What You Should Know About FFL Requirements
The federal government mandates that you follow certain Federal Firearm License (FFL) requirements before becoming a licensed gun dealer. Under the Gun Control Act, a dealer is defined as anyone 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. Being engaged in business means you are 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 the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms.
After meeting a list of other requirements available online at many websites, you also must submit ATF form 7, a fee, photograph and fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency to the BATFE regional office. The BATFE home office can be contacted by writing to PO Box 2994, Atlanta, GA 30301 or by calling 404-417-2750. You will be notified by BATFE within 60 days if you have been approved or rejected.
If you are approved for an FFL, it will be valid for three years at the location shown on the license. If you are a dealer, it will also be valid at selected gun shows. You will need a separate FFL at each additional business location and FFLs cannot be transferred. You must keep immaculate records and comply with federal requirements. You also will be subject to yearly compliance inspections by the BATFE. If you are asked for records by the Secretary, you must respond immediately or no later than 24 hours after receipt of the request. Also, you must report any firearms thefts or losses to the BATFE and to your local law enforcement agency within 48 hours. Your business inventory should be kept completely separate from your personal firearms collection. The BATFE also allows a licensed collector to acquire, hold or dispose of firearms that are defined a curios and relics but that person cannot engage in the business as a dealer or importer.
FFL requirements are stringent and must be followed in order for you to engage in the business of selling firearms. It is important that you are aware of all governmental regulations before making the decision to become a gun dealer.