Not everybody has a permit (different from a license) to have/carry a firearm.

Licensing does a number of positive things regarding gun control (notice it is CONTROL not confiscation)
1) Licensing through a state agency gives the state needed information on the gun owner. (mental stability, felony record, etc)
2) Licensing usually requires a competency test to insure that the gun owner KNOWS how to handle and safely secure that weapon.
3) The test usually has a training program associated with it for ALL licensees.
4) Licensing will also help track any firearm lost or stolen through the firearm's serial number.
5)There are insurance programs that are (and could be in the future) available that cover the firearm and the liability and injury issues.

NONE of the proposed licensing programs take firearms away from people who have legally obtained them.

You license your car/truck......yes there are still crimes that are associated with vehicles, and there are still people who steal those vehicles, but because of the licensing procedures, any vehicle can be traced back to proper owners, and some have been actually reunited after theft.