An FFL is a Federal Firearms License issued in the US. This allows natural persons to participate in businesses that produce, transport, and sell firearms or ammunition.
Since it is a federal license, it allows one to carry out these activities in and out of the state where the person is located. On the other hand, this document is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
If it is a topic that interests you and you want to know more details to get an FFL, keep reading this article!
Is it essential to have an FFL?
Although the United States does not have a ban on carrying weapons for self-defense, there are regulations for business and sales.
That is why this license was created as a result of the Gun Control Act of 1968, and it is mandatory for anyone who wants to be involved in the process of producing or selling weapons.
How to get an FFL without a business?
According to the above, most cases where it is necessary to get an FFL are for formal organizations or companies. However, some natural persons can also do business with weapons and need this document.
Everything will depend on the type of license they want to obtain. There are nine types, all aimed at companies except Type 03 (Collector of Curios and Relics), which is the one that applies to individuals, ideal for those who like to buy and collect weapons.
However, you can opt for any of the other licenses without having a big business; you can even do it from home!
If this is your case, we recommend you read this article from IRS-taxes.org that explains how to obtain an FFL without a business.
How much does an FFL cost?
Depending on the type of business you want to set up, the license fees can be pretty expensive. In addition, this document is valid for three years, and then you must pay a renewal fee.
Below we leave you the names of the license types and their respective cost.
Type 01, “Deal in Firearms other than Destructive Devices”
Application Fee: $200
Renewal Cost: $90
Type 02, “Pawnbroker in Firearms other than Destructive Devices”
Application Fee: $200
Renewal Cost: $90
Type 03, “Collector of Curios and Relics”
Application Fee: $30
Renewal Cost: $30
Type 04, “Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms other than Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition”
Application Fee: $30
Renewal Cost: $30
Type 05, “Manufacturer of Firearms other than Destructive Devices”
Application Fee: $150
Renewal Cost: $150
Type 06, “Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices or Ammunition for Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices or Ammunition Other Than Armor Piercing Ammunition”
Application Fee: $150
Renewal Cost: $150
Type 07, “Dealer in Destructive Devices”
Application Fee: $3,000
Renewal Cost: $3,000
Type 08, “Manufacturer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition”
Application Fee: $3,000
Renewal Cost: $3,000
Type 09, “Importer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition”
Application Fee: $3,000
Renewal Cost: $3,000
Application process to get an FFL
Unlike other licenses, the process to get an FFL is easy.
First, you must complete the Form 7/7CR that you can get online. In this document, you will see indications about other things that you must include in the application besides the application fee (mentioned in the previous list).
After you get everything you need, send the request to the address indicated on the form and wait for the next step: a review of your data and a criminal background.
Once that review is complete, you’ll be called for an interview, and if everything is in order, your FFL will be mailed to you.
