Federal Firearms License – Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Federal Firearms License – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
By alphacardprocess February 3, 2022

The Federal Firearms License is a license that enables the holder to sell guns. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) issues this license. The application must be filed for on their site and completed with all the required information. From there, if everything is in order, it will be approved within a few months or years depending on the situation and your background. So if you want to get started selling guns, check out this article below for everything you need to know about a Federal Firearms License.

What Is an FFL?

An FFL is a license that enables its holder to sell guns. It can also be used to purchase guns for resale or for manufacturing purposes. The license can be obtained by visiting the ATF site and filling out the application. The application requires all sorts of personal information so getting through it can take some time to finish, but not an excruciating amount. Afterward, the ATF will process it within a few months or so depending on their workload and how busy they are at any given time.

What Are the Requirements for an FFL?

The requirements for an FFL vary from state to state. For example, in Colorado you must be 21 years of age or older to apply for a license. In New York and other states, however, you can get one at 18 years old so long as you have parental consent. Other states have their own ways of doing things, but overall it is required that you are 21 years or older to get one. Additionally to this, you must be a legal resident of the United States and not fall within any other requirements for having your FFL revoked.

What’s the Difference Between an FFL-01, 02, Etc.?

The FFL-01 is for dealing in firearms that shoot only one projectile. The FFL-02 is for dealing in firearms that shoot more than one projectile at a time. Then there’s the 03 and 04 but they both have to do with importing or manufacturing guns so I wouldn’t worry about those. The FFL-05 is the catch all license for everything else so if you don’t fall into one of the other categories, this would be your best choice. It is also the most expensive license so if you’re looking to get started cheap, go with a 01 or 02 straight away rather than a 05.

How Much Does it Cost to Get an FFL?

The application fee is $30 and the license fee is $200 for a total of $230, but only if you’re applying for an FFL-01 or 02. If you’re applying for an FFL-05 then you must pay the $200 application fee and then the license fee multiplied by whatever number of years you plan on having it for. Is there a way to get an FFL without paying the fees?

Not legally, but there are companies out there that will help you through the process in exchange for money, time or both.

How Long Does it Take to Get an FFL?

In many states, getting a license typically takes from 60 to 90 days. In some places it can take up to 120 days so be prepared for the worst case scenario if you’re trying to get something done in a hurry. It isn’t going to happen overnight, but you shouldn’t have to wait an entire year either.

What Are the Downsides of Getting an FFL?

The biggest downside for anyone getting an FFL is going to be its cost. The application fee, as mentioned above is only $30 but the license fee is a whole different animal. This can range from under $100 to well over $1,000 depending on how many years you want the license for and the type of license that you’re applying for. While it doesn’t really matter in your state because it will be an FFL, there are some states out there where having one puts you in a legal gray area.