I know I don't have to tell you this, but I will anyway. Do not date or sign the one you get from the ATF. Make copies of the original blank one and then when you send one to a place to register as a C&R holder, you sign and date the COPY, since all signatures have to be original. I put the date that I send the copy off.
No longer needs to be original sigs. ATF now allows email and scanned, and faxed copies.
I keep a .jpg/bmp, and a pdf copy of my C&R on my phone. pre signed, and dated to some date that was legal, ie, within the license range, and not post dated.
that way if i am in a place i don't have a paper copy but need my license ( like to send to one of the online dealers ), or even to text or email to a dealer at a show.. I've got one.
To the OP. Ditto what the others said. don't do anything to your original. make a bunch of copies of it, and then sign and date those as you use them. I would however make a signed and dated electronic copy to keep on your phone or on a thumb drive or computer, in case you need to send it to someone.
I can't tell you how much stuff i've gotten off gunbroker, and right after the auction ended, just emailed over my c&r right off my phone, then called the seller to get a invoice or complete the deal over the phone. Makes it noce to win an auction and 5 minutes later be squared away on paperwork and waiting for the delivery truck to bring your toy.
