FFL License Types

FFL License Types – Which FFL Should You Get? [2024]


An FFL, or Federal Firearms License, is a license that allows a person or business to “engage in the business of firearms.” In other words, having an FFL allows you to import, make, or sell firearms as a business.

However, there are different types of FFLs and each different license type allows different firearm activities – so you need to pick the right one.

I am a firearms attorney that has helped thousands of people get their FFL and I’ve represented and helped hundreds of FFLs Atay out of trouble with the ATF. In this article I’m going to use that experience to explain the differences between each type of FFL and hopefully help you decide on the right type of FFL for you.

Federal Firearm Licenses, by themselves, allow dealing, manufacturing, or importing of GCA / Title I firearms only. These include standard rifles, shotguns, and handguns.

How Many FFL License Types Are There?

There are currently 9 different types of FFL licenses:

Depending on the type of firearm business activity you’d like to conduct, you’ll need a particular “type” of FFL license.

Types of FFL:

  • Type 01 – Firearm Dealer/Gunsmith
  • Type 02 – Pawnbroker
  • Type 03 – Collector
  • Type 06 – Manufacture of Ammunition
  • Type 07 – Manufacturer of Firearms
  • Type 08 – Importer of Firearms
  • Type 09 – Dealer of “Destructive Devices”
  • Type 10 – Manufacturer of “Destructive Devices”
  • Type 11 – Importer of “Destructive Devices”

The three main categories of business activity allowed by FFLs are dealing (selling) guns, making (manufacturing) guns, and importing guns into the country.

  • Dealers need FFL license types 01, 02, or 09
  • Manufacturers need FFL license types 06, 07, or 10
  • Importers need FFL license types 08 or 11

Here’s a table with a summary of each FFL License type, along with its purpose and what SOT class is required.

FFL License Types

FFL License TypeFFL License PurposeSOT Class
Type 01 FFLDealer/Gunsmith of Firearms3
Type 02 FFLPawnbroker/Dealer of Firearms3
Type 03 FFLCollector of Firearmsn/a
Type 06 FFLManufacturer of Ammunitionn/a
Type 07 FFLManufacturer/Dealer of Firearms and Ammunition2
Type 08 FFLImporter/Dealer of Firearms1
Type 09 FFL Dealer of Destructive Devices3
Type 10 FFLManufacturer/Dealer of Destructive Devices2
Type 11 FFLImporter/Dealer of Destructive Devices1

Categories of FFL License Types

Each FFL license type can be broken down into four basic categories:

  1. Collector FFL – This category can not “engage in the business of firearms.” As the name suggests, it is for collecting firearms only.
  2. Dealer FFL – These FFLs may purchase and sell guns as a business, and they may also operate as gunsmiths.
  3. Manufacturer FFL – There are two types of these FFLs: manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and manufacturers of ammunition only. Firearm and ammunition manufacturers may, of course, manufacture firearms and ammunition and also act a dealer. Ammunition manufacturers may only manufacture ammunition and may NOT act as a firearm manufacturer nor dealer.
  4. Importer FFL – These FFLs may import firearms and/or ammunition and also act as a dealer.

Here’s a break-down of the types of activities that can be conducted depending on the FFL license type.

Note that the Type 3 FFL and Type 6 FFL do not allow any business activity with firearms. This is because the Type 3 is for collecting only and the Type 6 is for manufacturing ammunition only.

Firearm Activity by FFL License Type

FFL TypeFirearm DealerFirearm ManufacturerFirearm Importer
Type 1 FFLXX
Type 2 FFLXX
Type 3 FFLXXX
Type 6 FFLXXX
Type 7 FFLX
Type 8 FFLX
Type 9 FFLXX
Type 10 FFLX
Type 11 FFLX

You can tell which type of FFL someone has once you know what each part of an FFL number means.

The FFL can either be in a person’s name as a sole proprietor or a company name as a firearms business. We break all of this down for you in our course. In either case, you will be considered the Responsible Person on the license.

The cost for each license varies from $30 up to $3,000, for the both the initial FFL application fee and the 3-year renewal fee. For a breakdown of these costs, see our article, How Much Does an FFL Cost?

FFL with SOT

An FFL holder must also become a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) in order to deal, manufacture, or import NFA /Title II firearms. These firearms include specially regulated items like Silencers, Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs), and full-auto machine guns.

Different classes of SOTs may engage in different activities.

  1. Class 1 SOT – These SOTs may Import and deal NFA / Title II firearms
  2. Class 2 SOT – These SOTs may manufacture and deal NFA / Title II firearms
  3. Class 3 SOT – These SOTs may deal NFA / Title II firearms

The tax-rate for SOT registration varies, depending on how much you sold.

FFL Types, 9, 10, and 11 are the only FFLs that allow working with Armor Piercing Ammunition and Destructive Devices.

Which Type of FFL is Right For You?

So, which FFL License Types should you get? Chance are, you choice is between a Type 1 FFL for dealers or a Type 7 FFL for manufacturers.

