Q&A for How to Get Your Federal Firearms License

I use an FFL dealer for receiving firearms from internet gun retailers and auctions who does exactly what you are describing. He only does transfers for other individual buyers and charges $20 to receive a gun and complete the paperwork. He works out of his home although he does receive the guns at a location other than his home where he does not want deliveries dropped off every day.

You don't need one to learn how to gunsmith - but you would need one to practice as a gunsmith.

No. This only applies to those who were ordered by a judge in a court of law to be committed to a mental health institution.

Yes, a prior conviction is looked at as well as the expunged record.

Yes. You do not need a business to buy or carry a firearm.

Normally restrictions are for felons. You have a misdemeanor, so it should be no problem. However, if your charge was for trafficking, it may go differently.

It is difficult to answer because you haven't mentioned the specifics as to why you were admitted. Generally speaking, this is not something that will look good.

You do not need an FFL to buy online. However, it has to be sent to an existing FFL, like a local pawn shop, and the proper transfer of the firearm will be conducted by them. You might have to have your FFL send their info to whatever website you plan on buying from before they will send it.

The simple answer is NO. Taken directly from the ATF website: "To receive a license as a dealer (including pawnbrokers & gunsmiths), importer, or manufacturer of firearms, you must intend to engage in a firearms business." The ATF also specifically states you can NOT use it exclusively for personal use on the application form.

Yes, you need an FFL to deal in firearms on the internet.

There are 2 types of dealers at gun shows. First, private sellers who collect, sell, or trade guns as a hobby, not as a business. If they haven't run afoul of the ATF, they can rent space and sell with no license (face-to-face sales are in this category too). The second type are those with a Federal Firearms License, the same license necessary to run a storefront business. At gun shows, their customers must pass the same background check that they would had the sale been conducted in a store. As for Obama's new background check policy, I'm not sure what you are referring to. Obama wants universal background checks but that hasn't got through Congress and won't before he leaves office.

No, on the face of it, you cannot. However, contact an attorney to see if you can get a restitution of firearms rights. Keep in mind if you were convicted of a federal felony, it will more difficult to get the restitution.

You don't have to have a fully operational store. You just have to show your intentions to open one (renting space or getting loans).

You don't need any. Gun parts alone are not regulated; only the serialized receivers are regulated. If it does not meet ATF's definition of a firearm, there is no license needed.

No. You will need to find a class III dealer that will receive and submit the form, and transfer the suppressor to you. This is an ATF form/tax stamp that the ATF will approve, rather than a state or local form. Note: it’s a $200 tax on the transfer of suppressors, and I’d recommend verifying suppressors are legal in Oklahoma before purchasing.

No. The ATF conducts their own background check and interview process.

This depends on the store and the state, some Walmart's sell guns, you just have to look around your town.

The pawn shop itself will need a Federal Firearms License (FFL), as described in this article. FFLs are issued to businesses and not individuals. Any business that holds an FFL must enforce a higher level of rigor on its employees (such as not employing anyone who has had their federal firearms rights revoked due to mental issues or a felony). Since you work there, you should be good.

If you are a manufacturer, you need to include the serial and model numbers, manufacturer name, city, state and caliber. If you are performing aftermarket engraving (such as adding scrollwork), ensure that you do not alter those manufacturer markings -- stay at least 1/8" away from them. Also, note that you will need a FFL if you want to receive firearms for engraving (as opposed to only doing your own).

You will not need a license for a suppressor, but you will need to pay extra taxes on top of the cost due to the fact that it is an NFA item.

This is kind of a grey area. If the restraining order isn't in effect still, then you should be able to with some difficulty. If the restraining order was permanent, then you won't be able to purchase a firearm of any kind.

There is a renewal fee for some types of FFLs. They range from $150-300 and have to be renewed every 3 years.

That will most likely depend on the terms of your lease. Many property owners prohibit their tenants from conducting business out of their rented property, so you will want to check your lease and/or contact your property management company/property owner.

If you admitted yourself to the mentioned mental institution, then yes, you will be allowed to. If it was a court ordered admission, then you must be declared mentally fit in order to be able to obtain an FFL of any kind.

No, you don't have to have a storefront to gunsmith. You only have to obtain a type 7 FFL.

Yes, with the permission of your landlord. There's a section related to this in the packet - section 15.

You will have to renew your license every three years. It mainly consists of sending the ATF another fee, but you can look up specific processes on their website.

First off, if your conviction landed you more than a year in prison, you should just give up right now. If not, then you can just buy it and have it shipped to someone with an FFL.

It should not be an issue. It would be just like the question above about running a business out of your house for transfers. You will HAVE to keep the required A&D records on all guns shipped to you and therefore learn the proper ways of shipping them back under the law. ATF will still come out to do the interview and evaluate your premises so be ready.

No. As long as you don't have a felony, you are eligible.