How To Get A FFL Licence
FFL Application
Do you want to know how to get FFL (Federal Firearms License) to be a legitimate firearms dealer? Selling firearms is an exciting and profitable business that you can easily start.
Who Approves Your FFL Application?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for approving FFL applications. The ATF has formed an agency called Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) in Atlanta, Georgia. This branch determines whether you are eligible for getting an FFL. All firearms inspection reports and database are handled by the FFLC.
There is no guarantee that your application is going to be approved. If this is your first time to apply, it is vitally important that you learn how to apply right the first time. A simple mistake could get your application disapproved or delayed.
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How To Get A FFL Licence
FFL Application Requirements
- ATF F 5310.12 (Form 7) — Application for Federal Firearm License (FFL)
- ATF F 5330.20 — Certification of Compliance
- Two Completed FD–258 (Fingerprint Identification Card) for each Responsible Person (RP) obtained through a local law enforcement agency.
- Two 2″ x 2″ Photographs for each Responsible Person (RP)
- Application Fee
What Type of License Should You Apply For?
There are 9 types of federal firearms licenses. If you want to be a firearms dealer, then you need to secure a Type 1 license. Submit a duly accomplished ATF Form 7. You can get this form from ATF Distribution Center. It takes about 8 to12 weeks for the ATF to review your application. Upon approval of your application, you can now legally sell firearms such as rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers.
How To Get My FFL Application Approved?
It is easy to be approved for a firearms license so long as you meet the requirements set out by the ATF. Some of these requirements are that you should be at least 21 years old, you have a business premise wherein to operate, and that you have filled out your application honestly.
Once you have decided to make an application for a federal firearms license you would send the completed application to the ATF post office box listed on the application form, ATF Form 7 – Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL).
The application must be accompanied by the proper application fee, which you can pay by check, credit card or money order. Once the application fee is processed, the FFLC will enter your application information into its database and commence a full review of your application and supporting materials, including fingerprint cards and photographs.
The FFLC will review the fingerprint cards you submitted for clarity and, as required by law, will then conduct an electronic background check on all the “responsible persons” you have identified on your application.
Who are “responsible persons”?
ATF defines a responsible person as a sole proprietor, partner, or anyone having the power to direct the management, policies, and practices of the business as it pertains to firearms. In a corporation this includes corporate officers, shareholders, board members, or any other employee with the legal authority described above.
Interview with Industry Operations Investigator (IOI)
The FFLC will then send the applications for new licenses to the nearest ATF field office having responsibility for the area in which your business is located. The field office supervisor will issue an assignment to an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) who will conduct an in-person interview with you.
The IOI will discuss Federal and State and local requirements with you, and go over your application with you to ensure the information is correct and current. The IOI will then prepare a report of his/her interview, the inspection and make a recommendation to either issue you the license or deny the application.
Some reasons for denial may include failure to comply with State or local law (such as zoning ordinances), evidence of previous willful violations of the Gun Control Act, or falsification of the application.
Issuance of Federal Firearms License
The field office supervisor will also review the report and then submit his/her recommendation to the FFLC. Assuming that all background checks have been completed and your business address and proposed business operations are in compliance with State and local law, the FFLC will complete the application processing and issue you the license.
How long does it take to approve/disapprove an application for a Federal Firearms License?
ATF approves or, depending on the circumstances, disapproves an application within a 60-day period which begins with the day your application is received at the Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia (FFLC). This will take approximately 60 days from the time your application was first received and if the application you submitted was completely and correctly filled out.
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How To Get A FFL Licence