These are the two most common types of FFLs. For example, see the graph of the distribution of FFLs in our country.

FFL Licenses by Type

Learn more about how to get an FFL or, if you’re ready to get your own FFL, sign up for our Get Your FFL and Become an SOT courses.

FFL Type Details

Let’s breakdown each license type for FFLs to explore what the most common firearms licenses cover.

Type 1 FFL

As mentioned above, the Type 01 Dealer and Gunsmith FFL is the most common type of federal firearm license for business-use in the country.

The Type 1 dealer’s federal firearms license allows for the buying and selling of firearms as a business (being a gun dealer). This license type also allows for gunsmithing activities.

This is all you need if you want to work with Title I firearms (standard firearms). With this FFL you are considered a title I dealer. If you want to deal with an nfa weapon, then you’ll also need to become an SOT so that you don’t need a tax stamp for every nfa item. However, your customers will still need to purchase the NFA weapon on an ATF Form 4 and get their tax stamp.

If you don’t know where to start, and especially if you don’t have a desire to manufacture guns, this is likely the FFL type for you. If you’d like to learn more, check out our FFL Course.

This is a popular license for firearm enthusiasts that want to become gun dealers – even for a home-based FFL, online stores, at gun shows, or even for some side-money conducting transfers.

Free Download

The ultimate guide to getting your Federal Firearms License

FFL Guide Book

Type 2 FFL

The Type 02 firearms license is effectively the same as the Type 01 FFL, but it also allows pawnbroker activities.

Only get this type of license if you are specifically interested in pawning firearms.

Type 3 FFL

A type 03 ffl is for collectors of curio and relic firearms. It is NOT for engaging in business with firearms.

Type 03 FFL holders may not receive modern firearms. They can only receive a curio and relic firearm for their collection. Licensees of a Type 3 FFL are considered to be a licensed collector only and not licensed dealers or manufacturers.

If you’d like to learn more about a curio and relic (C&R) license, check out this article: How to get a C&R license

Type 6 FFL

Type 06 FFLs are for ammunition manufacturers.

This license type allows the making of ammunition with the intent to sell. It does not allow any business activity with firearms.

Type 7 FFL

The Type 7 FFL allows the making of firearms with the intent to sell. It also allows the holder to sell other firearms and manufacture ammunition.

This is the second most common type of FFL because a Type 7 FFL allows a licensee to make guns as well as buy/sell firearms.

Many people are worried about getting a Type 7 FFL because they think that they have to register with ITAR and pay a big fee. The ITAR rules have changed, and this only applies to a licensed manufacturer who intends to make at least one NFA firearm. (note, if you want to make a destructive device or armor piercing ammunition, a Type 7 FFL won’t work for you).

Another nice benefit to a Type 7 FFL is that when you make an NFA firearm (like a silencer or suppressor, a machine gun, a short barreled rifle or SBR, etc.) you only need to submit an NFA form after you made the NFA item (no pre-approval or waiting period). Within 24 hours of making the NFA Firearm, a type 7 FFL simply submits an ATF form 2 (an NFA form) as a notice to the ATF. Of course, to Make NFA Firearms (also sometimes called Title II NFA firearms because the National Firearms Act is “title II” of our federal gun control laws), you would also need to become a special occupational taxpayer (SOT).

However, to make “standard” guns like a rifle, handgun (pistol or revolver), or shotgun, only the type 07 FFL is needed. These types of guns are sometimes called title I firearms because the Gun Control Act (GCA) is sometimes called Title I of our federal gun laws.

The Type 7 FFL also allows the manufacturing of ammunition.

NOTE: Antique firearms are not technically “firearms” under federal arms regulation. Therefore, a type 7 FFL is not required by the BATF to make an antique firearm.

Type 10 FFL

The Type 10 FFL is very similar to the Type 07 FFL in that it is a manufacturer’s license.

However, unlike the Type 7, the Type 10 FFL allows for the manufacturing of destructive devices and armor piercing ammunition. It is an FFL requirement to have an intent to make these two special classes of items.

Number of FFL Licenses by Type

FFL TypeQuantity
Type 01 FFL52,971
Type 02 FFL7,087
Type 06 FFL1,841
Type 07 FFL14,661
Type 08 FFL1,190
Type 09 FFL127
Type 10 FFL430
Type 11 FFL272

Number of FFL Licenses by State

To see how popular each firearm license type is in your state, we’ve broken down the the total number of Federal Firearm Licenses by state followed by the number of each FFL type per state:

Total of FFLs by State

STATETOTAL FFLs
AK835
AL2,130
AR1,880
AZ3,469
CA8,589
CO2,974
CT1,765
DE321
FL7,103
GA3,502
HI225
IA1,995
ID1,520
IL4,487
IN2,753
KS1,784
KY2,219
LA1,955
MA3,952
MD2,850
ME886
MI3,869
MN2,429
MO4,226
MS1,454
MT1,498
NC4,500
ND706
NE1,102
NH1,177
NJ467
NM1,032
NV1,311
NY3,815
OH4,494
OK2,207
OR2,140
PA6,155
RI571
SC2,125
SD761
TN3,119
TX10,830
UT1,520
VA4,011
VT550
WA3,147
WI2,849
WV1,352
WY883
Total131,652

