How to Obtain a Class 3 Federal Firearms License in Maryland

A Federal Firearms License, often referred to as an FFL, is a license that allows interstate firearms business. There are 11 different types of licensing, and 3 special occupational classes which one can apply to operate under. A Class 3 special Occupational License allows the holder to deal NFA firearms across state lines. Licensing and regulation for all Federal Firearms Licenses in Maryland, as well as in other states, are controlled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, more commonly known as the ATF.

Things You'll Need

• ATF Form 7
• Federal Firearms License Type 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11
• Application Fee

Instructions

Applying for a Class 3 Firearms License in Michigan

1. Review and meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 21 years of age, not be prohibited from possessing or handling firearms or ammunition, have a separate premise for conducting your business (generally, your home does not satisfy this requirement), and you must not be in violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968.

2. Request or download the application form. The form to apply for a Class 3 Federal Firearms License is ATF Form 7. You can download a copy of the form from the ATF website, or contacting the ATF Distribution Center by phone at [phone]. Keep in mind a separate form and license is necessary for each separate location, even if they operate as one business.

3. Obtain a "traditional" Federal Firearms License if you don't already posses one. In order to obtain a Class 3 Federal Firearms License in Maryland, you must already have a dealer or manufacturer FFL, which includes types 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. You can apply for a traditional FFL using the same form for a Class 3 Federal Firearms License.

4. Complete and submit your application for a Class 3 FFL. Be sure to answer every question, and do not falsify or conceal information on the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form, along with a check for the amount of application fee, which is listed on the form. You can also fill out and submit the application online using the ATF's website, and pay the fee by credit card.

5. Send a copy of your application to the chief of police at your local police department and notify him of your intent to obtain a Class 3 Federal Firearms License. You can send a copy by mail, but it is suggested that you do this in person to ensure that there are no additional steps your specific county requires to operate your business in the area.

Tips & Warnings

• You must complete a separate application and pay the fee for each separate business location you wish to operate under your Class 3 Federal Firearms License.

• Check your local county laws to see if there are any additional requirements you must satisfy before you begin operating across state lines.

• Falsifying or withholding information on your FFL application is a Federal offense, and you can be subject to steep fines and other penalties if you are caught.

References

• 27 C.F.R. 478
• 18 U.S.C. § 923 (2008).
• 18 U.S.C. § 926 (2008).

Resources

• Federal Firearms Licensing Center