Question COE Timelines

[prestige_worldwide3]

Are COE application approval timelines just a crapshoot? The majority of threads I have seen people are getting their approvals in a day or 2. I am going on week 3 now with it being "in progress" and even received my FFL-03 already( applied at the same time)

Also emailed them to check if it was the FFL-03 holding it up but can confirm its no longer needed see below the response from COE unit: "Possessing an FFL-03 is no longer a requirement to apply as a collector for a COE".

Any insight or similar experiences would be helpful. Thanks

 

[PHOsho]

I just did my renewal so it might be different than what you're looking for, but my renewal took 3 days from submittal to approval. Had my COE since 2022 so it's been some time, but even when I first applied, I don't recall it taking that long.

 

[phildunphy]

Renewal here. I renewed online the LAST DAY before my COE expired. Whoever was on the other end helped me out, big time. Processed it before it expired.

I think this story kind of alludes to the speed at which they COULD process COE paperwork, in general.

 

[cali_jazz]

Are COE application approval timelines just a crapshoot? The majority of threads I have seen people are getting their approvals in a day or 2. I am going on week 3 now with it being "in progress" and even received my FFL-03 already( applied at the same time)

Also emailed them to check if it was the FFL-03 holding it up but can confirm its no longer needed see below the response from COE unit: "Possessing an FFL-03 is no longer a requirement to apply as a collector for a COE".

Any insight or similar experiences would be helpful. Thanks

This is for a new not renewal app?

2–4 weeks is fairly common if your Live Scan clears quickly and there are no issues.
4–8 weeks is not unusual, especially if DOJ requests additional information or experiences backlogs.

Sounds like you're withing the average timeline. I know it's like watching paint dry but gotta be patient.

At least you didn't accidentally let yours expire and realize it 92 days later. Cost me an extra $100+ for a new Live Scan

 

[watitdoo_]

did livescan 7/13 and applied for COE 7/14, same boat as you, already received my FFL03 but just awaiting COE. Everyday I log into CFARS and see “In Progress”

 

[mcnaugcl]

I applied for a new COE in January. It was approved in about 24 hours.

 

[watitdoo_]

I just checked progress of Livescan with ATI number and it looks like CA and FBI approved same day as livescan but Firearms is still pending.

 

[Colt Collector]

Mine took a while because I sent in the wrong Livescan form. After they contacted me, I did another Livescan and got approved in a day.

 

[mbuss101]

I finally did mine last month and total process even with my FFL03 was less than 3 weeks but I guess I got lucky.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

I just renewed my COE well before the expiry date and they approve it quickly.

 

[Gryff]

Man...grateful for this thread for the simple fact that it sparked me to check my COE status. Looks like it expired last month, but I was still able to renew it.

Thanks guys!

 

[seanjq]

My COE application has been ongoing since July 26th. FFL 03 arrived yesterday. Applied for both the same day.

 

[Colt Collector]

My COE application has been ongoing since July 26th. FFL 03 arrived yesterday. Applied for both the same day.

Now you just have to update your COE application online with your FFL03 number. It should take a day or two.

 

[seanjq]

Now you just have to update your COE application online with your FFL03 number. It should take a day or two.

There's no place to upload or amend my COE application on cfars. Just says it's 'in progress'.

 

[1911-CV]

FFL03 is no longer required. One of our members had that successfully challenged.

 

[seanjq]

FFL03 is no longer required. One of our members had that successfully challenged.

Yeah, I did see that. Thanks!

 

[Dvrjon]

Now you just have to update your COE application online with your FFL03 number. It should take a day or two.

Here’s the link.
The Office of Administrative Law determined that this was an underground regulation and unenforceable.

https://oal.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2026/03/Remediated-CTU2025-0912-01-Determination_FINAL.pdf

 

[Shellbackitup]

Can someone clarify a little?

I'm unsure of how this new ruling affects the process to get the FFL03 and COE.

Does this mean that you don't need the FFL03 or just that the application process is simpler?

I am mainly just interested in getting ammo shipped direct.

Thanks!

 

[Dvrjon]

Can someone clarify a little?

I'm unsure of how this new ruling affects the process to get the FFL03 and COE.

Does this mean that you don't need the FFL03 or just that the application process is simpler?

I am mainly just interested in getting ammo shipped direct.

Thanks!

DOJ can’t demand you provide your FFL-03 information to them. They can’t withhold issuance of the COE if you don’t provide the FFL-03 info.

 

[TheRatDragon]

I'm now officially on three weeks of waiting for my COE to get a job with an FFL. It's so mind boggling how much they drag their feet on this one. And I have a clean as f*ck record and I've previously held an FFL03/COE in the past and it didn't take nearly as long that time as it has this time.