Just got my C&R! Or did I?

[Father Knows Best]

Well, a big package from BATFE was waiting for me when I got home today. In it was a bunch of books and forms, all clearly related to the C&R FFL application I sent in last month.

One thing is strange, though. Isn't there supposed to be an actual FFL? You know -- a piece of paper with my name and an FFL number on it? Instead, all I got was a bunch of booklets and preprinted blank forms. Does the actual FFL come in a separate mailing?

Also, the package was soaking wet. All the books and forms are ruined, with pages plastered together and ink running. I assume BATFE will send me a replacement package, but this is a frustrating way to get started....

 

[Jim K]

Yes, you should get a piece of paper with "COLLECTOR OF CURIOS AND RELICS" on it in big letters.

Jim

 

[depicts]

The actual license comes in a seperate envelope

 

[Car Knocker]

what about the other guy(forget his name) who shot the flintlocks w/o eye protection...

Yes. Mine came in a 9-1/2" x 6" blue envelope.

the package was soaking wet.... I assume BATFE will send me a replacement package

If you notify them, they will be happy to.

 

[Bruce333]

Yup. Look for a blue (or green) envelope in the next day or 2 (unless you overlooked it and it's in with your stack of junk mail).

Just send the Licensing Center an email about the books etc. being ruined and they will send new ones out.

Remember...Don't sign the original license! Make copies and sign those only!

 

[thexrayboy]

Just curious as to how long it took. I sent in my app weeks ago and they haven't even cashed the check yet.

 

[220_Swift]

Just curious as to how long it took. I sent in my app weeks ago and they haven't even cashed the check yet.

I would be making some phone calls. My check was cashed within a few days of mailing it out. That is the first thing they do. They cash the check, then forward the application onwards.

 

[Father Knows Best]

How long?

I don't know exactly, but I know it's been less than a month. I mailed it off sometime in early September.

I did find the license, by the way. It was indeed in a blue envelope that was mixed in with the junk mail.

Thanks!

 

[ilbob]

The actual license comes in a seperate envelope

The envelope it comes in is pretty non-descript and looks like typical junk mail. I know from personal experience that it is quite possible that one's wife could toss it in with the pile of junk mail where it might languish for several weeks before being recognized for what it actually is. That is several weeks where one could have been putting it to good use.

 

[illini52]

Speaking of calling, i've been waiting 2 months for my C&R. Check was cashed 1 Aug. What number should I call to inquire the status?

 

[hksw]

Just curious as to how long it took. I sent in my app weeks ago and they haven't even cashed the check yet.

Depends on how diligent your local ATF processor is. When I got my first one while living in SE OH, it took 1½ weeks. WHen I got my current one now in NE OH, it took ~5 months.

 

[AJ Dual]

+1 to everyone else. You get the books and all the Federal pamphlets a week or two before the actual license.

BTW, only about 10% of it is useful to an 03 FFL. Much of the ATF's correspondance is that way. You'll also get periodic letters and FFL bulletins, again only 10% of which apply to an 03. So read everything the ATF sends you with a critical eye. They make almost no effort to explain what applies to you as a C&R, vs. an 01, or a Class III SOT who manufactures and sells machine guns to the military and SWAT teams...

Also, when you get it: DO NOT SIGN YOUR LICENSE. EVER.

MAKE MANY PHOTOCOPIES.

SIGN THE COPIES IN BLUE INK SO IT STANDS OUT AS AN ORIGINAL SIGNATURE.

SEND THE COPIES TO THE VARIOUS C&R WHOLESALE DEALERS. Keep a few extras on hand for "local transactions".

 

[ScottsGT]

Edumicate me, why not sign the license?

 

[AJ Dual]

Because each of the the copies you have to send to all the dealers have to be signed in INK. Now that the ATF has opened up licences to being faxed, you could probably technicaly get away with signing your orignal, but many, many dealers are still nervous and iffy about FAX'ed licenses.

Besides, once it's on file with a dealer, you don't have to ever send them a copy of your FFL again, they keep it on file, and just accept and ship your C&R orders as long as your shipping address is the same as the license.

If you've signed the original FFL, you can't sign the copies with a real signature. So you always keep the original blank. This is per the ATF's own instructions. In essence, you don't sign your FFL license for the same reason you don't sign every blank check in your checkbook. For security reasons, you sign it (the copy) right when you use it or send it, not before.

And if you license was ever stolen and someone tried to use it to procure firearms, it would at least have to be a forged signature.

 

[220_Swift]

Speaking of calling, i've been waiting 2 months for my C&R. Check was cashed 1 Aug. What number should I call to inquire the status?

The number is on the application, which you should have photocopied for your own. If you did not keep a copy, I will be happy to dig mine out and give you the number.

Edumicate me, why not sign the license?

Because the copy you have to send to dealers and businesses must be signed in ink. If you sign the original, when you copy it, your signature will no longer be in ink, and they will not accept it. Copy the original, and then only sign the copies.

 

[eastwood44mag]

Do NOT send faxed copies. ATF only allows fax copies for dealers, manufacturers, and importers, NOT COLLECTORS!

C&R still has to be mailed. Now, if you're using it for ammo, accessories, etc. and not guns, then it isn't a concern, but you're required to mail a copy for guns.

 

[ScottsGT]

OK, that makes sense!

 

[Punkermonkey]

I just called the ATF at 866-662-2750, and was told that the current processing time is at 90 days. My check was cashed back in July. Hopfully I should see it any day.

 

[illini52]

Quote:
Speaking of calling, i've been waiting 2 months for my C&R. Check was cashed 1 Aug. What number should I call to inquire the status?

The number is on the application, which you should have photocopied for your own. If you did not keep a copy, I will be happy to dig mine out and give you the number.

OK, good deal. I have another copy of the app. Ordered 2 in case I messed up on one. I just started to wonder as some people get them in 2 weeks and others take much longer. I guess the ATF would have called me if there were any hang-ups.