At a Glance: To obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL), applicants must meet age, citizenship, and background standards, submit fingerprints and photos, complete ATF Form 7, and pass an in-person interview and inspection by an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI). Once approved, FFL holders must follow ongoing federal and local compliance rules.
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) allows individuals and businesses in the United States to legally engage in firearm sales, manufacturing, or importing. Issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), an FFL helps maintain public safety and accountability within the firearms industry. Note that not every firearm sale requires an FFL; the license is required for those engaged in the business of dealing, manufacturing, or importing firearms with regularity and profit intent. Whether you are starting a gun shop, manufacturing custom rifles, or collecting historic firearms, understanding FFL license requirements is the first step toward compliance and a smooth application process.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Applicants must meet the ATF’s eligibility standards before applying for a federal firearm license. These rules verify that only qualified individuals operate firearm businesses in compliance with federal law.
Age and Citizenship
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old to apply.
- Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may hold an FFL.
Background and Character
- Criminal Record: Applicants cannot have felony convictions or misdemeanor domestic violence offenses.
- Mental Health: Anyone adjudicated mentally defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution is disqualified.
- Substance Use: Habitual users of controlled substances or alcohol may be denied.
- Restraining Orders: Applicants under a domestic violence restraining order are not eligible.
- Business Integrity: Prior violations of firearm laws can disqualify an applicant.
Responsible Persons
Applicants should also review state law to confirm that their business model and address comply with additional state-level regulations. Every Responsible Person listed on the FFL application must meet the same eligibility standards. A Responsible Person includes owners, partners, officers, or anyone who directs management or policy decisions related to firearm sales or manufacturing.
Universal FFL Requirements (Apply to All Types)
Once eligibility is confirmed, every applicant must complete a standard set of basic requirements to move forward with the federal firearms license process.
- ATF Form 7 (5310.12): The primary application form for all FFL types.
- Fingerprint Cards (FD-258): Required for each Responsible Person to complete the background check (Type 03 Collector licenses do not require fingerprints or photos).
- Passport Photos: A recent 2×2 photo for each Responsible Person.
- Application Fee: A 3-year fee depending on license type.
- CLEO Notification: Applicants must notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in their jurisdiction of their intent to apply.
- Business Location: Must comply with local zoning laws, allow ATF access for inspections, and other local requirements for firearm businesses.
- Background Check: The ATF submits fingerprints for an FBI background review.
- In-Person Interview: An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) visits to confirm qualifications, evaluate premises suitability, and explain recordkeeping obligations.
- Premises Security: The ATF evaluates premises security under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g)(6) to ensure proper safeguarding of firearms.
- Recordkeeping: FFLs must maintain a Bound Book and ATF Form 4473 for every firearm transfer.
- Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 3 years using ATF Form 8, with updates for new Responsible Persons.
- Processing Timeline: The ATF is required to act on applications within 60 days of receipt, though processing may extend to 90 days due to interview scheduling and background checks.
Additional Federal Registrations: ITAR & SOT
Some FFLs must register for additional federal programs depending on the type of firearms they handle. The two primary registrations are the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) status.
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
Manufacturers and importers of defense-related articles, including firearms and firearm components, may need to register with the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). ITAR applies to:
- FFL Type 07: Manufacturer of firearms other than destructive devices
- FFL Type 08: Importer of firearms other than destructive devices
- FFL Type 10: Manufacturer of destructive devices
- FFL Type 11: Importer of destructive devices
ITAR registration requirements depend on whether the business exports defense articles or technical data. Consult export control regulations for your specific operations. ITAR registration supports national security and trade compliance. It does not replace ATF licensing but adds an export control layer for businesses involved in the international firearm trade.
SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer)
FFL holders who make, import, or sell National Firearms Act (NFA) items, such as silencers, short-barreled rifles, or machine guns, must also register as Special Occupational Taxpayers with the ATF. This registration is renewed annually using ATF Form 5630.7.
SOT Class | Paired FFL Types | What It Allows |
Class 1 | Type 08 or 11 | Import NFA firearms |
Class 2 | Type 07 or 10 | Manufacture and deal in NFA firearms |
Class 3 | Type 01 or 02 | Deal in NFA firearms (suppressors, SBRs, etc.) |
Quick Summary: ITAR covers defense exports at the federal level, while SOT registration applies to NFA-regulated firearms. Both must be completed before conducting these specialized activities.
