CCW permit as ID

[Five-O]

I don't know if this is the right forum, but if need, it can be moved.
About a week or so ago I was purchasing some merchandise using my Visa CC. The clerk asked for ID and as I was looking for my DL I decided to instead show my Utah Concealed Firearm Permit ID. It has my picture on it as most gov't issued ID cards do. The clerk looked at it quickly and handed it back approving the sale. Hmm, I thought I wonder if the clerk really knew what kind of ID it was? So later the same day I did the same thing again, using the CFP and again, no problem. I used it a few days later at a large store purchasing a higher priced item. Again, no problem. Finally, on the fourth or so purchase I asked the clerk, "do you know what kind of ID is this?" handing the card back. She looked at it again, trying to see what might be odd about it and handed it back saying something like, "huh?"
I explained what it was and she just kinda shrugged her shoulders saying, "a gun ID?" "It's a permit allowing me to have a concealed gun on me" I said.
She still didn't get it. Now, I have a feeling the other clerks before her never even read what it said on the card, they were just satisfied that it had my picture on it.
I think the reactions by the clerks are mainly due to most being young people and have no idea what a CCW card is. That's California for you.:banghead:
Eddie in San Jose

 

[RockRifle]

Concealed means Concealed!

I would not do anything to advertise that I am carrying. The first time, it was probably alright, but I would not make it a habit of using it for ID.
In the first place, you might let the wrong people know that you are carrying, and then they just start their bad behavior by capping you in the back of the head before going on their robbery spree.
In the second place, you might give the clerks the idea of implied harrassment by telling them that because you have that card you have the right to carry a concealed weapon. The owner of the store has the right to ask you to leave if he/she is uncomfortable with that, but why rub it in anyone's face.

You are not allowed to pull your firearm unless you fear for your life, or the life of someone else. To do so is brandishing and you could be arrested for it. I believe that the implication that comes with the card is powerful. It is not something to be taken nonchalantly. With great power comes great responsibility!

Use your drivers license for ID, save the carry permit for the officer who asks to see it.

 

[kingpin008]

Now, I have a feeling the other clerks before her never even read what it said on the card, they were just satisfied that it had my picture on it.

Or maybe, just maybe, they didn't care what kind of ID it was.

I guess I don't understand the point of your post - do you expect some grand reaction from the common folk just because you flashed your CCW permit? It's ID, just like any other type issued to you by the government.

 

[Five-O]

rockrifle, In California the Utah CFP is not valid. I was using it those few times to see what would be the reaction of people who have probably never seen a CCW or even know what they are. I was not "showing off" or "rubbing it in" or "advertising." It was just a curious one-time experiment that lasted a few times. I would never let anyone, except a LEO, see my CFP.
As an ex-LEO I also never "advertised" that I was carrying when off-duty.
Once, I was given a curious look when a civilian caught a glimpse of my .38 when the coat opened just enough to show a very brief look at my weapon. I just smiled and walked away.

 

[armoredman]

Actually accepted as a second form of ID in this state, but must accompany a photo ID. I never used mine that way.

 

[Five-O]

kingpin, I guess I was trying to show that IDs with a picture of you is not enough deterrent to a person who may have found my wallet and was using the Visa illegally. The clerks looked at the card very briefly and did not look at me to see that I was the real owner of the card.
So if I was crook, and found a wallet with an ID with a picture that looked *vaguely* like me, I know that most clerks would approve the sale and I could get away with theft by conversion.

I guess I should have explained this in my original post.
My apologies.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

I would not do anything to advertise that I am carrying. The first time, it was probably alright, but I would not make it a habit of using it for ID.
In the first place, you might let the wrong people know that you are carrying, and then they just start their bad behavior by capping you in the back of the head before going on their robbery spree.

Agreed. However, I would not recommend showin them my driver's license either. Doing so will alert them that you have a car in the parking lot, at which point they will most likely attempt to carjack you. I wouldn't show them a bank card either, doing so would surely cause them to stalk you, jump you at the ATM and rob you. Even a library card could be a potential hazard. Alerting the possible perp to steal your card, take out books and stick you with some serious late fees.

Really, I know the world can be a crummy place, but not everyone is a filthy criminal just one step away from being a justifiable homicide. There are a lot of good people out there. Don't let your self defense training, or views of people, turn you into an introvert.

 

[Valkman]

I have used mine for ID, in a bank of all places while I was carrying. The lady didn't blink an eye and I guess never put 2 and 2 together.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Ive had some stores ask for my ID and my CWP was the first one so i gave it to him. He refused it saying it "has to be a drivers liscense". I told him that my drivers liscense number is on my CWP and that this liscense is harder to get than a DL. Safe to say i wont ever shop there again and this is in "gun nut Idaho".

 

[ThrottleJockey72]

I've used mine as a second form of ID with no problem. They knew exactly what it was and just didn't care. I think the general public is ok with guns, and it is just the few loudmouths that have a problem with them. If you think about it, if it weren't for the few loudmouths riling people up "for the children" I doubt anyone would give a rats behind. After all, sheep can be led in any direction and they really don't care where they wind up, they just follow the perceived herd.

 

[RoostRider]

I've thought about it on occasion.... and then thought better of it.... it could freak someone out (justifiable fear or not, it's not nice to do that to people)... it could even get the cops called on you (justifiable or not)... it could be seen as an attempt to intimidate or be a public nuisance (even if you beat the charge, why get put there over even a 'test'?)... it could mark you as a target (although that fear is probably considerably less founded in reality)... lastly, and most importantly, it is completely unnecessary (a DL is commonly accepted everywhere)....

