HELP ME! I need proof of California residency

[SoCalGuy]

Hi everyone,

I was born and raised in California for my 21 year of existence and still live with my parents. I want to buy a S&W 500 4" revolver. I'm not in the military, I don't rent, and I don't have a utility bill, property deed, or car registration in my (full) name, but these documents are all in my parents' name (and we all of course share the same last name and residence address).

What can I use, then, as proof of residency for my handgun purchase? Two options I'm considering are getting a passport or buying a radio broadcast service in my name (as a utility bill), but I don't feel I should have to do this stuff just to prove I've lived here for 21 years. Also, if a U.S. Passport is current, government-issued, has an expiration date, and shows my residence address, why wouldn't gun dealers accept it as proof of residency?

Thanks.

 

[LoneCoon]

Boy a range permit!

I dunno if CA does it, but you can buy a hunting or Range permit that serves as a proof of residence.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Your CA Drivers License should be all you need to prove residency.

 

[SoCalGuy]

Info

Before you reply, know that the proof-of-residency document in California CANNOT be a driver's license or hunting/fishing license.

 

[packarat]

How about buying a cell phone and wireless plan. I'ts a bill you could get mailed to your address. I would call the shop you are looking to purchase from first, just to make sure it is acceptable.

Long shot but you never know...

 

[SoCalGuy]

Cell phone bills, bank statements, and pay stubs can't be used in California. Please visit http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs.php#33G before replying. Thanks!

 

[Jim March]

Create a rental agreement with the parental units.

 

[AnthonyRSS]

According to Federal law, the only acceptable documents must be government issued. Don't know why they wouldn't take your driver's license, or your passport...

Anthony

 

[Jim March]

He's NOT dealing with Federal law, but rather state (California).

Go to the link he provided, look under "residential lease". Blank forms for lease agreements can be downloaded from that new-fangled Internet thingie, and will be valid even if he's only paying a token $1 a month...

 

[10-Ring]

Car registration or utility bill are the best items...maybe talk your mom or dad into putting your name on one of the bills Good luck!

 

[SnWnMe]

Surely you have a California ID? You know, the ones you get before you're grown up enough for a DL.

 

[Smithers]

Surely you have a California ID? You know, the ones you get before you're grown up enough for a DL.

Only if he's buying a long gun. For a pistol, you need an utility bill of some sort.

You can try asking your parents to transfer an utility under your name. Then you can change it back.

 

[SoCalGuy]

Transferring one of our home's utility bills or car registration to my name is not an option.

 

[ugaarguy]

Sue

Contact the ACLU and see about suing the state. The fact that a state issued driver's license isn't enough proof of residence is ridiculous. State law is disenfranchising you. The ACLU is currently helping the Texas State Rifle Association with a suit there.

 

[vynx]

Find a copy of a California Residential lease online and fill it out ... if you can't find one ask a local realtor or a property mgmt. company or a professor of a real estate class at a local college

Also, what name is on your parents gas, elec, water, (utility) bill?

Sometimes it is just first initial & last name check the name maybe its ONLY the last name if so you are good to go.

 

[Stretchman]

Vehicle registration? Or, maybe, you could go to the courthouse and ask them to provide you with proof of residency. Simply go there and explain the situation. May take a notarized letter. Shouldn't be more than that.

You shouldn't have to do any of the things they ask simply to get a firearm. But I think I know the real reason. Once you buy the firearm, tracking you is easier if they know there is a way to.

 

[Smithers]

Create a rental agreement with the parental units.

The IRS is going to have a piece of that.

Or, maybe, you could go to the courthouse and ask them to provide you with proof of residency. Simply go there and explain the situation. May take a notarized letter.

This is not accepted by the Democratic People's Republic of California. No FFL would take it, since they'll lose their license. The law is very specific.

Transferring one of our home's utility bills or car registration to my name is not an option.

How is this not an option? Are you trying to buy a handgun without letting your parents know?

Unless you are going to move out, I don't see a solution to your problem.

 

[logical]

A passport only shows your state of birth...no other address info.

 

[RTFM]

This is like a tragic comedy.
I'm sooooooo glad I never moved there.

California sucks. Put a wall around it and give it back to Me-he-cow.

Sorry for your delima SoCalGuy.

 

[rustymaggot]

This is like a tragic comedy.
I'm sooooooo glad I never moved there.

California sucks.

when we have lost california, your next. anti's are like rust. once they eat california and corrode our rights then they will have a toe hold. scrubbing away rust only gets more dificult with time. california needs all the help we can get.

 

[Rumble]

So...wait. Is it proof of address, rather than residency? In that case, I can see why a utility bill or something would be required (it's dumb, though: here in PA, proof of address isn't required--just proof that you are a state resident).

If it's just residency, it's totally bizarre that California law doesn't recognize a California-issued ID as proof of residency in California.

 

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

Get your own phone line in your name. That's the easiest way it seems.
CA is ridiculous.

As a side note, do you currently own any other firearms?

Unless you hunt deer, bear, and wild pigs, elk and bighorn sheep, that particular pistol/cartridge is nearly useless, brutal on the hands, and very expensive to shoot. Any particular reason you have to have that firearm?

 

[bdsnooks]

So Cal Guy

Your dealer/transfer agent can (may not want to) help you with that.

Also, call CA DOJ at: (916) 263-4887 and pose your question there.

Good luck!

 

[461]

Contact DOJ for assistance. They can intervene with a finding and give your dealer the go ahead on it. California indeed has lots of hoops and is a maze of silly and useless laws but is still far from the worst state to be a gun owner in.

Have to agree with RustyMaggot, once the first state falls the rest go down very quickly. It's easy to sit back in some states and preach about how "No good" other states are, but we're the ones on the front lines looking out for your rights in the future. Paraphrasing the old saying, when we're gone who will be there to help you out.

 

[SoCalGuy]

re: Just a Dude

I don't own any other firearms. I'm buying it for wilderness protection. Thanks