PSA re: COE renewal processing delays

[SkyHawk]

More threads and posts are popping up from 01 and 07 FFLs who are locked out of DES over COE issues.

DOJ is currently stating they take 8 weeks to renew COE.

So every FFL should prepare in advance. I suggest the following:

90 - 100 days before COE expiration - be sure you can log into CFARS. This is also a good time to change your CFARS password. Do not wait until renewal day to login and find out you have some password snafu or password reset issue, or DOJ has decided it is time to change your password.

DOJ is known to have strange email issues that can FUBAR a password reset. So don’t risk an expired password come renewal day. If you run into problems here, you have a month to sort it out before renewal day.

60 days before COE expiration - this is the day you renew. Do not delay, not even a day!

[scout II]

I had a problem logging on to CFARS with Google Chrome. The person I talked to said that browser is known to them for having problems. I used good old Internet Explorer.

[SandDiegoDuner]

FYI, I just attempted to renew my COE, it was returned incomplete, they are now requiring upload of your I.D., see below:

The California Department of Justice has received your electronic Certification of Eligibility (COE) application; however, it cannot be processed for the following reason(s):
Effective July 1, 2019, new regulations will be in affect that apply to all eligibility checks. A copy of your California Driver License, ID card, or out-of-state driver license, if applicable, needs to be uploaded with your application, as specified pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 11, section 4045.1, subdivisions (d)-(g). Please review the section for acceptable documentation by clicking on COE Instructions and Fee Information or by visiting https://oag.ca.gov/firearms.

[Dieppe42]

Is there a phone number to actually talk with someone? I am trying to renew and of course my login/password are not correct, and requesting the reset isn't working.

Tried to create new and it says my email is already associated with an account Catch-22.

Phone tree for COE doesn't allow speaking with anyone..

[vino68]

OP, thanks for the heads up.

[fawndog]

Just did mine, maybe took 2 weeks.

[SkyHawk]

Also note that the really long processing delay seems to apply to 01/07 FFLs. I have not heard of 03 FFLs having long renewal processes.

[SkyHawk]

I had a problem logging on to CFARS with Google Chrome. The person I talked to said that browser is known to them for having problems. I used good old Internet Explorer.

Which is insane, seeing as how Chrome has 70%(!) of the desktop browser market share.

These days, Chrome *is* the browser you code for if your app faces the Internet. You code for Chrome, you test with Chrome, if you expect to be successful.

Typical govt for you

[zinfull]

I tried to renew but I could not get pass the need to verify notifications. There was not any links or place to go as I went thru the whole area. Both iPad and Chrome did not bring up anything.

[Tyke8319]

I tried to renew but I could not get pass the need to verify notifications. There was not any links or place to go as I went thru the whole area. Both iPad and Chrome did not bring up anything.

I have been frequently barred from completing DOJ online forms. When talking with a DOJ rep. they advise to delete your browsing history...by holding down shift...control...delete. A screen comes up prompting the delete browser option. I find that Firefox works best for me.

[scout II]

Can you use your expired COE if you renewed it and are waiting for the new one to show up, like you can an 03 C&R FFL?

[kemasa]

Can you use your expired COE if you renewed it and are waiting for the new one to show up, like you can an 03 C&R FFL?

No, it is expired and CA has nothing to allow for the use after it expires.

[chevy_dog]

My COE was set to expire 3/10.

1/3 - I submitted my renewal.

1/21 - Got an email saying it was incomplete and needed to submit a copy of my drivers license. Submitted a copy of my Drivers Licence with the renewal same day as email.

2/6 - Received a copy of my new COE.

[Brad H]

Where do you find the online application?

I did a google search and all I came up with was the paper application, witch I filled out and then realized that they no longer accept them. I logged into CFARS and am able to get to my COE. But for the life of me I cant figure out where I go to renew it?

Can anyone give me some guidance?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[kemasa]

Where do you find the online application?

I did a google search and all I came up with was the paper application, witch I filled out and then realized that they no longer accept them. I logged into CFARS and am able to get to my COE. But for the life of me I cant figure out where I go to renew it?

Can anyone give me some guidance?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

You renew it on the CFARS site. There is a link in the upper left, I think.