How to Get Licensed to Sell Firearms

An ATF inspector at a federally licensed gun dealer

Many gun owners wish to open their own firearms business because of their passion for firearms and because of the profitability of the industry. To sell, trade or manufacture firearms, you must obtain a federal firearms license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. You need to fill out the license application, submit your fingerprints, meet eligibility requirements and pay a fee to acquire a license to sell.

Instructions

1. Meet eligibility requirements. The ATF places certain restrictions on who can obtain a license. You must be 21 years or older and have a place to set up a business (a building or store). Additionally, you must not be prohibited from using, trading or owning firearms. If you were arrested for armed robbery or are on parole, you will not be able to get a license. You cannot violate the Gun Control Act either.

2. Find a place to set up your business. Before you submit your application, you must find a building or store where you plan to open your business. You call firearms from your garage or online. Consider hiring a commercial real estate agent to help you find a property you can purchase or lease.

3. Obtain a federal firearms license application. You cannot download the application online. Contact the ATF's Distribution Center Order Form through email or phone [phone]. (See Resources.) The proper form, along with fingerprint cards, will be sent to your mailing address. If you contact the center by email, make sure to provide your complete name, address and the type of license you want to acquire. (See Resources for various license types.)

4. Fill out the form. Answer the questions truthfully. Consider purchasing an FFL kit to help you navigate through the application process. Many of these kits offer advice and resources during your application process.

5. Pay the fee. Your application is not complete without the proper fee. The application fee can range from $30 to $3,000. The fee is largely based on what you plan to do within the firearms industry, such as being a manufacturer, importer, dealer, collector or pawnbroker. Submit your fee, along with your fingerprints and application, to the ATF for review.

6. Renew your license. Once you have obtained your license, you must renew it every three years.

Tips & Warnings

• Licenses are not transferable. If you want to own more than one firearms store, you must acquire a license for each location.

• If you wish to sell firearms, you must obtain a federal firearms license. You will break the law if you sell firearms without the proper license.

References

• How to Get Your Federal Firearms License
• How to Get Your Federal Firearms License Fast and Easy
• Federal Firearms Licenses

Resources

• ATF Distribution Center Order Form
• Federal Firearms License Types