Feedback 📣📣 New FFL03 & COE section

[ikeo1]

New section for the growing interest for timelines and questions for FFL03 and COE. This will be easier to search track & maintain timelines than in Reddit..

 

[joefrank64k]

Get your 03+COE. Do it now.

That’s it, that’s the post.

Haha!!

 

[Chattypath747]

I think one thing to note is the CA DOJ's new insistence on having COE applicants include their 03 info. A few redditors have gotten through this requirement by redacting their FFL info when providing their FFL.

I don't happen to know what the process involves but it is interesting to see this new turn of events with the CA DOJ.

 

[FTSheartlesssYo]

Just submitted my COE renewal. I currently don’t have a real ID so had to use a second document. From what I’ve read on the website a passport suffices but there’s no option for passport so I used the birth certificate option. Any idea if/when it’ll get rejected? Was lazy to grab my birth certificate.

 

[Chattypath747]

Just submitted my COE renewal. I currently don’t have a real ID so had to use a second document. From what I’ve read on the website a passport suffices but there’s no option for passport so I used the birth certificate option. Any idea if/when it’ll get rejected? Was lazy to grab my birth certificate.

If you don't have a real ID, I think showing a copy of your passport or birth certificate should suffice. If I recall, the COE Real ID requirements were similar to the ammo purchasing requirements if you didn't have a Real ID.

 

[FTSheartlesssYo]

If you don't have a real ID, I think showing a copy of your passport or birth certificate should suffice. If I recall, the COE Real ID requirements were similar to the ammo purchasing requirements if you didn't have a Real ID.

welp hopefully I find out soon if they reject it. They tell you using a passport suffices but don’t give you an option for it.

 

[xblax619]

ya when i applied for my coe i just pointed out that i hadn’t received the ffl03 info yet as the application was mailed out the day before.

 

[metalman]

I can offer some advice on renewal when the time comes:

The renewal application does NOT ask you to enter your current FFL 03 number anywhere in the form. However, you MUST do this or you application will be delayed/marked as incomplete and it wastes time.

So somewhere in the form, be sure to enter your current number. It’s stupid but my last two renewals were marked incomplete for this.

 

[denpython]

New section for the growing interest for timelines and questions for FFL03 and COE. This will be easier to search track & maintain timelines than in Reddit..

Great idea!!

 

[mezcalfud]

When I was asked for my FFL03 (on each of 2 renewals now) I replied that it is not required and to please process my renewal. No further communicate ensued and I was renewed quickly after.

 

[benjos]

For first time COE application, do I need FFL03 number? I recently applied for FFL03 but I have not yet applied for COE.

 

[DuckDawg22]

Yes, they'll make you upload a copy of the FFL as "any type of document" to your COE application. Mine was approved less than an hour after uploading as the COE beat the FFL by about two weeks

 

[Kalonday]

Yes, they'll make you upload a copy of the FFL as "any type of document" to your COE application. Mine was approved less than an hour after uploading as the COE beat the FFL by about two weeks

So i just sent in the documents today and did my livescan. Once they reject it i can just wait for my FFL to come in and upload it? Or should i wait to apply for the COE once i have my FFL03?

 

[NaboombuLagoon]

So i just sent in the documents today and did my livescan. Once they reject it i can just wait for my FFL to come in and upload it? Or should i wait to apply for the COE once i have my FFL03?

Yes, go ahead and complete the COE application now. The rejection email will say that if you're waiting for your FFL03 to upload it as any type of document once you receive it.

 

[benjos]

I got my FFL03 which took about 1 month and my COE took only 1 week.

 

[Rogerdodger]

2/26/25 mailed ffl03 forms

3/4/25 credit card charged $30

3/28/25 atf email reply logged into their system on 3/11/25

4/5/25 FFL03 arrived usps

4/7/25 livescan $96 COE app submitted on CFARS

 

[bonesurf]

COE renewal entered online Monday. Including upload of FFL03 as a court document

Renewal sent to me this AM (Wednesday) at 1AM

That was fast

 

[Rogerdodger]

2/26/25 mailed ffl03 forms

3/4/25 credit card charged $30

3/28/25 atf email reply logged into their system on 3/11/25

4/5/25 FFL03 arrived usps

4/7/25 livescan $96 COE app submitted on CFARS

4/8 I got the email requesting FFL03 be uploaded. Now its all done they said just upload as anything on the dropdown menu.

 

[BasedMerchant]

Looks like timelines are improving. I got everything in 21 days

4/1/2025 - Did Livescan and mailed FFL03 + Money Order. Applied for COE
4/2/2025 - COE put on hold pending FFL03 submission
4/6/2025 - Money Order cashed by ATF
4/16/2025 - FFL03 mailed by ATF
4/19/2025 - received FFL03
4/20/2025 - Uploaded FFL03 to CFARS and resubmitted CoE application
4/21/2025 - CoE issued

The only weird part was that I never got an email/notification from CaDOJ that my COE was approved. I guess you just have to check CFARS

 

[W.H.O.]

Did mine at the end of 2024, FWIW.
11/22/24 - livescan/sent application to ATF & a copy to LEO with a cover letter

12/17/24 - notice from DoJ regarding CoE eligibility criteria not being met.

01/02/25 received 03 from ATF in the mail(dated 01/01/25) sent info to DoJ because IDGAF. They have the rest my information already anyway.

01/02/25- notice of CoE granted.

So, 38-39 days for mine. During the holiday season.