Please pardon my ignorance. I have yet to receive anything back from the CA DOJ. Can I shoot my AW, or do I need some sort of documentation from the CA DOJ?

I never read anything that said you are required to carry proof of registration. I assume any LEO could look you up on his 'puter and see if your registered. If your paperwork hasn't been processed yet, and the LEO was being a dick, I suppose they might take them until you showed proof of reg. A copy of your registration form would probably help, especially if you have the cancelled check to the DOJ.

Makes sense. Thanks for the info. I'll play it by ear.