Get Your FFL in Nebraska (NE) in 4 Steps: 2024 Guide

Are you looking to become a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in the great midwestern state of Nebraska?

With the increasingly tightened gun laws in our nation, a growing population is looking to become gun owners within the Nebraska gun and FFL holder laws. As an FFL holder, you are allowed to handle the selling and distribution of ammo and firearms.

Nebraska is a relatively gun-friendly state, with their state laws making FFL licensing requirements simple to become a certified FFL gun dealer.

Through the easy steps we share to become an FFL dealer, you’ll know how to attain your FFL license to make and sell ammo and firearms as a gun shop, even in larger cities like Omaha or Lincoln.

This article will cover and make sure you understand:

• FFL Cost
• Steps to getting your FFL in Nebraska
• Federal Requirements for an FFL
• Nebraska State Requirements for an FFL
• Nebraska Local (City/Town) FFL Requirements
• FAQs and additional resources

FFL Cost in Nebraska

How much does an FFL cost? In Nebraska, FFL costs are comparable to a concealed carry permit, between $30-$200 during the first 3 years of FFL licensure.

There are several FFL license types to choose from, and each license type varies depending on the licensee’s needs.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) requires separate licenses for different sales activities. For example, selling just a few personal handguns is considered separate from operating a gun store. Each application fee ranges in price.

FFL License Cost by Type

There is an additional cost for an SOT license registration, which allows the handling of NFA items such as:

• Suppressors
• Short-barrel rifles
• Machine guns
• Destructive devices

Steps to Getting Your FFL

There are 4 steps to attain an FFL in Nebraska:

1. Ensure you meet the federal and state requirements for an FFL
2. Choose your FFL type
3. Take an FFL course
4. Submit your FFL application forms

Step 1: Ensure You Meet FFL Federal Requirements

The federal requirements to get your FFL are the same as the requirements to get your handgun permit. The Federal FFL requirements are identical across the United States, which I detail below.

Step 2: Choose Your FFL Type

Next, you need to understand the differences in the different types of FFL’s so you apply for the correct type of FFL you need.

There is a specific type of license that will allow you to lawfully operate your firearms business. For instance, a pawnbroker’s FFL is different from an FFL that allows being a dealer of destructive devices.

Of the 9 different FFL licenses, the most common FFL licenses to apply for is a Type 01 — Firearm Dealer and Gunsmith or a Type 07 license — Firearm Manufacturer. The Type 07 license allows both the manufacturing and selling of firearms.

I did the work for you and broke down the different types of FFL licenses there are and which will serve you best here.

NFA firearms and accessories require you to be an SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer), which you can apply for after you are assigned an FFL number. Becoming an SOT is a requirement that extends from the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). This act has been renamed Title II of the Gun Control Act.

An SOT is specifically needed to sell NFA items such as:

• Suppressors
• Full-auto machine guns
• Short-barreled rifles (rifles with an overall length under 26″ or with a barrel shorter than 16″)
• Short-barreled shotguns (shotguns with an overall length under 26″ or a barrel shorter than 18″)
• Destructive devices (grenades, grenade launchers, artillery weapons, firearms with a bore over one half of an inch, mines, bombs, etc.)
• Any other weapons (pen guns, specific special handguns, etc.)

Below is a table that explains the different FFL License types and which SOT Class is needed to sell NFA items after attaining your FFL. To make things more simple, I have put together an all-inclusive course covering the specific SOT classes you’ll need.

Step 3: Take an FFL Course

After determining which FFL Type is best for your needs, it is imperative that you take an FFL course from a qualified FFL instructor.

Some people have difficulty with the logistics of getting your FFL License. So, after decades of experience in the firearms industry, I developed a course to help make getting your FFL hassle-free. It covers everything you need to know to get your Nebraska FFL.

As a professional firearms attorney specializing in ATF compliance, I help people who improperly apply for their FFL. Unfortunately, fixing these mistakes is costly — so, instead of getting rich on others’ mistakes, I decided to use my knowledge to teach others how to do it right the first time.

For an extra $10, you get the FFL Course and SOT Course combo, which teaches you how to apply to buy and sell silencers and Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) as well as standard firearms covered by just your FFL.

Step 4: Submit Your FFL Application Forms

Only after you checked your eligibility is clear for both federal and state FFL, chosen and verified the appropriate FFL type for your business, and successfully have finished the Rocket FFL course, are you ready to apply for your FFL!

After submitting the application required by the ATF, you will have to submit a background check that verifies all “responsible persons” associated with your business. Anyone who influences the business’s policies is considered a responsible person, including financial partners and sole proprietors.

Your application will be sent to a local ATF office. Once your background checks are completed, and your information is verified, you will be contacted by an industry operations investigator (IOI) to schedule an in-person interview to verify your information once more.

The IOI will make a recommendation to either approve or deny your FFL application based on your interview. Once you get the OK from the IOI, your approved application is submitted to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) by an ATF field office supervisor, making you a new holder of an FFL!

