My wife and I both successfully did this. I know it's only $20 but Eff them. Originally the $20 was supposed to cover the cost of printing a new card. Now you don't even get a card for your $20. Let it expire and start over. It's free and only takes 2 weeks or less. The only PITA is that...
Actually it does automatically happen. If you purchase on a Monday, you'll be picking up on the following Tuesday. If the Monday following the Monday you purchased is a holiday, you'll be picking up on Wednesday.
If you're thinking handgun, then he is going to need a permit. It's not smart to keep it in the car. It should always be on him. Maybe you should be considering a get home bag as well. I keep a Henry Survival rifle in my GHB.
It only works one time. If your original HQL was free because of your carry permit then yes, you have to pay the $20. Renewals are $20, the law makes no differentiation. However if you did not get your 1st HQL free due to a carry permit, it DOES work and the new one (not a renewal) is free.
If you had your HQL before getting your carry permit, let it expire. Then apply for a new HQL using the permit exemption and get it free. Why give them $20?
I had an issue one time on a private transfer at an MSP barracks. The officer selected that it was through an FFL. I actually received a call from the licensing division. At first they said it would have to be done over. I explained we had chosen a halfway spot and it was about an hour drive...
Wouldn't her official residence still be Washington? (and yours?) If you don't have to change residency there should be no reason to register anything. I could be wrong however.