Become an SOT Course
Everything you need to understand and become an SOT.
Learn whether you need to become a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT), which class is right for your business, and how to legally work with suppressors and other NFA firearms with confidence.
Understand SOT Classes
Attorney-created guidance
Work with NFA firearms
100% money-back guarantee
Stop wondering if you're doing it right or sorting through the hype and myths. Start moving forward with confidence.
Become an SOT Course
Everything you need to confidently become an SOT.
$39.95
Lifetime access
100% money-back guarantee
Updates on latest changes
Attorney-created course
Do You Need to Become an SOT?
Not every FFL needs to become an SOT. This course helps you determine whether it's the right next step for your business—and, if it is, how to do it correctly.
Manufacture NFA Firearms
Learn when SOT status is required to manufacture suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns (where lawful), and other NFA firearms.
Choose the Right SOT Class
Understand the differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 SOTs and which fits your business.
Sell Suppressors
Understand what you'll need to legally sell suppressors and other NFA firearms.
Expand Your Business
Determine whether adding NFA firearms makes sense for your goals.
Transfer NFA Firearms
Learn how SOT status affects transfers and working with NFA items.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Understand common misunderstandings before paying the Special Occupational Tax.
Why the SOT Process is so Confusing
Becoming an SOT isn't difficult because the forms are impossible.
It's confusing because there are so many misconceptions.
People use "Class 3 License" interchangeably with "SOT." Others think every manufacturer needs the same SOT or that every FFL should pay the Special Occupational Tax.
Before long, you're trying to piece together advice from forums, Reddit, YouTube, and outdated articles.
The good news is that becoming an SOT doesn't have to be confusing.
This course explains when you need to become an SOT, which class fits your business, and what it actually allows you to do.
No myths. No unnecessary complexity. Just clear guidance so you can make the right decision with confidence.
Created by Ryan Cleckner.
Firearms attorney. Former Army Ranger sniper. Bestselling author. Over 20,000 students helped.
I created this course because too many people become confused about whether they need an SOT, which class is right for their business, and what the law actually requires.
My goal is simple: help you make the right decision with confidence.
Attorney
Firearms attorney that's represented hundreds of FFLs against the ATF
Author
Bestselling author of firearms books with over 250,000 copies sold
Instructor
Former sniper instructor and university professor
Guide
Over 20,000 students helped
Is The SOT Course Right for You?
Here’s Exactly How You'll Become an SOT
A step-by-step roadmap to help you determine whether you need an SOT, choose the correct class, understand your obligations, and move forward with confidence.
1
Determine Whether you Need to be an SOT
Know when an SOT is required—and when it isn't.
2
Choose the Right SOT Class
Understand differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 SOTs.
3
Understand the Requirements
Learn what becoming an SOT actually means for your business.
4
Complete the Process
Know what to expect when obtaining SOT status.
5
Grow Your Business
Move forward knowing what your SOT allows you to do and how it fits your business.
What You'll Walk Away Knowing
This isn't just about becoming an SOT. It's about understanding when you need one, which class is right for your business, and what responsibilities come with it.
Do I actually need to become an SOT?
Understand whether you should become an SOT, what it will allow you to do, and the right timing for it all.
Which SOT Class is right for my business?
Learn which Class of SOT (1, 2, or 3) fits with your particualr FFL and business goals.
What's the difference between an FFL and an SOT?
An FFL and SOT are two enitrely different things - in fact, you must have an FFL before you become an SOT but this course is designed to be taken with the FFL course so you can make the right decisions now.
What can I legally do as an SOT?
Understand what you can do as an SOT including how to do it - which forms, which steps, and in which order.
What are the common mistakes people make?
Know where most people fail and what they get wrong about the SOT process.
What happens after I become an SOT?
Understand the basic requirements and steps to operate as an SOT (whether as a dealer or manufacturer of NFA firearms)
What you’ll know by the end
You'll understand whether becoming an SOT is the right next step, which class fits your business, what responsibilities come with SOT status, and how it fits into your long-term business goals.
This is about making informed decisions—not just completing paperwork.
What Success Looks Like
Just a few months from now, you could be looking back at today as the day you expanded your business.
Feeling Confident
Understanding exactly what your SOT allows you to do.
Knowing You're Doing it Right
No more conflicting advice or second guessing.
Becoming an SOT
Successfully obtain your SOT and move forward with confidence.
Expanding Your Gun Business
Begin working with suppressors and other NFA firearms.
Join Over 20,000 Students Who've Trusted RocketFFL
Stop Piecing Together SOT Advice
Free information is a great place to start. But when you're making decisions about NFA firearms and SOT status, conflicting advice can cost you time, money, and unnecessary confusion.
Getting your FFL isn't about filling out forms.
It's about making the right decisions from the very beginning.
100%
Money-Back Guarantee
Try the course risk-free.
You shouldn't have to wonder whether you're making the right investment. That's why every RocketFFL course is backed by our 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, we'll refund your purchase. It's that simple.
Not an FFL yet? Start here instead.
Becoming an SOT requires the appropriate Federal Firearms License first.
If you haven't started the FFL process yet, the Get Your FFL course is the best place to begin. It will help you build the foundation before moving into the SOT process.
Recommended for those looking for their FFL and who want to work with NFA firearms.
Get Your FFL Course + SOT Course
For students who want the FFL foundation and the SOT/NFA path in one package.
Save $30 with the bundle.
Still Have Questions?
Can I really get an FFL from home?
Many FFLs are home-based. Whether it works for you depends on your business intent, local rules, and the type of activity you plan to conduct. The course helps you understand the issues before you apply.
Can the ATF really search whenever they want?
No! The ATF can only inspect during gthe business hours you choose and they aren't allowed to inspect more than once every 12 months.
Am I giving up Constitutional rights by getting an FFL?
No! You still retain ALL of your rights. You are simply agreeing to provide records and access to your FFL inventory as part of a compliance inspection. In a way, this is similar to getting a driver's license and agreeing to provide documents if you're pulled over.
Do I need to be a lawyer to understand this?
No. The course is designed to make the process understandable for normal people who want a clear path forward.
What's the total cost?
That depends on which license type you choose and whether you also become an SOT.
On the low end, you can get a Type 01 dealer's and gunsmith's FFL for $200 for the first 3 years ($67/yr) and $90 for each three year renewal afterward ($30/yr) or you can get a manufacturer's FFL for only $150 for the first 3 years ($50/yr).
If you want to become an SOT, in most instances, it's $500 per year but that means NO tax paid for each item manufactured or transferred.
How long does the entire process take?
Once you submit your application, it will take 2 months for the ATF approval.
What if I choose the wrong FFL type?
That’s exactly the kind of mistake this course is designed to help you avoid. You’ll learn the differences before you submit your application.
Will this help me prepare for the ATF interview?
Yes. A major goal of the course is helping you understand what the qualification interview is for and how to prepare for it.
Can I just hire Ryan to do this for me?
Yes. However, it doesn't make sense for most people to hire Ryan as their attorney to walk them through the process one-on-one (that's why he made this course).
If you'd like to explore hiring Ryan personally, you can book an initial consultation at $650/hr and packages start at $5k annually.
Should I add the SOT course?
If you plan to deal in suppressors or other NFA firearms like machine guns, short barreled rifles, and more, then the SOT course may be a smart bundle. If you only want a basic FFL, you can start with the Get Your FFL course.
Become an SOT Course
Ready to Start Your FFL Journey?
Join the students who have trusted RocketFFL to help them understand the FFL process and move forward with confidence.