The process to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Ohio follows federal guidelines set by federal regulations and managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). While Ohio aligns with federal law, state statutes, like those governing dangerous ordnance and certain background criteria, may influence specific details depending on your firearms business type and location.
Federal vs. State Requirements
Ohio largely mirrors federal firearms licensing standards, but you should always verify compliance with Ohio Revised Code and any local government ordinances. While the ATF controls the licensing process, local zoning rules or business restrictions may still apply, especially if your operation is in a residential area or near a school safety zone.
Federal Requirements for an FFL
In general, to qualify for an FFL anywhere in the United States, including Ohio, you must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Be legally eligible to possess firearms and ammunition
- Operate from a physical firearms business location suitable for firearm storage and transactions
- All zoning and ordinances where the business is or will be located must allow for the type of FFL transactions/services associated with the license type.
- A lease or rental agreement for a physical business location must allow for the type of FFL transactions/ services associated with the license type.
Have NO:
- Felony convictions or convictions where you could have been sentenced to at least a year of confinement, even if you got a lesser sentence
- Substance abuse issues (including marijuana, regardless of state legality)
- Disqualifying mental health adjudications
- Outstanding arrest warrants
- Pending criminal charges and/or cases
- Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces
Ohio Requirements for an FFL
Although Ohio does not require any state-level firearms dealer-specific license beyond your federal FFL, Ohio does have additional requirements to be eligible to obtain an FFL in the state.
You must have an established, registered, and licensed business.
This means you have some type of business model (Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) that is properly registered and licensed with all state and local government authorities (e.g. Secretary of State, Ohio Department of Taxation, Licensing and Permitting, etc.). FFLGuard strongly recommends a legal business entity of some type is formed; a sole proprietorship is not advised.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you submit an FFL application, take the time to carefully review your eligibility to be granted the license as a private individual.
Step 2: Physical Business Location Suitable for Firearm Storage and Transactions
When applying for a Federal Firearms License, most people overlook or misunderstand one of the biggest requirements for FFL issuance:
- All state and local government zoning, ordinances, laws, and licensing must allow for legal operation of the license type. This means, if you are seeking a Type 01 – FFL dealer license, every applicable law, regulation, contract, and license must permit firearm storage and public sale.
- If you live in a residential area and the zoning or deed restrictions prevent transactions with the public, business operation, or firearm related activities, ATF cannot issue the FFL – and they’ll keep your application fee. Do your research before you even begin to start the process in Ohio for getting an FFL so you can locate a physical business location where you can operate.
- If you are renting or leasing the property, do not forget to ensure the agreement includes a provision explicitly permitting the type(s) of operations needed for the license type for which you will be applying.
Step 3: Business Structure and Formation
FFLGuard strongly recommends a legal business entity of some type is formed before application for an FFL; a sole proprietorship is not advised. To choose the right business structure, consider your liability tolerance, tax needs, capital investment and future growth plans, and desired level of management control and administrative complexity. Common options include the sole proprietorship (simple, total control), LLC (balanced protection, flexibility), and corporation (best for raising funds, more complex).
Key Factors to Consider
Liability:
How much personal risk are you willing to take if your business incurs debt or faces a lawsuit?
- Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships: Typically offer no personal liability protection, meaning your personal assets (real estate, automobiles, jewelry, etc.) are not separate from the business and may be taken by courts to resolve lawsuit and debt.
- LLCs and Corporations: Typically separate your personal assets from your business, offering a higher degree of personal liability protection.
Taxation:
How do you want the IRS to tax your business profits?
- Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships: Considered “pass-through” entities, with profits and losses reported on the owners’ personal tax returns.
- Corporations: May face “double taxation,” where the company pays taxes on its profits, and shareholders then pay taxes on any dividends they receive.
Management & Control:
How much control do you want, and what level of administrative formality are you comfortable with?
- A sole proprietorship is simple, with one owner calling all the shots.
- A corporation has a more complex management structure with a board of directors and officers. An S-Corp might offer tax advantages over a C-Corp for qualifying businesses.
- An LLC offers operational flexibility with a management structure that can be tailored to your needs.
