FFL Info
Federal Firearms License Overview
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a federal license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as a result of the Gun Control Act of 1968. There are different types of FFLs for different industries and different uses (there are 11 types total). All manufacturers and importers of firearms and ammunition are required to maintain an FFL just as most dealers of firearms are likewise required to do the same. It is not necessary to have an FFL to sell ammunition (unless the ammunition falls into the categories described in the National Firearms Act and similar legislation; such ammunition includes armor piercing rounds, incendiary rounds, and the like).
The most common need for FFL licensure is to sell and transfer firearms. An individual who wishes to ship a firearm to another individual may only do so by entrusting the firearm to the care of a licensed dealer (a person or business that has the appropriate type of FFL license) who may then ship the firearm to another licensed dealer near the receiving individual who may then release the firearm to the care of the receiving individual. Note that an FFL is not required where an individual wishes to transfer a firearm to another individual in a face-to-face transaction, but some states may have transfer requirements.
FFL holders may also seek to obtain a special license classification. The most common such license classification is commonly known as a “Class 3 License”, which allows a holder to possess and in some cases sell firearms that are subject to the National Firearms Act (this includes many fully automatic weapons).
FFL License Requirements
The most commonly applied for FFL license is known as the “Type 1”, which is required for dealers and gunsmiths. To obtain a Type 1 license, an applicant will be required to provide the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the following:
- Original copy of completed ATF Form 7
- Photo of each responsible person (aka “applicant”)
- Two original copies of Form FD-258 (fingerprint cards) for each responsible person (note that the fingerprints must be taken by a law enforcement officer)
- Original Certification of Compliance with U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) for each responsible person
- Payment of $200.00 by check or money order
In addition to the above, an applicant will be required to sign an affidavit (part of ATF Form 7) asserting that the licensed premises complies with all state and local laws and that the chief law enforcement officer with jurisdiction over the licensed premises has been (or will be within thirty days of application) notified of applicant’s intent to obtain licensure. Additionally, each responsible person will be required to initial a series of statements asserting that the applicants are not felons, that the applicants have never had an FFL revoked, that the applicants are not under the age of 21, etc.
FFL License Application - How To Apply
Applying for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is somewhat of an arduous and bureaucratic process. The first step is to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to request an application packet. This can most easily be done by going to the online Distribution Center Order Form and submitting an order for F 5310.12 (Form 7), which can be expected to arrive by mail within a week or two of request. Once the Form 7 has been received, the following steps should be followed closely (the below steps pertain to a Type 1 license, the most commonly requested):
- Review the state and local laws pertaining to the possession and sale of firearms to confirm that the proposed licensed premises will not be in violation of any such laws
- Contact the local police department to arrange to have fingerprints taken (note that fingerprints must be taken by a law enforcement officer)
- Arrange to have two 2”x 2” photographs made of each responsible person (applicants)
- Complete ATF Form 7 Copy 1 and Copy 3 (Copy 2 is for the applicant’s records and is useless because it is best to simply scan or make a copy of Copy 1 and Copy 3 upon completion)
- Make copies of all documents, photographs, and fingerprint cards to be submitted
- Mail (certified mail is recommended) ATF Form 7 Copy 1 and its accompanying documents and payment to the ATF FFL licensing office at P.O. Box 409567, Atlanta, GA 30384-9567
- Mail (certified mail is recommended) ATF Form 7 Copy 3 to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) with jurisdiction over the subject premises
Once the above documentation has been submitted to the ATF’s application processing center in Atlanta, Georgia, an applicant can expect to receive a phone call from the nearest ATF field office to schedule an inspection/orientation of the licensed premises. Such an inspection generally occurs within two to three months of application. At the inspection, the ATF field officer can be expected to examine the security of the licensed premises and then provide the applicant with a tutorial concerning the reporting requirements upon receiving and selling firearms inventory.
It is worthwhile to note that the instructions provided by the ATF are unclear at best and conflicting at worst. Be sure to make copies of everything that is submitted and be sure to triple check the contents of the package that is submitted as even a slight oversight can result in months of delay.
FFL License Costs
The great news is that becoming an FFL holder is not that expensive. The most commonly applied for FFL license is known as the “Type 1”, which is required for dealers and gunsmiths. The application for a Type 1 FFL is a mere $200.00 (check or money order only), but there are hidden costs. It will take a few hours to complete the necessary paperwork, obtain photographs, and wait in line at a police department to be fingerprinted. Additionally, an applicant can expect to spend an hour or two with an ATF field agent when it comes time for the proposed licensed premises to be inspected. In summary, the monetary cost is minimal but applicants can expect to spend 8-12 hours on paperwork and related tasks to become licensed.
