I fail to understand how they could "take" your FAA license. They may take the actual credit card sized piece of plastic itself but that does not invalidate your license or the records with the FAA. FAA licenses are essentially "valid for life". If you were to lose the piece of plastic you still have your license and all the privileges, you can get a temporary license and/or verification over the internet and print it out at home any time you want. A replacement license costs $2.