ID requirements for handgun purchase

[Tovarish]

Hi,

My CA driver's license shows an old address. I registered my new address with the DMV but never bought a new license. Instead I wrote my new address, signature, and date on the back of the card, as my understanding is this is sufficient for when an LEO asks for ID.

I moved several years ago so I have DMV car registration and utility bills in my current address. I have done many PPTs and this has always met the requirements.

I was however refused PPT services today by an FFL because they believed I needed my license to show my current address or have a DMV-issued change of address card. I kept telling her that the DMV registration qualifies as proof of address but her perception was that the registration was "secondary" and not primary. I asked her to review the policy and she produced her licensing handbook which directed her to "make sure the address on the primary and secondary documents match." (Or something to that effect)

I was quite confused by this. I won't talk s*** about them and name them because they are good people, but I'd really like to be able to show her evidence that she misinterpreted something so that she won't do this to someone in the future. It was a PITA to have to drag the seller to another shop as there aren't any others in this particular city and it made me look like an a-hole for trying to use unacceptable documents to purchase.

Can you direct me to an ATF/DOJ reference that explains that an old-address DL along with current address car registration and utility bill is sufficient for a handgun purchase?

I imagine there are a lot of people relying on this document combo to make their purchases (which incidentally is why every other shop I've been to asks for a current DMV registration when I tell them my license has the old address.)

Thanks.

[manuelcardenas77]

Everytime I've done a purchase or a pp I've had to show my CA DL with matching car registration or some kind of utillity bill. I was always told this was the only way for a handgun.

[Tovarish]

Thanks but I'm looking for a reference to law or state/fed policy. I don't see how it's possible that out of the dozen or so shops I've used for transfers, every one of them has gotten it wrong except one.

One FFL whom I know to be one of the most meticulous in SoCal states this:

• Identification: California Drivers Lic. or DMV issued California I.D. Card with current correct home address (not a P.O. Box) (must be valid from the date the transfer starts to the date you pick up the firearm(s). If your address is not correct on your License or ID card then you must also provide an alternate Government issued document, typically a DMV issued vehicle registration or Government provided utility such as a “City of Los Angeles” Power & Water bill. NOT private providers such as Southern California Edison, Golden State Water Company ect....

Please note: DMV “Brown” change of address cards and online change of address letters are NOT acceptable as alternate documentation when your drivers lic. / I.D. does not show your correct home address.

• Proof of Residency: this document must match your drivers lic. / I.D. card described above. Types of acceptable documents: DMV issued vehicle registration with valid “From” / “To” dates or; a public utility bill (Gas, Electric, Water, Landline Phone, Cable/Sat T.V.), dated with in the past 90-days or; a notarized residential lease, property deed, or rental agreement (must show at least 90-days of residency)

• Handgun Safety Card: Valid HSC card (for handgun purchases only).

Oddly enough, his policy actually directly contradicts what I was told today. One shop says the change of address cars is useless, the other says it's mandatory.

[JGalt]

a residential lease works in lieu of utility bills

[CA Gun Laws Suck]

[????? ????]

Look at the California DOJ's FAQs page at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs#13G

Notice that it says for all the proof of residency documentations it says:

bears on its face the individual's name and either of the following:
The individual's current residential address as declared on the DROS form; or
The individual's address as it appears on his or her California Driver License or California Identification Card, or change of address attachment thereto.

That's straight from the official regulations at 11 CCR 4045. That means the address on the proof of residency has to match either what you're putting down on the DROS, or what's on your ID. Logically, that means the address on the ID doesn't have to match to the address on proof of residency. Also, notice how it also specifically says the "change of address attachment." As in those, change of address DL43 "brown" cards you get from DMV offices are good.

[Tovarish]

Looks like a current DMV registration satisfies state and federal requirements for supplementing a CA DL with an old address. Just as most FFLs understand.

Whatever manual she was referring to seemed sloppy in its description of these requirements. I don't know if it was an ATF or DOJ manual but it needs some editorial work for sure.

I might send her these for future reference. Thanks for the help.