Process to buy a gun; FFL perspective please

[Irish Gunner]

I recently moved to CA and am considering a firearms purchase. The thing is, I haven't had the time to get down to DMV and get my license. I still have my NM drivers license. I also travel a fair amount which leads to the real reason behind the following question.

Do I need to have a govt issued ID in the state where I plan to purchase a firearm? Could I buy in CA using my NM drivers license or other ID? Could I buy a firearm in WA when I am visiting family and bring it back?

If you could distinguish between what is federal vs. state requirements that would be appreciated, such as fed doesn't require residency, but state does. Thanks

[Librarian]

You need to be a resident somewhere.

Federal law requires that you receive handguns in your state of residence.

CA law requires that for long guns, as well, for CA residents.

So, if you live in CA, you need CA ID to buy a gun. You also need proof of CA residence to buy a handgun.

And, if you live in CA, you may not go to another state and buy a gun - but you can arrange to have one sent to a convenient CA FFL.

See also the Calguns Foundation Wiki articles on

Interstate transfer - http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/in...rms_Interstate

Buying and selling - http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/in..._in_California

[Irish Gunner]

Thanks for the info, but my understanding just went from bad to murky at best. I looked at the links provided and it seems that the following scenario would be legal.

I am driving through Oregon and stop to get an AR-15 (bullet button and 10-rd mag only of course (Provided that they can sell long guns to out of state resident.) that as long as it is an "over the counter" purchase I am clear. Sec 479.28 (b) allows that. What am I missing?

[Irish Gunner]

Also could my NM driver's license be used with my lease agreement as proof of residency until I get my CDL?

[Librarian]

Thanks for the info, but my understanding just went from bad to murky at best. I looked at the links provided and it seems that the following scenario would be legal.

I am driving through Oregon and stop to get an AR-15 (bullet button and 10-rd mag only of course (Provided that they can sell long guns to out of state resident.) that as long as it is an "over the counter" purchase I am clear. Sec 479.28 (b) allows that. What am I missing?

That Federal law requires those out of state long gun sales to follow the state laws of the state of residence of the seller AND the state of residence of the buyer.

CA law requires transfer through a CA-licensed FFL.

You could make the purchase, but the gun would have to be shipped to a CA FFL to do DROS and the 10-day wait.

Re-read the section from the wiki "Federal Exceptions, California complications"

Your NM license is of no value - CA PC requires CA ID.

[Irish Gunner]

Thanks, that is totally clear now. I guess I need to up my timetable on that dreaded DMV trip.