Capital Needs & Growth Plans:
How do you plan to fund your business, and what are your long-term growth goals?
- If you plan to seek outside investors or go public, a corporation may be the best choice to facilitate fundraising.
- For businesses with plans to grow but without immediate outside investment needs, an LLC can offer a good balance of protection and simplicity.
Step 4: Obtain State and Local Business Licenses / Permits
The Ohio Secretary of State maintains an “Ohio Business Road Map,” which can assist with navigating Ohio processes for starting a business, including obtaining necessary Ohio state licenses.
In addition to the necessary Ohio State license, be sure to check your County and City / Municipality requirements for licensing and/permitting. Before you can submit an application form to ATF, you must have all the requisite licenses in hand.
Step 5: Complete ATF Form 7 – Application for a Federal Firearms License
- Complete ATF Form 7 – Application for Federal Firearms License.
- Make copies of all your business entity formation documents, lease and/or rental agreements, IRS documents, and business license(s) and have them at hand and ready to reference and submit with the completed document
- Each Responsible Person on applying will need to complete ATF Form 7 Part B – Responsible Person Questionnaire and provide photographs and fingerprints.
- Mail the completed application with some type of tracking and delivery confirmation to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) as indicated on ATF Form 7. Do not forget to include the application fee. FFLGuard recommends payment by credit card or money order, as the processing of the application will not begin until payment has been validated and cleared. Be sure to maintain copies of all documents submitted and tracking information.
Step 6: Background Check and Interview
After submission of ATF Form 7 and payment acceptance, ATF and FBI get to work processing your application:
- The FBI conducts criminal record checks to confirm eligibility of each Responsible Person with the data provided on ATF Form 7 Part B – Responsible Person Questionnaire along with the photographs and fingerprints.
- An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) from ATF will reach out the Responsible Person(s) to conduct an in-person interview and premises inspection to confirm compliance readiness, physical location suitability, and discuss your proposed operations.
- Although the IOI will review regulatory requirements and require a signature on an Acknowledgement of Regulations, this is no substitute to a real compliance education. Check out FFLGuard ’s online training courses to ensure you understand your legal obligations and maintain positive relationships with law enforcement.
Step 7: Await Decision
- ATF has a regulatory mandate to action an application form for a Federal Firearms license (FFL) within 60 days if all paperwork, fingerprint cards, and inspections are in order. For most applicants, this means a decision to issue / not issue an FFL will be completed within about 90 days.
- However, if the application form submitted is incomplete, incorrect, or does not include all necessary documentation, delays will occur. The 60-day regulatory mandate for application action stopwatch only begins once a perfected application is received and payment accepted.
- Processing delays are also common with non-citizen applicants and applicants where there are questions regarding his/her criminal history.
How FFLGuard Helps Ohio FFL Holders
Expert Support & Compliance Guidance: FFLGuard offers ongoing support for firearms dealers, from record-keeping and audit prep to compliance training and updates on federal regulations.
Legal Defense Services: Should you face an inspection, audit, or revocation proceeding, FFLGuard’s Specialized Firearms Counsel provides legal defense and compliance expertise nationwide.
Ready to Apply? Contact FFLGuard today for personalized support with your FFL application and compliance strategy in Ohio with our affordable JumpStart Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the variability in Ohio state and/or local business licensing costs, entity formation costs, etc., it is impossible to put an exact dollar amount required for an initial FFL application. However, ATF Form 7 – Application for Federal Firearm License fees are set federally and apply nationwide:
FFL Type | Application Fee | Renewal Fee (3 Years) |
Type 01 | $200 | $90 |
Type 02 | $200 | $90 |
Type 03 | $30 | $30 |
Type 06 | $30 | $30 |
Type 07 | $150 | $150 |
Type 08 | $150 | $150 |
Type 09 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Type 10 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Type 11 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
An FFL is valid for three years from the date of issuance. Renewal must be submitted before expiration.
The process generally takes about 90 days, depending on your application completeness when submitted, background, and interview results.
You must complete ATF Form 7 and submit the proper fee based on your chosen license type. Additionally, all Responsible Persons must complete ATF Form 7 Part B – Responsible Person Questionnaire and submit photographs and fingerprints.