How to Get an FFL: Written by a Firearms Attorney!

Getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is actually a lot easier than you think. However, you’ll need to know the requirements and the exact steps to take in order to get a FFL. Therefore, in this guide, I will show you how to get an FFL in 4 easy steps.

However, if you want more guidance and videos showing you how to do it as you look over my shoulder, then be sure to check out my full video course which is only $49.95.

*Please note that while I am a firearms attorney and have years in the industry as an expert FFLs attainment, what I write here is not to be taken as legal advise.

What is an FFL?

A Federal Firearm License, or “FFL,” is a license from the federal government to engage in the business of making, importing, buying, and/or selling firearms.

Under federal law, it is perfectly legal for a law-abiding citizen to make their own firearm or even decide to sell a firearm. However, if that same person makes a firearm or buys a firearm with the intent to sell it, then a Federal Firearms License is needed.

FFL Requirements

There are two categories of requirements for getting your FFL: personal and business.We dive deeper into each of these topics in our article FFL license Requirements

Here’s a quick summary of what the ATF will require of you (this is explored more in FFL license Requirements):

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a U.S. Citizen (or a legal permanent resident)
• Be legally allowed to possess firearms and ammunition
• Have a premises for conducting business (your home can work for this! In fact, most FFLs in the country right now are home-based FFLs)
• Ensure that your business activity at that location is not prohibited by state or local law
• NOT have violated the Gun Control Act (GCA) or its regulations
• NOT lied on your application
• You must have a business intent

But let me reiterate that it is perfectly fine to have a home-based FFL (in fact, most FFLs in this country are home based).

Now that you know the basic requirements for getting a federal firearms license, let’s cover the fours steps to getting your FFL…

The 4 steps on How to get an FFL

• Step 1 – Choosing which type of FFL to get
• Step 2 – Setting Up Your Business
• Step 3 – Applying for Your FFL
• Step 4 – Preparing for Your Initial ATF Inspection

Step 1: Choose Which Type of FFL You want to Get

Before you can apply for a Federal Firearms License, you need to know what type of Federal Firearms License you are going to apply for. There are 9 types of FFLs – each allows a different type of business activity related to firearms.

The types of FFLs are:

• Type 01 FFL – Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
• Type 02 FFL – Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
• Type 03 FFL – Collector of Curios and Relics
• Type 06 FFL – Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms Other Than Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition
• Type 07 FFL – Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
• Type 08 FFL – Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices or Ammunition for Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices, or Ammunition Other Than Armor Piercing Ammunition
• Type 09 FFL – Dealer in Destructive Devices
• Type 10 FFL – Manufacturer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition
• Type 11 FFL – Importer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition

Much more about each license type and the pros and cons of each are discussed in my Get Your FFL Course.

For now, if you’re not sure which Federal Firearms License is right for you, you are probably going to want to get either a Type 01 FFL as a firearm dealer and/or gunsmith or a Type 07 FFL as a manufacturer as these are the two most popular types of FFLs. The Type 1 Dealer FFL costs $200 for the first 3 years but $90 for each three year renewal. The Type 7 Manufacturer FFL costs only $150 for the first three years and $150 every three year period thereafter. This means that it is less expensive to get a license to make firearms than to sell them (for the fist three years at least).

For more on fees and pricing, check out FFL License Cost

You may have also heard about something called an “SOT” or “class 3 dealer.” Becoming a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) is required if you are going to make a special class of firearms like machine guns, silencers, short barreled rifles, and more. And, if you’re going to deal in these firearms, becoming an SOT allows you to pay a federal tax ($500 in most cases) instead of a transfer tax per item ($200 in most cases).

Step 2: Set Up Your Business

Because having a business intent is required to get a Federal Firearms License, even if it is just a side-business with occasional sales, you need to set up your business. Now, even though I recommend starting an LLC in my course, you can be a sole proprietor and avoid setting up a distinct business entity if you wish.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll need to make the decision now on what type/level of business you’re going to establish and get it started now as the business (if you make one) is going to be the applicant for the Federal Firearms License.

