I had sort of a similar thing many years ago.

Military personnel under orders are not considered residents of the state they are stationed. That's why "Home of Record" in your SRB is so important.

Usually, this only comes up for tax purposes, although there are several good and bad things...

Here's an example... While stationed at Pendleton, I drove a car with expired tags for two years. Why? Because my home of record was NC. At the time (1975-77) North Carolina wouldn't renew a tag until you had an inspection. My car was in California, and I couldn't be expected to drive home to get it inspected. Since I was a non-resident of Calif., I was allowed to wait "until I had the opportunity" to get it inspected. Which meant no penalty for tax or tag as long as I was stationed across country. I could have gotten a Calif. plate, but I didn't have to. I believe they closed that loophole some years back.

As far as local law enforcement denying this, they are within their rights, but they could issue one. One big detractor would be you giving an on-base address versus a residence in town. Also, what state is your driver's license from? That's a biggie.

I had an issue with buying a pistol in another state while I was stationed there. I had an Alabama license from when I was in school there, and was transferred to Cherry Point. My home of record was NC, but I couldn't buy a pistol in my own state until I got a NC license.

congrats on your wife's and your success

Go to your Base legal office, they will know and how to take care of this. I’m willing to bet this Sheriff needs a little attitude adjustment!!

and good luck with your permit

Recheck the regulations, the Sheriff sounds to me doesn't like Marines! By Law, you do have the same rights as NC residents!!

Being 2nd Generation Retired Military, I know this first hand. I have had several Law Enforcement Officers give me a rash of crap for caring concealed. I kindly reply who is responsible for my personal protection and of course the I’m god (spelled with a little “g”) I (they) know everything spews out. Then I tell them, Ok, when I see one of you getting the crap kicked out if them, I’m going to keep driving! That does change their tone a bit!!

Just remember, you’re not a home boy and because of that you’re not welcome in their county period. Perhaps you need to call the NC Congressman and Senator up. I would like to see Military installations shut down and moved just because of that. Luke AFB was being threatened to be shut down because developers where going to build houses right off the end of the runway. The City of Glendale AZ annexed the area around and the roads leading into the Base to preserve it. Glendale knows who butters their bread! Shut the Base down and the Westside of town dies!!

Moishe...
Yes, there's different ways to have done it. I was just lazy about it and stingy. If I didn't have to, I didn't. I didn't renew my license during that time either.

One time I did use the system. I failed the motorcycle riding test in Cal. because I couldn't see the lines through my fairing. I didn't have access to a small bike for the test. I then went to Alabama for school. While there, I got a license with a motorcycle stamp. At the time, if you had a motorbike, Ala. would just give you the endorsement.

I then went back to Cal., and got a license because they would automatically approve one from another state. No riding test. Since then, I have kept my motorcycle endorsement through several states for 30 years... without a test.