Number of FFL License Type by State

STATETYPE 01TYPE 02TYPE 06TYPE 07TYPE 08TYPE 09TYPE 10TYPE 11
AK50725191006211
AL854248372462031410
AR84733042269124122
AZ1,248167688655553221
CA1,82591665237381710
CO1,4631805342731384
CT417151117825152
DE1225392300
FL2,20560081891135104440
GA1,30149463458303106
HI9501100000
IA1,19856371748021
ID7211183732717131
IL1,4285252218234107
IN1,299963325413262
KS947923819914224
KY1,0583042519217276
LA974173312289213
MA335011236121103
MD4933515132143119
ME4165215936042
MI1,91970673562701510
MN1,302852922017177
MO1,818268543582811310
MS716189301634074
MT8391015322022150
NC1,83239451549317114
ND467238395000
NE6544626813010
NH37571516919074
NJ3050112413121
NM48864221657072
NV403711324133398
NY1,72693928423283
OH2,09216167591282112
OK1,0922413836713030
OR1,231693420210230
PA2,4841924785392110
RI7623163000
SC8751532225121047
SD4744017725020
TN1,17623936307292164
TX4,8961,0521701,77613083813
UT654924142024687
VA1,3911653737057151527
VT29113818013
WA9361352530925333
WI1,39045512797374
WV70519422979032
WY53337221345142
Total52,9717,0871,84114,6481,190127430272

FFL License Type FAQ

Can a Type 07 FFL make ammunition?

Yes. In addition to manufacturing firearms, a Type 07 FFL can also make ammunition.

There are 9 types of federal firearm licenses.

An FFL costs anywhere from $30 to $200 for the most popular FFLs.

The most popular FFL for business purposes is the Type 01 FFL. There are actually more Type 03 FFLs but that is only a collector’s license.

If you just want to buy and sell guns, you should get a Type 01 FFL. However, if you also want to make firearms, you should get a Type 7 FFL.

An SOT and an FFL are two different things. For most FFL Types, you can also become an SOT that allows you to work with NFA firearms.

You do NOT need an FFL for a concealed handgun or any other form of concealed carry. FFLs are typically only for buying, selling, or making guns. You’ll need a pistol permit instead.

Ryan Cleckner is a former special operations sniper and current attorney specializing in firearms law/ATF compliance and is a firearms industry executive (former govt. relations manager for NSSF, Vice President of Remington Outdoor Company, and a SAAMI voting board member).

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72 thoughts on “FFL License Types – Which FFL Should You Get? [2024]

Comments
  1. Thomas Quinn

    Just a nit. “There are currently 9 different types of FFL licenses.” The table only lists 8. Type 03 is missing.

    1. Jackie

      Hey Thomas! I’m not certain which table you’re referring two because there are a couple, but they both include all 9. Type 3 is included along with an explanation that it doesn’t permit any business activity, as it’s for collectors only.

    2. Thomas SMITH

      I just want to buy and resell ammo. What license would be best for me?

      1. Jackie

        We’ve got some good news – no FFL is required to buy and sell ammunition.

        1. AJ

          What is required to get a type 9?

          1. Ryan

            We cover this in our course. 🙂

      2. George A. Fiad, Sr.

        I thought you had to have an FFL to legally sell ammunition? You can buy and sell ammunition without an FFL license ? Can you obtain an importing permit from BTAF to import ammunition (9mm, 5.56) without an FFL too? Thank you.

        1. Ryan

          No FFL for buying and selling ammo. Yes, you sure can get an import permit.

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  3. David

    So basically I want to be able to purchase firearms at wholesale costs, be able to do transfers and legally own a full auto. What do I need? I live in Michigan.

    1. Ryan

      With your business intent of transfers, a Type 01 or Type 07 will probably suit you well. We break down the nuances in our course.

  4. Michael Hopkins

    I may be getting senile, this page just spins my brain in my skull.
    I wish to buy a semi-pistol from a private person. He wants to use my FFL. I simply want a gun. I don’t want to be a dealer, which seems to be all these different FFLs talk about.
    Could you please help me grasp this meaning?
    Again all I want to to buy a single sidearm.
    Thank you.

    1. Ryan

      Aha – you do not want your own FFL. You need to choose a local gun shop that will accept the handgun and transfer it to you. In this case “your ffl” means your local gun shop.

  5. Jt

    So if I get an ffl that allows me to own,deal,and manufacture NFA items can I still purchase firearms from an nfa importer. Like say I want to buy an H&M that normally is not aloud to be imported can I buy it from some one who is allowed to import it as long as I have an ffl and sot

    1. Ryan

      You sure can! They would be the importer that brings the firearm into the country and you’d be the dealer that purchased it from them. For example, many Glocks are imported and then purchased by other FFLs for sale.

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