS site:

Label/Receipt Number: 7005 3110 0001 3684 ****
Status: Delivered

Your item was delivered at 5:31 am on November 06, 2006 in SACRAMENTO, CA 94203. The item was signed for by L TAKETA. A proof of delivery record may be available through your local Post Office for a fee.

Additional information for this item is stored in files offline.

So I know it got there Nov 6, but I was not clever enough to use a check. If I have to I can run a trace on the MO for a few bucks. Or I might just check to see what guns are registered to me, not a bad idea anyway.

[thedrickel]

Two months?? OUCH. It's only been a week. I guess I will wait and see. Until then I will consider it a bank error in my favor. Hopefully I won't pull the "do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to jail" card.