Getting your FFL license is easier than you think.
In less than a few hours of work, four easy steps, and less than $200, you could become a legal weapons dealer or firearm manufacturer in the United States.
Getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a good move. Depending on the FFL license type you get, you can make firearms (yes, even full-auto machine guns and silencers), import firearms, and you can be an FFL dealer selling weapons.
With the right steps, you can even sell them internationally. Yes, you can become an international arms dealer!
The best part is, with only two firearms sales, you could easily make back your money and never have to pay marked-up prices from gun stores or FFL dealer transfer fees. Instead, you’ll be able to buy directly from distributors and have the firearms shipped directly to you – this can save you hundreds of dollars per gun.
Even better, you can now be the FFL Dealer collecting transfer fees and charging a markup on your FFL firearms sales.
You know you want an FFL, but you’re not sure how to get one? Good news! Follow these four steps and you’ll be up and running in no time:
- Ensure You Meet FFL Requirements
- Choose the FFL License Type
- Take an Online FFL Course
- Apply for a Federal Firearm License (FFL)
Step 1 – Ensure You Meet FFL Requirements
If you can possess a firearm and are at least 21 years old, then you can get an FFL. The requirements for getting an FFL are that easy.
The ATF, and possibly your state, have minimum requirements that you and your business (if applicable) must meet before you’ll get your license to be a firearms dealer or manufacturer.
There are certain classes of people who can’t possess firearms or ammunition, and therefore can’t get an FFL. These people are considered “prohibited persons” by the ATF and they include anyone who:
- is a felon
- has been convicted of any crime punishable by more than a year in prison (whether or not they were ever sentenced to or served a day in prison)
- is under indictment for any crime punishable by more than a year in prison
- is a fugitive
- is an unlawful user of any controlled substance
- has been adjudicated as a mental defective
- has been committed to a mental institution
- is an illegal alien
- has a dishonorable discharge from the military
- has renounced their U.S. citizenship
- is the subject of a restraining order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or the child of an intimate partner, or
- who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- There’s a few nuances that you might need to be aware of if you think that any of these apply to you – especially the “convicted of any crime punishable by more than a year,” “unlawful user of a controlled substance,” and “restraining order” provisions. If you’d like to learn more about these prohibited person categories, see Prohibited Persons / Firearm Possession.
There are also some location requirements that may vary depending on your state of residence.
Yes, you can get a home based FFL under federal law but your state may have special rules that prohibit it. For example, living in an apartment building in New York city, you probably aren’t going to get an FFL.
As long as your local zoning approves of you having a firearms license at the address you choose, then the ATF can give you an FFL! There are a few tricks to getting your FFL at your home – I share all of these and more in the Get Your FFL Guide.
Step 2 – Choose Your FFL License Type
The type of FFL you get depends on what you intend to do with it.
If you want to deal in firearms and/or be a gunsmith, then you’ll only need a Type 1 FFL.
If you want to manufacture firearms, then you’ll need a Type 7 FFL. It’s important to note that a Type 7 Federal Firearms License also lets you be a firearms dealer – therefore, if you want to manufacture and sell firearms, a Type 7 FFL covers both!
The Type 1 FFL is, by far, the most popular followed by the Type 7 FFL. Here’s a breakdown of the number of each type of FFL from the ATF for 2016:
For a breakdown of what each type of federal firearm license allows, see this chart:
Note the columns which help you to determine what each type of FFL will allow and which Class of SOT may be required – “AP” means ‘Armor Piercing Ammunition’ and “DD” means ‘Destructive Device’
If you’d like to learn more about each FFL license type and what each allows, you should sign up for our Get Your FFL course!
Step 3 – Take An Online FFL License Course
The actual process of getting your FFL License can be difficult. However, thanks to online FFL courses, it’s never been easier.
However, it’s incredibly important that you take the right one.
