I'm completely new to handguns and the whole procedure of obtaining and owning one.
I went through the whole application, trusting that the local PD was going to provide me with everything I needed to do so.
I paid the fees via money order, they fingerprinted me, background checked, 2 references with letters (and follow up phone calls, even called my boss at work).
After a long ordeal, they finally called me to let me know everything was ready.
I went to go pick up the stuff and received only a permit to purchase a handgun. I was so excited, I left without asking any questions. This was obviously a mistake, I now realize in hindsight.
I did some further reading and it turns out that I'm in need of a firearms ID card. What's it for, I'm not sure. I'm sure it's akin to have a drivers license to operate a motor vehicle. I'll probably need it to show that I'm legally allowed to own and operate a handgun.
How and why is beyond me, as I was never tested or trained on safe operation of a firearm and knowledge of laws pertaining to ownership of one, but I digress.
A month later, realizing that something was amiss, I call the PD again and ask them about this and they claim they gave it to me the day I picked up the purchase permit (absolutely untrue). She checked their files on me and said that it wasn't there, but it was noted that I picked it up.
I wasn't going to get into an argument over it so I asked what it would take to get another one issued. She said $18 and up to 2 months.
So I'm just going to get the process started again. I'm not going to win this battle.
Just last week, I went to a local store and bought a Glock G19. The dealer just looked at the permit and didn't ask for an ID card. He just said when the gun arrives, I have to fill out some form and that's it.
So my question is, can I go to a range without a FID? Can I just carry the permit, which is printed on carbon copy paper and has my ID# on it.
Or am I SOL until I get the ID card?
So what exactly is a FID used for? Do I have to carry it with me whenever I am transporting my guns to and from the range?