How to Get a Class 3 Firearms License for Personal & Professional Use

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A complete guide to obtain your class 3 firearms license
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Many of those looking to start a business dealing firearms may not be sure what forms to submit for proper licensing, especially if they plan to deal in items that fall under the National Firearms Act, which include automatic weapons, short-barreled rifles, and accessories such as suppressors. All of these items are commonly referred to as Class 3 Firearms. Interested parties must obtain a Federal Firearms License as well as completing another document related to the occupational tax for items that fall under the National Firearms Act. Though the process does take some time and money, you can easily complete all the necessary paperwork for your business.

Steps to Get a Class 3 Firearms License

Fill out the ATF Form 5310.12 (or ATF Form 7), ATF Form 5330.20, and two FD-258 cards for each person. Submit two 2”x2” photos and schedule an interview with an Industry Operations Investigator. Wait around 60 days to receive your firearms license.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Obtaining a Federal Firearms License

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  1. Commonly referred to as ATF Form 7, this form is the actual application for your Federal Firearm License. [1] ATF Form 5310.12 is an eighteen-page form covering a variety of topics related to your and how you plan to operate your sale of firearms business.
    • The form will require a wide array of information, including personal information for every owner or partner in the business, prior criminal record information, and business details ranging from hours of operation to an Employer Identification Number (as proof of the business). [2]
    • You can find the form online at: http://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5310-12.pdf
    • The fee associated with the application will depend upon the FFL Type for which you are applying. In order to eventually obtain your Class 3 Special Occupational Tax license—which expands the FFL scope to include National Firearms Act (NFA) items—you want to apply for a Type 1 FFL, which has a fee of $200. [3]
  2. This form is a certification of compliance attesting to the status of the applicant as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. [4]
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  3. These are fingerprint identification cards that you must take down to a local law enforcement agency to have prepared. [5] Two cards must be completed for each responsible person in your business.
    • Responsible people according to the ATF include, "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.” [6]
  4. In addition to two fingerprint cards, the ATF also requires two 2”x2” photos of each person completing the fingerprint identification cards. [7]
    • You can obtain these photos anywhere that passport photos are taken.
  5. Once your forms have been filed and your fees processed, the ATF field office with jurisdiction over your location will schedule an in-person interview with an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI). The IOI will thoroughly cover your application with you ensuring all information is current and correct, and he or she will also cover state and local requirements based on your area. [8]
    • The IOI will need to speak with all owners, partners, and responsible parties listed on the application. The IOI will verify that all parties are at least twenty-one years of age, that they have truthfully provided accurate information, and that the business details are correct, including EIN and business license information.
    • The IOI will also personally follow up with proper authorities to verify the criminal record information described in the application.
    • Some of the most common reasons an IOI may report to deny the FFL include failure to comply with state or local law (such as zoning ordinances for your business), evidence of previous willful violations of the Gun Control Act of 1968, or evidence of willful falsification on the submitted application. [9]
  6. Assuming the background check of all of the responsible parties in your business check out and the appropriate forms were submitted correctly, the entire process before receiving your license will take roughly sixty days to complete. [10]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Obtaining a Class 3 Special Occupational Tax

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  1. This form is for special taxes levied against dealers, importers, and manufacturers of NFA items. You can find the form online at: https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5630-7.pdf
    • The form will require owner information, information to verify the business such as the Employer Identification Number, and physical business registration information. [11]
  2. The Class 3 designation refers to Tax Class 3 on ATF Form 5630.7. This designation applies specifically to entities dealing in firearms without importing or manufacturing them. [12]
  3. Tax Class 3 is subject to an annual $500 tax per business location for any locations dealing in NFA items. [13]
  4. Since this is an annual occupational tax, your business must remain current on its yearly dues. The ATF calendar for the tax begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th, so you must pay before this deadline each year to avoid interest and possible penalties. [14]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will I need a class 3 license to purchase an SBR?
    Community Answer
    No SBRs fall under the NFA act. If you plan to be a dealer in them, then yes. But if you are buying for personal use, you just need to find a class 3 dealer, fill out the paperwork, pay for the gun, pay the transfer fee, and pay the one-time $200 tax.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 34
  • Question
    Do I need a class 3 license to buy a suppressor?
    Community Answer
    No you just buy one through a class 3. Go down to your local gun store and buy a suppressor. Once you have proof of purchase they will walk you through the paperwork you need to submit to the ATF and filing your one time $200 tax. You will probably wait 3 to 4 months to get approved by the ATF and then you'll go back to the store to pick up your suppressor.
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  • Question
    Do I need a class 3 license to buy firearms online?
    Community Answer
    Not if the firearm is sent to your local dealer. I think there will be a fee and they will run a background check.
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      Warnings

      • Do not purchase, store, or sell any restricted firearms or restricted accessories until you officially have your ATF Class 3 license. Even if you are approved, if the ATF finds out that you prematurely transacted in Class 3 weapons or accessories, they can and will revoke your license and prosecute and/or fine you.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      2. ↑ http://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5310-12.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5310-12.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      5. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      6. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      7. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      8. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      9. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      1. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html
      2. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5630-7.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5630-7.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5630-7.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5630-7.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a class 3 firearms license, go to the U.S. Department of Justice website to complete ATF form 5310.12, which covers topics like your personal information, prior criminal record, and business details. After filling out this form, complete AFT form 5330.20, which certifies that you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. In addition to these standard forms, you’ll also need to complete 2 FD-258 cards, which are the fingerprint identification cards, and submit 2 photos of yourself. Once your paperwork is turned in and your fees are processed, attend your scheduled in-person interview with an Industry Operations Investigator, who will verify all of your material. After 60 days, you should receive your license. To learn how to get a class 3 special occupational tax, keep reading!

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