California Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
If you work with explosives in California, you most likely need a Certificate of Eligibility. This is a background check administered by CAL DOJ and successful completion of the process results in a certificate that is good for 12 months. A valid COE is required for almost all county explosive permits in California.
Unfortunately, this process is not user-friendly and due to the contentious relationship between CAL-DOJ and the firearms industry, it’s harder than it needs to be.
Here are some tips to getting your application approved:
1. Find your nearest Livescan provider and make an appointment. Many mailbox and UPS stores provide this service, particularly if there is a courthouse or County office in your city.
2. Before you go, download a copy of BCIA form 8016 and fill it out. Be sure to use ORI number CA0349400 and fill out the top part of the form as follows:
3. Complete your Livescan and make sure you receive your ATI number.
4. Create an account on the CFARS website and fill out the COE application.
5. Be sure to specify “Explosives Permit” for the reason. CAL DOJ may deny your application if they can’t connect it to a firearms business in their system otherwise.
6. Pay the $81 fee and wait up to 120 days.
7. When you receive a notification e-mail, log in and print your certificate.
8. Be sure to renew your COE on time. If you let it lapse more than 90 days, you will have to repeat the process.