how to become a gun dealer

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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.

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1
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.
- Go to the ATF website provided to you in the Sources section of this article, then click on "ATF F 5310.12 (Form 7)" from the column on the right of the website. You will be taken to a webpage that displays instructions for filling out the application.
- Click once again on the link that reads "ATF F 5310.12 (Form 7)" in the right column to access the application. You can then print the application directly from your Internet browser.
- Return to the instructions page, then click on the link for "ATF F 5330.20." This link will display the Certificate of Compliance, which you can also print directly from your browser.
- Call the ATF headquarters office at 1-800-800-3855 to locate your region's field office from which to obtain the forms if you do not have Internet access.
2
Obtain 2 copies of fingerprint identification cards. ^[3] These cards can be obtained from your local police station or law enforcement office.
- Visit the nearest police station in your area. You must bring a form of photograph identification to obtain the fingerprint cards. In some cases, your local police department may charge fees for the cards.
3

Obtain 2 pictures of yourself. The photographs must clearly display your face and be sized at no less than 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height and width.^[4]
4
Gather application fees for the gun dealer's license. 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.
- Collect 200 dollars if you plan on selling guns that fall into the non-destructive category, such as handguns. Collect 3000 dollars if you are going to sell destructive devices that may include explosives, missiles, or poison gas.
5

Fill out the gun dealer's license application form. 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]
6

Fill out the Certificate of Compliance form. This form will prompt you for information regarding your citizenship status and ask you to certify that you comply with federal firearms laws.
7
Send your documents to the ATF. 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.
8

Attend the interview with an ATF agent. 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]
9

Obtain the gun dealer's license. 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]
10
Review the laws for becoming a gun dealer in your state. 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.

Add New Question

Question

Can I use my home address as the business address for the license?

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.
Question

Should I have a location for my business before I get approved for the license?

You have to. And your license (once recieved) has to be in view inside the business address.
Question

Do I have to have a business to obtain a dealer's license?

Yes.
Question

Can I get a license if my husband is a felon?

Technically, yes. However, since your husband is a felon, he is not allowed to be in or on any premises where firearms are present. Since you reside with a felon, you are prohibited from having any firearms in or on your residence as well.
Question

Can I get a gun dealer's license if I just want to be able to buy online?

Unfortunately for anyone interested in this aspect, you cannot. You will be scrutinized as to why you want to have an FFL during your interview. If the ATF agent(s) have any reason to think you're trying to get an FFL primarily for the purpose of enriching your own private collection, you will be denied. This does not mean you cannot collect firearms while also operating your business, but you must be operating a business to be eligible for an FFL.
Question

I don't want to sell guns, only buy them for myself. How much will the license cost?

You cannot use an FFL to only collect firearms, though one may do that in the course of business. A Curio and Relic FFL allows one to purchase firearms that are at least 50 years old. Replicas are not included. With a C&R FFL, one may only collect and not make a business of it.