Understanding FFLs & License Types
11 categories of FFLs cover different types of firearm activity. The type you choose determines your privileges and renewal fees.
| Type | Description | Fee (3 Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Dealer in firearms (other than destructive devices) | $200 | Most common FFL; includes gunsmiths. |
| 02 | Pawnbroker in firearms | $200 | For pawn-based firearm businesses. |
| 03 | Collector of Curios and Relics | $30 | For personal firearm collecting, not for commercial sales. No fingerprints or photos required. |
| 06 | Manufacturer of ammunition (not destructive devices) | $30 | For ammunition production, no firearm sales. |
| 07 | Manufacturer of firearms (other than destructive devices) | $150 | Often paired with ITAR and SOT. |
| 08 | Importer of firearms (other than destructive devices) | $150 | Requires ITAR; may also need SOT. |
| 09 | Dealer in destructive devices | $3,000 | Requires ITAR and SOT registration. |
| 10 | Manufacturer of destructive devices | $3,000 | Requires ITAR and SOT registration. |
| 11 | Importer of destructive devices | $3,000 | Requires ITAR and SOT registration. |
Fees shown are initial application fees. Renewal fees may differ. Always verify current fees with ATF guidance.
Dealers, importers, and manufacturers at all levels must comply with federal, state, and local regulations for firearm transfers, recordkeeping, and inspections.
Responsible Persons & Business Setup
FFL holders must clearly identify all individuals and business entities responsible for firearm operations.
Responsible Person Definition
A Responsible Person is anyone with authority to direct management, policies, or practices related to firearm activity. Each must provide fingerprints, photos, and background details to the ATF.
Business Structure
- Sole Proprietor: A single individual who owns and manages the firearm business.
- Partnership or Corporation: Multiple owners or officers must be listed as Responsible Persons.
- LLC: Each managing member with operational control must be disclosed.
Zoning and Location
The ATF verifies that your business location complies with local zoning regulations. Home-based FFLs are permitted in some residential areas if local law allows business activity and proper firearm security measures are in place. State and local requirements can be as restrictive or more restrictive than federal rules and should be researched thoroughly.
Maintaining Compliance
After approval, FFL holders must maintain full compliance with ATF recordkeeping and compliance inspection standards. These obligations protect both the business and public safety.
Recordkeeping
- Bound Book: Records all firearm acquisitions and dispositions in order.
- ATF Form 4473: Every FFL transfer must include a completed ATF Form 4473 and corresponding NICS background check record.
- Inventory Audits: Regular checks confirm that all firearms are accounted for by serial number.
Reporting
- Lost or Stolen Firearms: Must be reported immediately using ATF Form 3310.11.
- Multiple Sales: Dealers must report multiple handgun sales to the same individual within five business days.
Storage and Renewal
- Secure Storage: Maintain firearms in locked enclosures or safes during and after business hours.
- Renewal Cycle: FFLs renew every three years and must update documentation if ownership or Responsible Persons change.
How FFLGuard Protects
Navigating ATF regulations can be challenging for any firearm dealer, manufacturer, or importer. By understanding this entire process, you’ll be better prepared for the interview, inspection, and compliance stages that follow. Since 2008, FFLGuard has been committed to providing expert guidance on ATF compliance and legal protection to FFLs through our top-notch cooperative legal and compliance program.
- Expert Support & Compliance Guidance: FFLGuard provides ongoing help for firearms dealers, from recordkeeping and audit preparation to compliance training and updates on federal regulations.
- Legal Defense Services: Should your business face an inspection, audit, or revocation proceeding, FFLGuard‘s Specialized Firearms Counsel delivers nationwide defense and compliance expertise.
- Educational Resources: Members receive access to firearms-specific attorneys, subject matter experts, and on-demand guidance to help preserve their licenses and protect their reputation.
Contact FFLGuard today for personalized support with your FFL application or compliance strategy. Find Your Plan and join the nation’s leading network of protected Federal Firearms Licensees.