Feedback 📣📣 New FFL03 & COE section

[RonRN18]

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

I was on a similar timeline, although I started before you. I mailed off my FFL 03 application in March. It arrived at the FFLC on March 22. I had put credit card info on the application and was charged on April 1 by "FIRE AND EXPLOSIVES". I had not subscribed HERE until today and didn't think I had to have the 03 FFL in hand before applying for COE, which I did on March 24. My application was suspended for lack of the FFL. I finally received the FFL on April 19. I went back to CFARS and I've been confused as there is NOTHING listed for the FFL03. I uploaded a copy of the FFL but there was no way to tag it as such... I didn't know what else to do so I called it an out-of-state drivers license. I have tried to reach out to the state but they do not have anyone answering phones; not even a single person that you'd have to wait hours to reach. What a flawed system!!!! I would say they are actively trying to prevent law-abiding people from doing what the constitution states is our right, but could that really be the case? (Just kidding, I know exactly that is the case.)

 

[RonRN18]

I'm assuming that I'm not alone in this list as someone going through this rigmarole to get the best deals in ammunition. I (obviously) have not purchased ammunition online any time recently, last was around 20 years ago. I am curious about the process, once I get my COE; I just received the 03FFL. I have scanned a high-quality scan of the FFL and also made a "sharable" lower-resolution copy that I was thinking of using to share with a vendor. I expect that I will need to upload a copy of the FFL and COE to each vendor I plan on purchasing from. Is that all there is to it? Are there restrictions in the mailing process, such as having to have the ammunition signed for upon delivery? 20+ years ago, I don't think there was anything like that, but curious if something like that has gone into effect.

 

[RonRN18]

I finally got both my FFL and COE, with the COE becoming valid this morning. I searched for the ammunition I was looking for and the first two vendors I reached out to, Target Barn and Lucky Gunner both state that despite having both, they will not ship to California, even to law enforcement agencies in the state. Does anyone know any good places to purchase from that will ship when the customer has both the FFL and COE?

UPDATE: I finally found that TargetSportUSA will actually sell to California. I went 0/2 on my first two attempts, but apparently got a hit on the third.

 

[skb720]

Renew was super fast this year, literally 24 hour turnaround time.

 

[Paul49]

First, be sure to keep track of your renewals because the COE only lasted a year, while the FFL 03 three years. It’s easy to get complacent and forget. Fortunately CA DOJ has a 90 day grace period for renewals.

Once you have both, you have to find vendors willing to work with you. Not all do. Typically you upload your documents, then begin ordering. The ammunition comes right to your door by UPS, no signature required, at least by the vendor I have been using, Target Sports USA. Once I met the UPS guy at the door as he delivered 1,000 rounds of 9mm which weighs 20+ pounds. He handed me the box and said “have a great time!”

 

[gant2k1]

I was on a similar timeline, although I started before you. I mailed off my FFL 03 application in March. It arrived at the FFLC on March 22. I had put credit card info on the application and was charged on April 1 by "FIRE AND EXPLOSIVES". I had not subscribed HERE until today and didn't think I had to have the 03 FFL in hand before applying for COE, which I did on March 24. My application was suspended for lack of the FFL. I finally received the FFL on April 19. I went back to CFARS and I've been confused as there is NOTHING listed for the FFL03. I uploaded a copy of the FFL but there was no way to tag it as such... I didn't know what else to do so I called it an out-of-state drivers license. I have tried to reach out to the state but they do not have anyone answering phones; not even a single person that you'd have to wait hours to reach. What a flawed system!!!! I would say they are actively trying to prevent law-abiding people from doing what the constitution states is our right, but could that really be the case? (Just kidding, I know exactly that is the case.)

So where do you attach ffl03 too In the cfars? Someone said there’s an any document drop down ? But u did it in the out of state drop down

Also velocity ammo I heard will do it and charge no tax

 

[Serbianguy]

I scan my driver’s license and 03 ffl on the same page at the same time. I then submit that one document containing both pieces of information. Works every time.

 

[1911-CV]

There's a list of firms who ship to FFL03's in this thread: CAGUNS FFL03's List

 

[Paul49]