The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Obtaining an alien firearms license

Wren · May 7, 2007, 11:58 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm a relative newbie that's beginning to look into purchasing a handgun for home defense.

In researching concealed carry permits and the like, I realized that as a resident alien (Green card status), I would need an alien firearms license permit in order to own a firearm.

That looks like it could be a problem, however. I'm hoping some more experienced people on the board could clarify the following for me.

The WA state's Department of Licensing web site has a notice that reads:

"Special alert for alien firearms license applicants --
We are unable to issue alien firearms licenses at this time. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has told law enforcement agencies it is against federal law to use federal databases for background checks if the agencies share the results with a non-criminal justice agency such as the Department of Licensing. This means law enforcement agencies cannot perform the background checks required by state law for issuing an alien firearms license. Without these background checks, we cannot complete the application process or issue alien firearms licenses."

I've searched for more information on this, but have come up empty-handed.

Does this mean that I cannot obtain a permit? Is this situation permanent?

Thanks for any info you can share.

May 7, 2007, 11:58 PM	#1
Wren Junior Member Join Date: May 7, 2007 Location: Snohomish County, WA Posts: 4	Obtaining an alien firearms license - WA State Hello everyone, I'm a relative newbie that's beginning to look into purchasing a handgun for home defense. In researching concealed carry permits and the like, I realized that as a resident alien (Green card status), I would need an alien firearms license permit in order to own a firearm. That looks like it could be a problem, however. I'm hoping some more experienced people on the board could clarify the following for me. The WA state's Department of Licensing web site has a notice that reads: "Special alert for alien firearms license applicants -- We are unable to issue alien firearms licenses at this time. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has told law enforcement agencies it is against federal law to use federal databases for background checks if the agencies share the results with a non-criminal justice agency such as the Department of Licensing. This means law enforcement agencies cannot perform the background checks required by state law for issuing an alien firearms license. Without these background checks, we cannot complete the application process or issue alien firearms licenses." I've searched for more information on this, but have come up empty-handed. Does this mean that I cannot obtain a permit? Is this situation permanent? Thanks for any info you can share.