It takes approximately 60 days for the entire FFL process to take place, from application submission to FFL licensure, according to the ATF. However, the ATF may require extra steps or forms during the process, depending on your home state.

I have included every detail and access to all Federal Firearms License applications in the Rocket FFL Course.

Federal Requirements for an FFL

The federal requirements for obtaining an FFL are the same for every state in America.

The federal government requires all FFL applicants:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition, meaning no felony convictions, have not been a psychological patient, or controlled substance user.
• Have a predetermined location for conducting FFL activities, including home-based FFLs
• Have never violated the Gun Control Act (GCA) or related regulations
• Do not make any false statements/claims on their FFL application

After these requirements are satisfied, Nebraska-specific requirements can be handled.

Nebraska State Requirements for an FFL

Nebraska requirements for an FFL include:

1. State licensing requirements
2. Business registration requirements

Nebraska State Licensing Requirements

Nebraska makes FFL licensure quite simple and requires no redundancy in licensure. You simply must have your Nebraska FFL; there are no redundant or additional licenses or forms to fill out.

An FFL holder must keep organized records of all transactions with each sale strictly recorded; expect to be audited by the ATF. In addition, all Nebraska laws and local or community laws must be adhered to, including the business location be secured for safety and properly zoned.

Nebraska Business Registration Requirements

Nebraska requires all businesses to be registered with the State of Nebraska. Even if your business is registered in another state, which I suggest in the Get Your FFL course, you’ll still need to have an official registration with Nebraska to sell firearms in Nebraska.

Registering your FFL business in Nebraska is simple if you follow this guide to starting a business by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. They also provide a one-stop for Registering your Nebraska Business.

Nebraska Local (City/Town) FFL Requirements

While applying to a Nebraska FFL is relatively painless, the hang-ups that cause the most issues are local zoning requirements. You must make sure that your business location is correctly zoned for your business type. You can check with Nebraska Business Services for Zoning information.

An FFL for a home-based firearms business is often told they are not allowed to operate in a residential area. Business restrictions in some areas usually are denied based on the wrong idea of the kind of activity the business will engage in.

It is often wrongly assumed that heavy foot traffic will occur, but most home-based customers rarely have customers coming to the business location.

I cover requirements for specific business hours and other important FFL requirements for home-based businesses in the Get Your FFL course.

Nebraska FFL Summary

Attaining your Nebraska FFL is relatively simple, with clear and experienced guidance.

If you follow Federal and State requirements, choose the appropriate license type for your business, take my valuable online course, and turn in the proper forms, you’ll soon own a Nebraska FFL!

The key is not sinking a ton of wasted hours into doing it all on your own.

Be confident about the process by taking my course. As someone who has had to navigate firearm business laws for decades, the confidence of knowing your business is starting within the federal and local laws will give you peace of mind.

I’m ready when you are!

FAQ for Nebraska FFL Licensing

How much does it cost to get an FFL in Nebraska?

Nebraska FFL’s cost from $30 to $200 for 3 years. Here is a full cost guide for an FFL.

Do I need an FFL in Nebraska?

Yes! If you plan to profit in any way involving firearms, including sales, transfers, or manufacturing, you are legally required to have an active FFL.

Does Nebraska require extra licensing for FFLs?

Nebraska has no additional licensing requirements for FFLs.

Do I need to register a business for an FFL in Nebraska?

Nebraska requires all businesses to be registered with the State of Nebraska.

Can I get an FFL to save money on guns?

Attaining an FFL just to save money on guns is not recommended. Instead, an FFL is for “business intent,” meaning you intend to operate a firearms-related business.

After you get your FFL number, you may then register your business with the State of Nebraska.

Extra Resources For Getting a Nebraska FFL

US Code § 923: This federal law requires firearms businesses to get an FFL. It covers federal regulations for dealing of firearms, ammunition, imports, and manufacturing.

US CFR § 478.47 – Issuance of license.: Code §478.47 advises how FFLs are issued. It explains how the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) qualifies applicants based on a predetermined list of requirements, allowing equality to all FFL applicants.

It states that a FFL application that has been submitted correctly on ATF Form 7, must be approved by the Chief of the Federal Firearms Licensing Center, and the licensee be assigned a serial number.

Gun Control Act (GCA): New regulations regarding firearms offenses, firearms/ammunition sales to “prohibited persons,” and federal jurisdiction for “destructive devices” (bombs, grenades, mines, etc.) were created with the GCA of 1968. It’s purpose was to establish stricter laws for the gun industry (including sales regulations at gun shows) than were already in the NFA.

Starting a Business in Nebraska: Nebraska Department of State has a one-stop business registration process.

Nebraska Firearm Laws: This guide shows Firearms dealers in Nebraska how to properly handle firearms sales.

FFL Types: Choose the right type of Federal Firearms License for what you want to do with your business.

Home-Based FFL: Become a home-based firearm business using this guide that explains how to do it from start to finish.

AUTHOR

Ryan Cleckner

Check out Ryan Cleckner 's Courses

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).