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 firearm-related business activities you intend to engage in, you'll need to apply for the appropriate type of FFL.
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”
FFLs generally fall into three main categories of business activity: selling firearms, manufacturing firearms, and importing firearms 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 Type | FFL License Purpose | SOT Class |
|---|---|---|
| Type 01 FFL | Dealer/Gunsmith of Firearms | 3 |
| Type 02 FFL | Pawnbroker/Dealer of Firearms | 3 |
| Type 03 FFL | Collector of Firearms | n/a |
| Type 06 FFL | Manufacturer of Ammunition | n/a |
| Type 07 FFL | Manufacturer/Dealer of Firearms and Ammunition | 2 |
| Type 08 FFL | Importer/Dealer of Firearms | 1 |
| Type 09 FFL | Dealer of Destructive Devices | 3 |
| Type 10 FFL | Manufacturer/Dealer of Destructive Devices | 2 |
| Type 11 FFL | Importer/Dealer of Destructive Devices | 1 |
Categories of FFL License Types
Each FFL license type generally falls into one of four basic categories:
- Collector FFL – This category can not “engage in the business of firearms.” As the name suggests, it is for collecting firearms only.
- Dealer FFL – These FFLs may purchase and sell guns as a business, and they may also operate as gunsmiths.
- 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.
- 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 Type | Firearm Dealer | Firearm Manufacturer | Firearm Importer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 FFL | ✓ | X | X |
| Type 2 FFL | ✓ | X | X |
| Type 3 FFL | X | X | X |
| Type 6 FFL | X | X | X |
| Type 7 FFL | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Type 8 FFL | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Type 9 FFL | ✓ | X | X |
| Type 10 FFL | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Type 11 FFL | ✓ | X | ✓ |
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 even full-auto machine guns.
Different classes of SOTs may engage in different activities.
- Class 1 SOT – These SOTs may Import and deal NFA / Title II firearms
- Class 2 SOT – These SOTs may manufacture and deal NFA / Title II firearms
- 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.
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.
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 (yes, really).
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 Type | Quantity |
|---|
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
| STATE | TOTAL FFLs |
|---|
Number of FFL License Type by State
| STATE | TYPE 01 | TYPE 02 | TYPE 06 | TYPE 07 | TYPE 08 | TYPE 09 | TYPE 10 | TYPE 11 |
|---|
Just a nit. “There are currently 9 different types of FFL licenses.” The table only lists 8. Type 03 is missing.
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.
I just want to buy and resell ammo. What license would be best for me?
We’ve got some good news – no FFL is required to buy and sell ammunition.
What is required to get a type 9?
We cover this in our course. 🙂
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.
No FFL for buying and selling ammo. Yes, you sure can get an import permit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
So if I want to purchaion for se ammunition in California what type of FFL dealer do I send it to? Is there a dealer classification for Ammo only? Thanks in advance.
Looks like my comments was being translated into Spanish?
you just have ammunition sent to your house ffl’s
If i want to manufacture handloads and sell them, as well as be able to buy wholesale firearms and wholesale ammunition and componenets, do apply for two ffl’s or just one?
You have multiple options – a Type 07 FFL would allow you to manufacture ammo and firearms and also allow dealer sales. However, you could also get a Type 06 FFL for your ammunition and then a Type 01 FFL for dealing firearms.
Just to clarify, so if I wanted to sell, manufacture and import I could get a Type 7 FFL and a type 8 FFL? Do they have to be under different or can they be under the same business entity?
Thanks
Yes, but I think it’s time to hop in to our Get Your FFL Course. 🙂
I live in PA and I’m looking to start reloading and selling ammo. What would I need and where do I find cost? Thank you in advance.
Hey, Gene. If you’re looking at only ammo, you’ll want to get a Type 06 FFL. However, if you think you might also want to make and/or sell firearms too, then a Type 07 FFL will cover firearms and ammo.
If I work for a company that needs to purchase firearms to conduct training, do I need an FFL with the corporation also listed in the application? If so, which license and where would the firearms need to be stored? Thank you for any advice/guidance!
Based on what I know about your situation, the company should likely be the FFL holder. As far as which license, a Type 01 FFL would work but perhaps there are other options you company may want to consider? All of this, including storage, is discussed in our course.
I reside in Maryland and I want to get my license as an FFL to receive and transfer only. Is the correct level 01?
It sure is!
Hello Ryan. If I would like to purchase firearms, manufacture a suppressor or SBR, which FFL do I need and do I need the SOT and which one?
Hi, Mike! You’ll likely want a Type 07 FFL and a Class 02 SOT. We cover this in our course to help you make the right decision for you.
Would I need a type 1 or type 7 if I wanted to assemble and sell firearms like AR-15s. I would not be manufacturing the lower. I guess what does the ATF determine as “manufacturing”.
You’d need a Type 07 as certain assembling is considered manufacturing by the ATF. We break this down, including what manufacturing for ITAR registration is, in our Get Your FFL course.
