Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and they require a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card just to buy ammunition or own a gun. After you fill out the application, the Illinois State Police conducts the usual FBI background check, and then the ISP will issue you a card. Since you went through that long process, you would think the card could be used as a primary form of identification. You can’t even use it to get a new state-issued driver’s license.
More and more companies require fingerprinting and a background check. Your new employer will send you to a Livescan location like Fieldprint, and they will do everything electronically. You show up for your appointment, the Fieldprint site confirms who you are, and the rest is history or is it.
The other day a vendor asked if a FOID card is a state-approved ID since it is not on their list. Someone had come in for their appointment, and when they couldn’t use it, the trouble started. The situation became so bad the police had to escort the person out. Imagine the consequences if they had arrested her, and later the state might try and use it to deny her a CCL. It is a slim chance, but the encounter was over something the state police issued, and if rejected, the appeals process will take forever.
Although it is not on their website, Fieldprints policy says, “it is appropriate to turn away subjects who exhibit rude, or aggressive behaviors, and/or are verbally abusive.” It goes on to say, “If necessary, please contact the police.”
Here is where this becomes interesting. Remember the part where I mentioned your “new” employer sets up the appointment. Guess who gets notified of your poor behavior, the business that was going to hire you. It is not uncommon for the new company to suddenly decide you are not a suitable fit, and you are back searching the help wanted ads. I understand their reasoning because if you were a pain getting the basics done, you would probably be a pain at your new job.
In Illinois, you can use your FOID to buy a gun but not prove who you are.
Read the original story: Using a FOID Card for ID Could Cost You Your New Job