How you form a business will vary by state – make sure you look up your local rules and speak to an accountant in your state for financial considerations. If you’d like some guidance on what to do here, you really should take at least the introductory course, How to Get Your FFL.

Step 3: Apply For Your Federal Firearms License

Now that you’re sure that you meet the requirements for a Federal Firearms License and you’ve decided on a business strategy, it’s time to actually apply for a Federal Firearms License.

Of course, there’s really a lot more to consider (like location, business equipment and records, etc.) but the next major step is to apply for your Federal Firearms License. If you haven’t solved any zoning issues by now, you really should before you apply. The sample letter I share in my course really helps confused zoning officials (especially with a manufacturing license from your home).

At a bare minimum, applying for your Federal Firearms License involves filling out an ATF Form 7 and submitting the required extras like fingerprint cards and any affidavits.

Please be very careful here: making the wrong elections/decisions on your application might cause problems later.

Step 4: Prepare for Initial Inspection

Congrats! You’ve now applied for your Federal Firearms License! If there are not any mistakes in your application, business, zoning, etc, you should expect to have your license in about 2 months.

6 weeks after sending in your application, an ATF Industry Operations Investigator will call to schedule an initial inspection to meet with you to review your application, your understanding of ATF compliance (rules and regs), and ensure that you are ready to be successful as an FFL.

This step is called “Prepare” for a reason – you should be actively preparing for this first inspection by studying ATF rules and regs.

If you’d like to do this research on your own, you can find almost everything you need either on ATF’s website or by reading the actual laws and regulations. The relevant laws are found in the Gun Control Act, codified in 18 USC Chapter 44 (§§ 921-931), the National Firearms Act, codified in 26 USC Chapter 53 (§§ 5801-5872), ATF Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 27 parts 1-799, and read through the myriad ATF rulings and open letters.

Or, if you’d rather just have me explain the parts that matter and what to do, I’ll see you in my course.

If all goes well (it will – don’t worry), you should expect your Federal Firearms License within a couple weeks after the interview/inspection with the ATF.

Full Video Course on Getting Your FFL

As you can see, there are really only 4 steps you have to take in order to start the process. However, when you prepare for your ATF inspection, there are a LOT of things you’ll need to focus on.

It’s for that reason why I offer a video course showing you step-by-step what you need to do in order to get your FFL.

By taking this course, you will:

• Save time and money in the process
• Improve your changes of passing
• Be better prepared for the ATF

Common Mistakes Made When Applying for FFL

Mistake #1 – Zoning Issues. When applying for a Federal Firearms License, you must ensure that local zoning rules will allow your business. Often times, your local zoning office doesn’t quite understand FFLs nor the ATF and might say “no” when it is actually allowed to have a Federal Firearms License in your area. There are a few tips and tricks in my course to help get past the zoning hurdle with your FFL.

Mistake #2 – Wrong Business Structure. The second Federal Firearms License application mistake I see, and one that can cause a lot of troubles later, is using the wrong business form or failing to set things up and apply properly. The ATF can come down pretty hard on FFLs (I’ve had them as my clients before) that don’t clearly list company members or controlling interests.

Mistake #3 – Wrong FFL Type. This one is fairly self explanatory – don’t get a Type 07 FFL is you want to manufacture firearms AND ammunition for sale. Also, a Type 7 manufacturer license may be all you need to make and sell firearms if you do it right.

Mistake #4 – Not Being Educated / Not Paying Attention to Compliance. If you don’t take the time to educate yourself AND work to follow the rules, you can wind up in serious trouble. I’m not trying to scare you here – it really isn’t that bad or that hard…. as long as you know what you’re doing.

Mistake #5 – Landlord Issues. If you have a landlord, clear it with them BEFORE applying. They will need to be included on your application and the ATF will contact them – don’t let them be surprised by the ATF.

Getting an FFL FAQ