DOJ Shipping Authorization

[Nardo1895]

I was double checking my 2017 records for final filing. I found an invoice from one of my normal wholesalers with no DOJ authorization number or sheet. I didn't pick up on it up at the time as that wholesaler doesn't include the separate approval sheet, just an approval number on the invoice. Its a long gun so no roster issues. Also not an AW type rifle.

Ever had this happen? What should I do about it now? Can the wholesaler get post approval?

[shootsocal_dave]

Only the number needs to be saved. The letter does not actually have to be kept on file.

[shootsocal_dave]

[Nardo1895]

Its not the missing letter I'm worried about. This wholesaler puts the number on the invoice. But this time there was no number.

[shootsocal_dave]

ahh. So during the last webinar I expressed that issue.
I told the DOJ about a situation where the shipper forgot to do it, or what ever, and they say this isn't a huge issue, but as the seller to do the shipping request and give you the number after the fact. They didn't seem to worried about it, just said to get it done.

[Nardo1895]

So the wholesaler can get it after the fact? I'll ask them to do that.

Thanks

[scoutpup99]

Are you an exempted ffl as defined in ca code 28450? If not I don't believe we have to retain the number at all.

[taperxz]

So the wholesaler can get it after the fact? I'll ask them to do that.

Thanks

No problem getting it. Just have them get it. Even some big distributors have forgotten to do it. Call and request it, about five minutes to get the email with the number

[Nardo1895]

I'm not an exempt FFL.

[kemasa]

The first thing to ask them is to check to see if they generated the CFLC and just didn't include the number. They can check their records to see if it was done, based on your information. If not, then they can create one and send it. You don't want two letters, but only one firearm.

I really wish that the system notified the FFL that the letter was generated and by whom. I have had FFLs use my CFD for the quantity of firearms shipped, a lower shipped as a handgun, etc. Getting the letter allows this to be corrected, just the number means nothing since you would have to call and check to see if it was really for a shipment to you.

[Nardo1895]

Just when I thought I was good to go... :-)

They immediately sent me a number. Hopefully that means they had it but didn't include it. That's my story...

Thanks for the help on this.

[kemasa]

Just when I thought I was good to go... :-)

They immediately sent me a number. Hopefully that means they had it but didn't include it. That's my story...

Thanks for the help on this.

If you are paranoid, you can call the CA DOJ and give them the AI number and see if it matches to you and the date it was shipped. Otherwise, just file it and forget it.

[scoutpup99]

Since I am a 07 FFL that is listed on the Centralized list, can some one show me where in the law it says we have to retain the shipping approval number? The only reference I have found is for people on the Centralized List of EXEMPT Firearms dealer. I am not on the Centralized List of Manufacturers since I do not build enough firearms to be listed on it.

I know there are 3 different centralized lists:
Centralized list of firearms dealers
Centralized list of EXEMPT firearms dealers
Centralized list of firearm manufacturers

[taperxz]

Since I am a 07 FFL that is listed on the Centralized list, can some one show me where in the law it says we have to retain the shipping approval number? The only reference I have found is for people on the Centralized List of EXEMPT Firearms dealer. I am not on the Centralized List of Manufacturers since I do not build enough firearms to be listed on it.

I know there are 3 different centralized lists:
Centralized list of firearms dealers
Centralized list of EXEMPT firearms dealers
Centralized list of firearm manufacturers

Not going to look it up but i will tell you the auditors want to see it on the shipping docs or they will not be happy and write you up or worse depending on the severity of the missing docs

[scoutpup99]

Not going to look it up but i will tell you the auditors want to see it on the shipping docs or they will not be happy and write you up or worse depending on the severity of the missing docs

What shipping docs are you talking about? We maintain a bound book for all incoming and outgoing firearms. I have been doing this since 2007 and have never had a DOJ auditor ask for shipping records, and I have had a few since the law went into effect. You seem to imply that I am required to retain the shipping approval numbers, but all I can find is that dealers listed on the EXEMPT list must retain them for 3 years.

When I have shipped a firearm to a CA dealer I have generated the letter but I don't keep copies.

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/cflcfaqs#14

Do I have to retain Firearms Shipment Approval numbers for firearms I receive?

• California firearm dealers licensed pursuant to Penal Code section 26700 are not required to maintain firearm shipment approval numbers.