How to Obtain a License to Sell Firearms

Get a federal firearms license before selling any firearms.

If you plan to sell firearms, you should also plan to comply with strict federal laws that govern licensing. Selling firearms without a license is a serious offense--protect yourself by getting your federal firearms license. Find out what type of license you need and fill out an application from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Submit your application, pay the required fee and you can start selling firearms.

Things You'll Need

• ATF Form 7
• License fee

Instructions

1. Meet the basic requirements and choose what type of license you need (see Resources). Dealers must have type 1 licenses, pawnbrokers need type 2 and collectors type 3. No matter which type you apply for, you must first be at least 21 and have a clean criminal record.

2. Lease a physical location to sell firearms and comply with all state, county and local requirements regarding permits, businesses licenses and the like. Check with your state's department of justice for specific firearms laws and regulations. You can research your state's gun laws at a law library or at websites such as Gunlaws.com or the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (see Resources).

3. Get fingerprinted for a background check. There are many private companies that perform fingerprinting for a fee and send records directly to the ATF, including National Background Check, Print Scan and National Fingerprint. Some police and sheriff's departments may also provide the service. Fees will vary by state and by service provider.

4. Call the ATF at 301-583-4696 and ask for the forms necessary to obtain your license. Relay your contact information and which type of license you are applying for.

5. Fill out the application truthfully. Certify that you are able to conduct your firearms business legally in your state and on the premises you have leased for that purpose and that you will comply with any state laws or regulations regarding the business within 30 days after the federal license is approved. In addition, you must certify that you have security and gun storage on site.

6. Pay the license fee, which varies by type. It ranges from $30 to $3,000.

References

• FEGA.com: Guidelines for Firearms Licenses
• AK-47.us: Types of Federal Firearms Licenses
• ATF: How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee

Resources

• Gunlaws.com: State by State Firearms Information
• National Rifle Association Institute For Legislative Action: Federal and State Firearms Laws