Proof of residency

[robnbritt]

I went in to pick up up a handgun at a local shop after the 10 day wait. The girl behind the counter asked for a second form of ID for proof of residency. I handed her my Utah CCW card. She quickly handed it back and said it was not acceptable and I would need a utility bill or a vehicle regs. I informed her that according to the Ca DoJ website I was only required to provide a government issued documentation that shows address & name matching DROS. She said it had to be CA Gov issued and that since it was friom Utah it was no good, even though the address was here in CA. I told her that this is rediculous and she should go re-read the requirement as it clearly states city, county, special district, state or federal documentation)

She then when and got someone else, I assume the owner, and he was even more sure she was correct. He stated I needed to get my vehicle regs or they would not release my handgun. I ended up going back to my truck to get the regs in order to get my handgun although the hole deal left a sour taste and I think I will be finding a new place to buy from.

I guess the reason of my post is to make sure I was not incorrect in my reading of the requirements for proof of residency.

[aklover_91]

you were probably right, but at the end of the day they have final say on what they won't or will accept.

You should have a copy of your registration in your car, anyway.

[melman]

thats the first time i heard that before, i just show my receipt and id, have the counter release it and im out the door. i guess there store there rules.

[Soldier415]

thats the first time i heard that before, i just show my receipt and id, have the counter release it and im out the door. i guess there store there rules.

I believe the issue was that he didnt have both proofs when DROS'ing the gun, and had to bring the second proof when he came to pick it up.

To the OP, you may be right according to the letter of the law (I have to look into this a bit more), but the bottom line is that it is the store owner's license and livelyhood that are on the line, not to mention his business.

So, if he wants to only accept CA issued documents as proof because that is what keeps the DOJ off his back, then that is his right as a store policy.

[melman]

I believe the issue was that he didnt have both proofs when DROS'ing the gun, and had to bring the second proof when he came to pick it up.

To the OP, you may be right according to the letter of the law (I have to look into this a bit more), but the bottom line is that it is the store owner's license and livelyhood that are on the line, not to mention his business.

So, if he wants to only accept CA issued documents as proof because that is what keeps the DOJ off his back, then that is his right as a store policy.

can you do that? i dont think a store can start a dros without 2 proof of resendency. i think the issue is they just want to see 2 proof of resendency again just to release the gun.

[Hopalong]

You are obviously upset by this.

Ask yourself, "is it worth it?"

You could have very easily just walked out to your car and got the registration.

It all stems from the "I know I'm right, and I've got to be right" attitude.

Ask yourself, "do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?"

These theories are all from "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" (and it's all small stuff)

In this case you may have very well been right, but what does it matter?

The only thing that we know for sure, is that it was upsetting

And it didn't have to be.

[Soldier415]

can you do that? i dont think a store can start a dros without 2 proof of resendency. i think the issue is they just want to see 2 proof of resendency again just to release the gun.

Cant speak for other stores, but as long as we have both proofs of residency before we release the gun then you are good to go.

If you have a valid CA License/ID with your correct address, you can DROS and have the customer bring in the second proof when he comes to pick it up.

[HardHatMan]

You are obviously upset by this.

Ask yourself, "is it worth it?"

You could have very easily just walked out to your car and got the registration.

It all stems from the "I know I'm right, and I've got to be right" attitude.

Ask yourself, "do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?"

These theories are all from "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" (and it's all small stuff)

In this case you may have very well been right, but what does it matter?

The only thing that we know for sure, is that it was upsetting

And it didn't have to be.

Absolutely.

Gun stores and gun owners should be on the same side. It sounds like this store is disregarding the actual law and making up their own. I have run into somewhat of the same problem when trying to buy unregulated long guns in VA. The law states that it is legal and some stores still refuse to sell them to MD residents.

Voice your opinion with your wallet. Choose to take your business elsewhere.

[melman]

Cant speak for other stores, but as long as we have both proofs of residency before we release the gun then you are good to go.

