If you have recently purchased a gun through a dealer in California, you may be wondering how to check your DROS status. DROS stands for the Dealer Record of Sale and is the system used by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to track sales and transfers of firearms. This system is designed to ensure that only legally eligible persons may purchase firearms and that all guns are accounted for. In this article, we will discuss how to check your DROS status so that you can stay informed about the status of your firearms purchase.
What is the DROS System?
The DROS system was established by the California Department of Justice in 1991 and is used to track firearms sales and transfers within the state. The DROS system requires all firearms purchases to undergo a 10-day waiting period before they can be completed. During this 10-day waiting period, the DOJ will conduct a background check to make sure the buyer is legally eligible to purchase the firearm. Once the background check is completed, the DROS status will change from “pending” to “approved.”
How to Check Your DROS Status
There are two ways to check your DROS status: online and by phone. To check your status online, you will need to visit the California Department of Justice’s website and create an account. Once your account is created, you can log in and access your DROS status. To check by phone, you can call the DOJ’s automated system at (916) 227-4557. This automated system will provide you with your DROS status without the need to create an account.
What Happens After Your DROS is Approved?
Once your DROS is approved, the dealer will contact you to let you know that your purchase is ready to be completed. At this point, you will need to go to the dealer and complete the paperwork and pay any remaining fees associated with the purchase. The dealer will then provide you with the firearm and a copy of your DROS. The dealer is required to keep a copy of your DROS on file for at least five years.
What to Do if Your DROS is Denied
If your DROS is denied, you may appeal the decision within 60 days of the denial. To do so, you will need to submit an appeal to the DOJ using Form BOF 044A. This form must include a detailed explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect. The DOJ will then review your appeal and contact you with their decision. If your appeal is successful, you will be able to purchase the firearm.
What to Do if Your DROS is Delayed
If your DROS is delayed, you should contact the DOJ to determine the cause of the delay. The DOJ may request additional information from you in order to complete the background check. If the delay is due to a mistake on the part of the DOJ or dealer, you may be eligible for compensation. You should contact the DOJ for more information.
Can You Transfer a Firearm if Your DROS is Pending?
No, you cannot transfer a firearm if your DROS is pending. You must wait until your DROS has been approved before you can transfer a firearm. Once the DROS is approved, you may transfer the firearm to another person who is legally eligible to purchase it.
Conclusion
Checking your DROS status is an important part of the firearms purchasing process in California. The DROS system is designed to ensure that only legally eligible persons can purchase firearms and that all firearms are accounted for. To check your DROS status, you can either use the online system or the automated phone system. If your DROS is denied or delayed, you may be eligible for compensation or an appeal. Finally, you must wait until your DROS is approved before you can transfer a firearm to another person.