How to Get a Federal Firearms License
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is required in the United States for individuals and businesses engaged in the manufacturing and selling of both firearms and ammunition. An FFL has been a requirement for intrastate and interstate transactions since the enactment of the Gun Control Act in 1968. To get licensed, you must follow several steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Application for FFL
- Certification of Compliance
- Fingerprint ID cards
- two photos (2-inch by 2-inch)
- application fee(s)
Instructions
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Meet the basic requirements to apply. You must be at least age 21; meet state and local license requirements for the premises where guns or ammunition are to be sold; have secure gun storage and safety devices; be under no prohibition from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition; and have no previous violations of the Gun Control Act.
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Download the applicable forms from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) website. You will need Form 7, the FFL application, as well as the Certification of Compliance. Both are downloadable in PDF format. You will also need to obtain FD-258 (Fingerprint Identification Cards).
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Fill out completely and honestly all information requested on the applicable forms.
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Obtain two 2-inch by 2-inch photographs (passport size) for each Responsible Person (RP) listed on the application.
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Submit your completed application packet along with the necessary application fees to the ATF processing address listed on the application. Application fees vary for dealers, brokers and manufacturers of destructive and non-destructive weapons and ammunition, so be sure to confirm the application fee prior to submitting.
Once the ATF receives your application and processes your application fee, it will assign a field office to process your application, do the necessary background checks and conduct personal interviews and field inspections. All applications are to be processed within 60 days, in accordance with the Gun Control Act.
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References
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