Why does the ATF site state a class 7 can manufacture but not sell as a dealer, but your site says a class 7 can act as a dealer. Conflicting information.
Where does it say this on ATF’s website? If it does, then the ATF is wrong. 🙂
can you add people onto your ffl with an sot
I own a Gen2 Glock, it was from my dad’s, he passed away 4 years ago. The gun is in Nicaragua, if I get a FFL8 can I import that gun myself?
You could, but you won’t get an FFL unless you have a business purpose. Instead, you could try to hire an importer to bring it into the country for you.
I am interested in manufacturing and selling different types of ammunition only (no firearms and no importing). In reading through your website, I believe I need to apply for a Type 6, 7 and 10. Can you confirm if I am understanding and applying the correct FFL licensing requirement(s)?
Thanks!
Initially, yes, you’re on the right track. Our course might help you more.
According to my IOI ATF contact, I have to engrave all the weapons I manufacture with my business name, city and state. I am an 01 at the moment but thinking of switching to 07. However this engraving does not sit well with me, specially that I will be assembling from pre-manufactured lowers and uppers. What is the regulation around this engraving stuff?
We cover marking requirements in our ATF Compliance course. But, the short of it is this: if you manufacture a firearm (even merely assembling), then the marking requirements apply to you. However, there are exemptions.
My local fire marshal told me that while I could get a Type 07 FFL, I would only be able to assemble parts into guns, but not use any type of “mills or lathes” to make parts. This doesn’t sound like manufacturing as much as it sounds like assembly to me. This is in Arizona, by the way, so there are no local ordinances banning home-based FFLs. Is the marshal misinformed, or is he giving me the runaround?
We cover this in our Get Your FFL course (it’s good news for you) 🙂
Hi Rayan,
I am intending to apply for FFL type 7 but I’m also interested by FFL Type 8 (Firearm/ammunition importer) can I apply for both at the same time?
What type of License should a Rifle Club have to have the club own fire arms and supply ammunition for shooting events? We are located in CA where ammunition sales are regulated.
2. Added article below first one! The regular F.F.L. Licenses : (01) & (02), the regular increase fees $$ is 3 years should be. A time for a Increase too. $1000.00. Or every time they renewed there Regular F.F.L. s too. Do you agree ? Sir? An Mam? An taxes should added too. Agree! Sir? Or Mam?
You’re confusing me and don’t seem to understand how this works. You should take our course if you’d like to udnerstand FFL types and their costs.
1. The N.F.A Licenses [09) (010) (011) is $3000.00 or more no set fee! $ taxes added too. Agree! Do you Agree? Sir? Or Mam? Regular licenses. ((01)()2) ()07) (08)) to add texas. Do you agree?
.
Disagree. Those are not “NFA licenses” and are only needed in exceptional rare instances.
I’ve been searching for answers all over the internet including the atf website. I keep coming up empty.
Question: Am I required by law, federal or WI , to have an FFL to sell ammo at my taxidermy shop? There wouldn’t be any firearms sales, ammo only.
Hi Fran. The ATF doesn’t currently require an FFL to sell ammo. We cover the federal side of things though, so I’m not sure if WI has any requirement in this regard. – Jackie
I want an 06 FFL were can I find out what I need i my shop to pass the FFL inspection.
Primer Storeage. Powder storage and such?
I’m a former FFL wanting to get back into the game. Any abbreviated course work available?
Our how to get your FFL course is as basic/simple as I could make it.
If a person who has there FFl can they keep selling gun and have guns if they were in a mental hospital because they said there were going to kill there self. Shouldn’t that person loses there FFl to sell guns.
If someone is involuntarily committed, then they lose their right to possess firearms and have an FFL. However, if someone seeks help for a mental issue, they do not lose the right (nor do I think they should lose the right) to have firearms or an FFL.
I am interested in obtaining the FFL that will allow me to import muzzle breaks/ suppressors from South Africa and sell in the US. What license will i need and what is the costs ? thank you
Hello.
Should someone who is going to work at a pawnshop obtain the 02 FFL?
No. The pawnshop needs the FFL – not the employees.
Is there a type of FFL that can be had for just allowing ammunition to be delivered directly to my home , and or possibly have ammo shipped to my home to be sold to others , hope you understand what I have asked and hope to hear back from you , Thank You ,, Tom
There’s no FFL required for buying and selling ammunition.
I have a class 01 FFL. I would like to change to a class 07. What do I need to do?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to “switch” from one FFL type to another. You must apply for and obtain a Type 07 FFL and then you can choose to surrender the Type 01. I cover how to do this in my courses.
Is a 07 needed to allow customers to come in and assemble an AR-15 as they buy the pieces over time?
Very likely, yes – and marking requirements may apply if you are manufacturing in the eyes of the ATF. Be very careful here (I advise against this) as the ATF has had issues before in the past with this type of activity and viewed it as a way to get around regulations. Either you should be manufacturing the firearms or they should be – both causes problems.
Can u gunsmith under a type 7?
Yes, a Type 07 can do everything a Type 01 can do.