How to Get a Gun Dealers License

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A gun dealer's license, formally known as a Federal Firearms License (FFL), is regulated on the federal level by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). To get a gun dealer's license, you must fill out and turn in an FFL application and Certificate of Compliance to the ATF. You must also review the policies in your state to determine which other requirements are needed. Some states may require you to obtain an additional gun dealer's license for the state, or complete a firearms safety course before you can sell guns or firearms in your region. Continue reading to learn how you can get a gun dealer's license from the ATF and how you can fulfill any additional requirements as requested by your state.

Steps

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    Obtain the FFL application [1] and Certificate of Compliance. [2] You can either print the forms from the ATF website or obtain the forms by contacting an ATF office in your region.
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    [3] These cards can be obtained from your local police station or law enforcement office.
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    The photographs must clearly display your face and be sized at no less than 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height and width. [4]
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    Application fees will vary depending on the types of guns you plan on selling. [5] Fees can be paid by money order, check, or by credit card.
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    You will be required to enter any information regarding your gun dealer business; such as the business name and address and types of guns you will be selling. You will also be prompted for your personal information and criminal background, if any. [6]
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    This form will prompt you for information regarding your citizenship status and ask you to certify that you comply with federal firearms laws.
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    Your documents will include the FFL application, the Certificate of Compliance, fingerprint cards, pictures of yourself, and the fee.
    • Address your envelope or package to ATF's main office at: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, P.O. Box 409567, Atlanta, Georgia, 30384-9567.
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    After the ATF office receives your paperwork, you will be contacted by an ATF agent for an interview and an inspection of the business location from which you will be selling guns or firearms. [7]
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    After you have met the approval of the ATF, they will issue you the gun dealer's license within 60 days of turning in your initial paperwork. [8]
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    Depending on where you reside, you may be required to obtain other gun dealer's licenses in addition to your FFL.
    • Visit the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) website provided in the Sources section of this article. This website will allow you to locate the gun dealer's laws in your region.
    • Click on the state in which you reside. You will then be taken to a full description and explanation of the gun laws in your state.
    • Scroll down and click on the link for "Dealer Regulations." You can then review the detailed information for any additional gun licenses you must acquire or training courses you must complete as required by your state.
    • Contact your state or region's Department of Public Safety to learn about the gun dealer laws in your region if you do not have Internet access.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use my home address as the business address for the license?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but there are restrictions in some states/counties. For instance if you live within a certain distance from a school or bar or church it may disqualify your residence. Call the ATF office in your state for more information.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28
  • Question
    Should I have a location for my business before I get approved for the license?
    Community Answer
    You have to. And your license (once received) has to be in view inside the business address.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 26
  • Question
    Do I have to have a business to obtain a dealer's license?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • FFL application
      • Certificate of Compliance
      • 2 fingerprint identification cards
      • 2 personal photographs
      • Application fees
      • Large mailing envelope

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/file/61506/download
      2. ↑ https://www.nfatca.org/pubs/atf-f-5330-20.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/federal-firearms-licensing--an-overview/
      4. ↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/federal-firearms-licensing--an-overview/
      5. ↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/federal-firearms-licensing--an-overview/
      6. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/how-become-federal-firearms-licensee-10-easy-steps
      7. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/apply-license
      8. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/how-become-federal-firearms-licensee-10-easy-steps
      9. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html

      About This Article

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      • Stephen Baskerville

        Jan 23, 2023

        "Very simple to understand everything that's needed to apply for a gun dealer license."
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