I just submitted my renewal. The dumb part is the duplication of work.
- I download the PDF, fill in all my info, print it, sign it, and bring it with me to the police department.
- They take my info, type it all into the state system, print it out again, and have me sign that copy.
90% of the time it took to renew was for the officer to re-type everything back into the system.
How it should be:
- You log into a web portal on a computer or your phone. All your info is already pre-populated because they already know it. You make any changes or updates as needed and hit submit. The local PD receives it and looks it over. They call/email you if they have any questions, otherwise they just hit submit. The state checks what they need to check and send the renewed license. Also it's free.
I like the idea of a web site for submitting applications, new or renewal. I'd describe it with a little more detail, sorry it's the engineer in me. And this is based on what is, not what we want for the laws.
State web site with application.
-Applicant completes web application and submits it, email acknowledgement to applicant.
-State system automatically runs background check, emails acknowledgement of State ok or denial (1st round check) with instructions.
-Application is automatically forwarded (regardless of approval/denial) to local PD.
-If denied by the State, local PD deals with the denial.
-If approved by the State, email instructions for interview, pictures, and prints (as necessary) are emailed to the applicant.
-At the interview, local PD confirms ID and applicant signs printout of application information (note: necessary for accountability should there be a mistake).
-Picture and prints are added to the system by the local PD.
-Prints are run by the State...if they actually do this (2nd round check). Applicant notified via email (and written if denied).
-Local PD approves/denies on suitability (3rd round check), enters this into the system. If approved State generates license.
-If denied by the local PD email and written notification is sent to the applicant with instructions.
-If approved by the local PD applicant is emailed and notified of the ETA of their license.
-When the license arrives at the local PD, applicant is emailed to come pick it up.
Now how it should work (I'm acknowledging that the possibility of removing a licensing requirement in MA, in my lifetime, is a dream):
-Applicant completes web application and submits it, email acknowledgement to applicant.
-State system automatically runs background check (1st round check), emails acknowledgement of State ok or denial with instructions.
-State deals with all denial appeals.
-If approved application is automatically forwarded to local PD.
-If approved by the State, email instructions for pictures and prints (as necessary) are emailed to the applicant.
-Scheduling is handled by the State system. Local PD provides overall hours and days to the State but individual appointments are handled by the system (abuse of this by limiting availability will be very obvious).
-Local PD confirms ID and applicant signs printout of application information (note: necessary for accountability should there be a mistake).
-Picture and prints are added to the system by the local PD.
-Prints are run by the State...if they actually do this (2nd round check). applicant notified via email (and written if denied).
-If approved, applicant is emailed and notified of the ETA of their license.
-When the license arrives at the local PD applicant is emailed to come pick it up.
Of course there would be an off-line version of all this for those that do not want to use a web version. Obviously that would introduce significant delays.
I played with the idea that licenses should be picked up at the RMV where they have the equipment to produce them on demand. But eliminating redundant production capability may be beyond what the state is capable of. I also believe there should only be one license. If you under 21 it's only good for long arms, if you're 21 or over it's good for all firearms.
And now back to the real world.