Getting an FFL in Pennsylvania has two main parts. First, you apply for a federal firearms license through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Second, if you plan to sell firearms to the public, Pennsylvania law requires a state dealer license called a “License to Sell Firearms” under the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act (Title 18 Pa.C.S.)
Pennsylvania dealer transactions also run through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System, operated by the PSP firearms division.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting Your FFL in Pennsylvania
Follow these steps to obtain your Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Pennsylvania:
- Choose the correct FFL type (e.g., Type 01 for dealers, Type 07 for manufacturers).
- Confirm eligibility and ensure responsible persons are ready for background checks.
- Complete ATF Form 7 with required documents (photos, fingerprints, etc.).
- Complete the ATF interview and receive federal approval.
- Apply for the Pennsylvania License to Sell Firearms through your county sheriff.
- Set up PICS access for background checks via phone or ePICS.
- Start dealer operations, following state rules for firearm transfers, background checks, and recordkeeping.
Federal requirements (ATF)
To apply for an FFL, you must meet specific federal criteria outlined by the ATF. The following conditions must be met for every federal firearms licensee:
- You must be at least 21 years of age.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- You must be legally allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
- You must operate from a physical business location suitable for firearm-related activities.
- Zoning must permit the type of FFL business activity you plan to conduct.
- Your lease or property agreement must allow firearm transactions to occur on-site.
- You must complete a background check as part of the application process.
- You must not have a criminal history that includes felony convictions or any offenses that could result in over a year of confinement, even if you received a lesser sentence.
- You must not have issues with controlled substances or substance abuse.
- You must not have disqualifying mental health adjudications.
- You must not have outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges.
- You must not have a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.
- You must have a clear intent to operate as a licensed FFL dealer or manufacturer under federal law.
These requirements ensure that you meet the legal standards for operating as a responsible firearms dealer or manufacturer under federal regulations.
What you submit
Your ATF application is built around the correct ATF Form 7 (Application for Federal Firearms License) and includes various required documents, including:
- A 2×2 photo of each responsible person.
- Fingerprints on an FD-258 card.
- The Responsible Person Questionnaire (Part B).
- CLEO notification copy in your Form 7 package.
Additional documents or similar material may be requested depending on your application.
Once submitted, your ATF application is reviewed, and an ATF Industry Operations Investigator will conduct an interview. After approval, you receive your FFL.
Pennsylvania dealer licensing
License to Sell Firearms
If you are operating as an FFL dealer selling to the public, Pennsylvania requires a separate state dealer license under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6113.
What the statute sets out:
- The statutory fee for the License to Sell Firearms is $30, but additional local fees may apply depending on the county or city processing the application.
- The license term is three years.
Where you apply
Most counties require you to apply for this license through the county sheriff’s office or local police department. Counties often publish local instructions and a total amount due that can be higher than the $30 statutory fee due to local processing charges.
Some counties may also require the sheriff to verify your federal approval number (ATF number) with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) before issuing the state dealer license
Practical items many counties request:
- A copy of your ATF FFL approval.
- Business information, including your business address.
- Required documents (may include a driver’s license or other forms of identification).
- In-person submission of your application is required in some counties.
- If your county asks for a public announcement or posting step as part of its local process, follow the county instructions.
PICS checks and the dealer transfer workflow
How dealer checks work
Pennsylvania State Police runs PICS, and PSP notes it is used by firearms dealers to verify who can legally buy a firearm. PSP also states that eligibility checks can be initiated by calling PICS or using the web tool ePICS.
If you are a licensed FFL dealer, you will typically use ePICS for faster workflow. The ePICS site states it is intended for use by Pennsylvania-licensed firearm dealers.
PICS fees (PSP)
PSP lists:
- $2 for a PICS check for a firearm purchase or transfer, authorized in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(b)(3).
- A $3 surcharge that dealers remit on applicable dealer sales, with PSP instructions for dealer remittance forms.
Your shop can set its own transfer charge on top of PSP’s fees. That is where an initial transfer fee is usually added.
Local Setup and Zoning Requirements
Before applying for your License to Sell Firearms, make sure your business location complies with local law and zoning regulations for firearm sales. Some municipalities may require specific zoning approval for firearm-related businesses, and failure to comply can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
Your business location must meet zoning and ATF requirements to ensure it’s suitable for conducting firearm sales and operations. Always confirm that your premises are properly zoned before starting the application process.
Fees and Timeframes
Federal FFL Fees
FFL Type | Application Fee | Renewal Fee (3 Years) |
Type 01 | $200 | $90 |
Type 02 | $200 | $90 |
Type 03 | $30 | $30 |
Type 06 | $30 | $30 |
$150 | $150 | |
Type 08 | $150 | $150 |
Type 09 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Type 10 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Type 11 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Pennsylvania License Fees
- $30 statutory fee for the License to Sell Firearms. Local fees may apply and increase the total cost of obtaining the license. These fees vary by county or municipality and may include processing or administrative charges.
Timeframes
- Federal approval: Typically 60 days from submission.
- Pennsylvania license approval: The approval process varies by county and is dependent on the local sheriff’s office and verification steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes to ensure your FFL application goes smoothly:
- Applying for the state dealer license before your federal approval.
- Not confirming zoning compliance before applying for a business license.
- Failing to properly set up PICS or recordkeeping processes.
- Misunderstanding the transfer rules for private handgun sales, which must go through a licensed dealer and not be treated as a casual transfer between an unlicensed individual.
How FFLGuard Supports Your Pennsylvania FFL License
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