If I was in a pinch and needed ID and that was all that was available, I would hand it over stating that I have no other form of ID...

 

[BananaTyrant]

I work at a very large chain liquor store. Those of you from California and Arizona might even know which one it is. We ask for ID and to see the CC. We compare the names on the card, and the picture with the person, but what we're really looking for is the last four digits of the card. More common than stealing a credit card and using it these days is to over-write your own card with the magnetic strip from someone else's.

The ID and card match, but it is now charging someone else's credit card. Really I only ask for the ID because you do get the 1 in 100 these days trying to use a CC they found or stole, instead of rewriting their own. It's also easier that way because you don't get the customer asking why I only wanted to see the card and not their ID. Plus if I time everything just right, I'll have their DL in my hands with their address and name as I see the last four of the charged account, allowing me to turn it over to the police if they run.

Sorry if I rambled, I'm tired and this was my last thing before bed.

 

[ar10]

In OH we have have a picture on all CWP's, but most places don't honor it, they want the DL.
Personally I think the "uneducated" banks and stores that require 2 forms of ID are pretty stupid. A DL is much easier to forge and/or duplicate.
The CWP requires a lot more background information before being issued. Getting a DL requires a SS card, green card, or some type of proof of citizenship. Any of those can be forged. I don't know of anyone that can forge a finger print, let alone 10.

 

[pharmer]

I used it by mistake in my bank once. Clerk never said a word. Joe

 

[LRaccuracy]

In Ohio the only person allowed to demand your DL is a law enforcement officer not someone accepting a personal check. You have to remember a DL is for operating a motor vehicle. If you OFFER your DL as picture identification, that's your choice.

If someone copies your ID without your permission may constitute theft of personal information under the law.

If it is the "policy" of an organization to copy your personal identification, then the organization has a problem. Policy does not supersede the law. Some places believe they are above the law.

If someone copies your CCW permit or takes the information from your permit when you are using it as ID, then someone you don't know, knows where a gun may be kept.

 

[Hk91-762mm]

I work at a rental center.
One day a is man renting some equipment and my boss is standing next to me --The rentee opens his wallet to give me his money for a rental and I see a NY permit-- as Im following up my boss says get his ID..I told the boss hes a good guy he has a pistol permit-customer looks at me with a huge smile -My boss says nothing. [ hes a liberal obommite]

 

[M2 Carbine]

I used mine in the bank a couple weeks ago, just because the CHL happened to be on top in my wallet.

The bank clerk must have had a CHL because she said, "I see they have changed them".
TX recently came out with a different looking CHL.


I have no problem with using the CHL as ID. (but I wouldn't let anyone copy anything from it but the DL, which is on our CHL)
As far as I'm concerned we should be "spreading the word" instead of hiding in the bushes like thieves.

 

[B yond]

I would not do anything to advertise that I am carrying.

I doubt he was actually carrying at the time. I don't think a Utah CCW is any good in Cali.

I have a valid California CCW, and used it as a second form of ID to rent a carpet cleaner once. The clerk had no problem with it, and yes, she knew what it was. Believe it or not, some parts of CA are rather gun-friendly.

 

[orvpark]

Very few clerks pays attention to what it says.

I've used other people cards picking something up for them and showing my ID when they ask for it and signing my name to the receipt.

 

[MedWheeler]

In Flordida..

Though the Florida CCW/CCF card does have the holder's image, name, and address, Florida law requires that a valid Florida (or other, if the holder is a non-resident) photo identification be carried at any time while the permit is being carried along with a weapon. So, there would be no (legal) reason to have only the carry license as ID here.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I'm surprised. From my time working in retail, we had a list of IDs which were accepted, and we were expected to write down the ID#. Can't believe no one balked at it.

 

[Erik M]

I would not do anything to advertise that I am carrying. The first time, it was probably alright, but I would not make it a habit of using it for ID.

I feel the same way. the only person I would show my permit to is an LEO.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

kingpin, I guess I was trying to show that IDs with a picture of you is not enough deterrent to a person who may have found my wallet and was using the Visa illegally. The clerks looked at the card very briefly and did not look at me to see that I was the real owner of the card.
So if I was crook, and found a wallet with an ID with a picture that looked *vaguely* like me, I know that most clerks would approve the sale and I could get away with theft by conversion.

Why do you assume the clerk didn't look at you...just because the clerk didn't look at while looking at the card? I am going out in a limb in suggesting that the clerk had already looked at you before taking your card and when looking at the picture, recognized the card as being yours.

The bank clerk must have had a CHL because she said, "I see they have changed them".
TX recently came out with a different looking CHL.


I have no problem with using the CHL as ID. (but I wouldn't let anyone copy anything from it but the DL, which is on our CHL)
As far as I'm concerned we should be "spreading the word" instead of hiding in the bushes like thieves.

Funny thing...in Texas, the CHL is not considered a legal form of identification unto itself. That is why is must be accompanied by a DL or state ID card (for those who don't have a DL).

 

[KevininPa]

I recently needed two picture IDs for something. The only other pic ID I had besides my drivers license was my CCL. Took it with no problem or comments.

 

[shotgunjoel]

In Illinois your FOID card is accepted for checks and such things. Some places don't take it because it is not considered legally.