If you have a valid CA License/ID with your correct address, you can DROS and have the customer bring in the second proof when he comes to pick it up.

waw, didnt know that. thanks for the info

[dantodd]

So, if he wants to only accept CA issued documents as proof because that is what keeps the DOJ off his back, then that is his right as a store policy.

It doesn't quite work that easy IMO. When transferring a firearm the FFL is acting as an agent of the state they don't, in that capacity, get to add requirements any more than sheriffs get to add requirements to the ccw application/qualifications.

Until we get enough FFLs back in the state chasing/suing any out of business is counter productive. Once we have plenty of options we can force ffls to follow the law.

[wildhawker]

I disagree completely.

If the owner is so concerned with their livelihood they should not simply base their policy on assumptions, and develop (with help) a full understanding of what is and isn't lawful.

FFLs are agents of the state and the ONLY legal way to purchase modern firearms in California. They are the conduit to our Second Amendment rights. The least they could do is understand what their job is.

-Brandon

I believe the issue was that he didnt have both proofs when DROS'ing the gun, and had to bring the second proof when he came to pick it up.

To the OP, you may be right according to the letter of the law (I have to look into this a bit more), but the bottom line is that it is the store owner's license and livelyhood that are on the line, not to mention his business.

So, if he wants to only accept CA issued documents as proof because that is what keeps the DOJ off his back, then that is his right as a store policy.

[pdugan6]

I went in to pick up up a handgun at a local shop after the 10 day wait. The girl behind the counter asked for a second form of ID for proof of residency. I handed her my Utah CCW card. She quickly handed it back and said it was not acceptable and I would need a utility bill or a vehicle regs. I informed her that according to the Ca DoJ website I was only required to provide a government issued documentation that shows address & name matching DROS. She said it had to be CA Gov issued and that since it was friom Utah it was no good, even though the address was here in CA. I told her that this is rediculous and she should go re-read the requirement as it clearly states city, county, special district, state or federal documentation)

She then when and got someone else, I assume the owner, and he was even more sure she was correct. He stated I needed to get my vehicle regs or they would not release my handgun. I ended up going back to my truck to get the regs in order to get my handgun although the hole deal left a sour taste and I think I will be finding a new place to buy from.

I guess the reason of my post is to make sure I was not incorrect in my reading of the requirements for proof of residency.

This is standard practice. Don't get your feelings hurt. All you had to do is walk to your truck.

[Soldier415]

It doesn't quite work that easy IMO. When transferring a firearm the FFL is acting as an agent of the state they don't, in that capacity, get to add requirements any more than sheriffs get to add requirements to the ccw application/qualifications.

Until we get enough FFLs back in the state chasing/suing any out of business is counter productive. Once we have plenty of options we can force ffls to follow the law.

I disagree completely.

If the owner is so concerned with their livelihood they should not simply base their policy on assumptions, and develop (with help) a full understanding of what is and isn't lawful.

FFLs are agents of the state and the ONLY legal way to purchase modern firearms in California. They are the conduit to our Second Amendment rights. The least they could do is understand what their job is.

-Brandon

I stand corrected. Thank you for the info.

Brandon, at some point can I run down what our understanding of whats acceptable is with you so we can ensure we are within the law?

Dan

[wildhawker]

I'm a sucker for a soldier.

-Brandon

[tankerman]

Response I got from DOJ on a similar question -

Dear Mr. ********:

In regard to your e-mail inquiry, as long as the ***** card contains all of the following, it would be an acceptable form of proof of residency:

"A current, government-issued (city, county, special district, state, or federal) license, permit, or registration, other than a California Driver License or California Identification Card, that has a specified expiration date or period of validity. The license, permit, or registration must bear the individual's name and either of the following:

A. The individual's current residential address as declared on the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) form.
B. The individual's address as it appears on his or her California Driver License or California Identification Card, or change of address attachment thereto."

Another form of proof of residency you could do is have your wife write up a contract/agreement stating that you live with her (it would have to include your name and the address would have to match the address on your ID or DROS form).

Should you have any further questions, you may contact the Bureau of Firearms at (916) 263-4887.

Sincerely,

Leslie McGovern, Analyst
Bureau of Firearms