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How to Apply for Federal Firearms License

Laws and regulations for individual gun ownership vary from state to state, but any business which desires to buy, sell or repair guns are required by federal law to obtain a Federal Firearms License or what is commonly known as a gun dealer license or FFL license. This includes pawn shops, pawnbrokers, manufacturers, importers, dealers and serious collectors of curios and relics who are in the firearms business must all obtain a Federal Firearms License before starting a business or opening up a shop.

The federal government has strict laws and regulations designed for protecting the public and keeping the streets safe. Not all businesses or individuals are eligible to receive a Federal Firearms License. Those who which to apply may do so through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Instructions

- 1
  The first step in applying for a Federal Firearms License is to determine if the individual or business meets all of the following requirements:
  * Must be at least 21 years of age.
  * Must be a U.S. citizen and never renounced their citizenship.
  * Must be a resident of the state where the business will be opening or existing business location.
  * Must never have broken any federal firearms laws, such as buying or selling guns without proper licensure.
  * Must not have been convicted of a crime that required imprisonment for more than 1 year.
  * Must have never had a restraining order against issued against the individual applying for harassment of a spouse, intimate partner or child.
  * If you use controlled substances, you must obtain them legally, and you must not be addicted to them.
  * You have never been committed to a mental institution.
  * If the individual applying was in the Armed Forces, they must have obtained an honorable discharge.
- 2
  Once it is determined that an individual is eligable to apply, an ATF Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR (collector of curios or relics) must be obtained. To receive this form individuals must contact the local ATF office or by phone by calling the ATF Distribution Center at (703) 455-7801. These forms are NOT available online.
- 3
  Once you have received the application, fill out and disclose all information requested. Do not withhold any information or make any false statements.
- 4
  Application requires applicants to be fingerprinted. To get fingerprinted, visit your local law enforcement agency and include the documentation you receive from them with your application.
- 5
  Include a passport-sized photograph with your application. Passport photos can be obtained at your local mail center or USPS location.
- 6
  Send the appropriate fee with your application, current fees are:
  * Collectors and manufacturers of ammunition - $30
  * Manufacturers and importers of firearms - $150
  * Pawnbrokers and dealers of firearms - $200
  * Manufacturers, importers and dealers of destructive devices - $3,000
- 7
  Mail your application, fingerprints, photograph and fees to: BATFE, P.O. Box 2994, Atlanta, GA 30301.

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