How to Get a Federal License to Carry a Gun
If you want to conduct a business related to firearms, you will need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). This license will allow you to buy firearms wholesale or in bulk and sell them to the public. You must be at least 21 years old to receive a license and cannot have violated the Gun Control Act or be legally restricted from using firearms. Apart from these restrictions, the process is easier than you might think.
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Instructions
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Secure premises for your firearm-related business. Although this must be done before submitting your application, your "premises" can be your home if permitted under your state and local laws. These premises must include secure gun storage facilities or other appropriate safety devices.
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Send written notification to the chief law enforcement officer of the location where your business will be located (normally the local police chief) that you intend to apply for the FFL. It would be appropriate to notify this officer with a signed document rather than by e-mail.
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Go to the ATF Distribution Center Order Form website and order ATF Form 7 (the FFL application) by mail. For security reasons, the FFL application cannot be downloaded.
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Fill out ATF Form 7, sign it and have it notarized, and mail it to your local ATF office. You will have to certify under penalty of perjury that you meet the above-mentioned requirements for issuance of the license, that your business is not prohibited by state or local laws, and that all state and local laws will be complied with by the time your business opens.
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Ensure your compliance with all state and local requirements for the conduct of your firearms business within 30 days of approval. This compliance is required for you to meet the terms of your FFL license application.
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Tips & Warnings
Approval of a Federal Firearms License is not considered discretionary - in other words, if you meet the stated requirements, the ATF has to issue you the license.
Since you are required to certify your compliance with state and local laws on your FFL application form, violation of these laws will also get you in trouble with federal authorities as well.
