Posts Tagged ‘federal firearms law’

PostHeaderIcon How to Get an FFL is Important for You to Know

The requirements for obtaining a firearms license are quite simple and they help you determine how to get an FFL.

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You must no convicted record of more than 1 year imprisonment. You cannot currently be a fugitive, illegal alien in the State, under substance abuse, mentally ill, discharged from the military or currently have a restraining order for harassment, stalking or threatening your partner.

  • You cannot have any violations under the United States Federal Firearms law.
  • You cannot lie on your application.
  • Your business must already be established within the State where you wish to enforce your Firearms Dealer License.
  • You must complete an application for your Federal Firearms License.

PostHeaderIcon Find Out How To Obtain an FFL

You cannot sell guns or ammunition unless you have been approved for and received a Federal Firearms License from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Ammunition and Explosives (BATFE). This is specifically defined in the Gun Control Act which mandates that persons engaged in the business of dealing in, manufacturing, or importing firearms, or manufacturing or importing ammunition, obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL). BATFE is an agency of the United States Department of Justice and that is where you go to obtain an FFL. You must comply with all the regulations set forth by the Department in order for you to be approved for your license.

The Gun Control Act specifically defines a dealer as any person who is engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail, repairing firearms or making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms or who is a pawnbroker. You may wonder what “engaged” in business actually means. It simply is defined as a “person who devotes time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of obtaining livelihood through repetitive purchase and resale of firearms.” If you fit this description, then you are on your way to obtaining a Federal Firearms License.

There are some specific things you will need to do before sending in your completed application. You also must meet requirements that apply specifically to you and your business. The requirements basically pertain to age (You must be at least 21 years old.), crime (You cannot have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, a fugitive, a substance abuse user, an illegal alien, mentally ill, etc.), law (You have not willfully violated Federal firearms law.), truthfulness (You application is true to the best of your knowledge.), and business conditions (Your place of business must follow Federal and state firearms guidelines.). Complete definition of these requirements can be found on many online websites or you can contact the BATFE regional office nearest you.

Once your application is completed, you will need to send it to your regional BATFE office. You will also need to send the appropriate fee, a photo ID and fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency. It really is not difficult to obtain an FFL if you follow step-by-step instructions and adhere to Federal firearms license requirements.

PostHeaderIcon Be Prepared and Know How to Get an FFL

In order to be a firearms dealer you must apply for a Federal Firearms License (FFL). In order to engage in the business of manufacturing, importing or dealing in firearms, you are required to be licensed (per the Gun Control Act). You will also need a license if you want to collect curio or relic firearms. The FFL is issued by the Federal Firearms Licensing Center and the center will determine your eligibility after reviewing your application. There are regional FFL field offices that will coordinate any required inspections. Knowing how to get an FFL is something that is important in your pursuit to open your own firearms business.

To make sure that you have met all the requirements, you need to go about applying for an FFL in a coordinated, step-by-step manner. It really isn’t that difficult but will require that you follow strict guidelines. You have the right to own a firearm but to sell a firearm requires more work on your part.

The requirements for obtaining a Federal Firearms License are quite simple to understand. They are as follows:

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You must no convicted record of more than 1 year imprisonment. You cannot currently be a fugitive, illegal alien in the State, under substance abuse, mentally ill, discharged from the military or currently have a restraining order for harassment, stalking or threatening your partner.

  • You cannot have any violations under the United States Federal Firearms law.
  • You cannot lie on your application.
  • Your business must already be established within the State where you wish to enforce your Firearms Dealer License.
  • You must complete an application for your Federal Firearms License.

Now that you know how to get an FFL, you are on your way to becoming a licensed firearms dealer. Send your completed application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives agency. The agency will review your application and let you know within 60 days if your request for a firearms license has been approved. Once approved, your license will be valid for three years at the location of your business. You will need separate firearm licenses for every business location you have.