When choosing an FFL License course, you should look to make sure that you are getting:
- advice from an actual firearms attorney that has the appropriate certifications,
- guidance from a true industry insider/professional who knows the ins-and-outs of both the firearms industry and the ATF,
- professional course software that helps you track your progress,
- automatic notifications of any updates in the law, and,
- available compliance training for both you and your employees.
There are currently only a few online FFL License courses available. To help figure out which one is the best for you, here is a comparison chart breaking down us vs them:
| Others | RocketFFL | |
|---|---|---|
| Online Course | ✓ | ✓ |
| Step-by-step Instructions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
| Created and Taught by Firearms Attorney | X | ✓ |
| Hours of Video in Lessons | X | ✓ |
| Free Compliance Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-on-One Legal Counsel Available | X | ✓ |
| Follow-on Advanced Training Available | X | ✓ |
| Donates Portion of Profits to Military Charities | X | ✓ |
| Discounts on Software and Services | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Notifications on Changes in Laws | X | ✓ |
| Employee-Level Training Available | X | ✓ |
Step 4 – Apply for Federal Firearm License
Upon ensuring you meet the requirements for an FFL, choosing the right type(s) of FFL, and taking your course, you’ll be ready to apply for your Federal Firearm License.
The steps to this can be very difficult and may require multiple forms and extra steps depending on your location. However, if you took the Rocket FFL course, you’ll know exactly what’s needed and have access to all the necessary forms in order to get your own Federal Firearms License, hassle free and approved quickly after your ATF inspection.
Getting Your FFL
So, there you have it. In four simple steps you can become a licensed firearm manufacturer, dealer, and/or international arms exporter or importer.
I look forward to having you in our industry,
FAQs – Getting Your FFL
Q: How Much Does an FFL Cost?
As FFL Costs anywhere from $30 to $3,000 per year depending on the type of FFL. Learn more about FFL Costs.
Q: Can I Get a Home-Based FFL?
Yes! You can get an FFL out of your home. In fact, most FFLs in this country are home-based FFLs.
Q: What are the Requirements for Getting an FFL?
The requirements for getting an FFL are very simple: you must be allowed to lawfully have firearms, you must have a business intent, and you must get the FFL in an allowed location. Learn more about FFL Requirements.
Q: How Many Types of FFL are There?
There are 9 types of FFLs that allow various activities from importing, making, or selling firearms. Learn more about FFL Types.
Q: What is a Type 1 FFL?
A Type 1 FFL is a dealer of firearms or gunsmith.
Q: What is a Type 7 FFL?
A Type 7 FFL is a manufacturer of firearms (who can also sell firearms and manufacture ammunition).
Q: What is a Class 3 License?
A Class 3 License isn’t really a thing – instead it is an FFL who registered as a Class 3 SOT and can sell NFA Firearms. Learn more – Class 3 License.
I JUST WANT AN FFL SO I CAN BUY GUNS AT A HUGE DISCOUNT USUALLY OVER 150 DOLLARS HECK AFTER A COUPLE I WOULD BE SAVING MONEY. IF I AM AN FFL HOLDER DO I STILL NEED TO FILL OUT A 4473 FORM? ALL I WANT IS THE ABILITY TO BUY WEAPONS I WOULD USE FOR HUNTING INCLUDING SEMI AUTOS SHOTGUNS BOLT ACTIONS ETC ETC AND SELF DEFENSE PISTOLS WHICH TYPE OF FFL WOULD I NEED?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
You must have a legitimate intent to be engaged in the business of selling firearms. Yes, you can get them for yourself too, however, that may NOT be your sole intent.
Hi Ryan,
Id like some clarification on your statement. Whats the reasoning behind not being able to have an FFL solely for personal use? For example, itd be nice not to have to pay another fee because the weapon I want to purchase (a handgun for example) has to be shipped to an FFL holder.. usually a gun shop of some kind, and the purchaser gets charged a storage or handling fee (at least where Im from). I know some states have restrictions for shipping firearms, so is that the main reason or is it more of a federal regulation type deal? Thanks for everything!
It is a federal law (and it’s even a question on the FFL application). I explain the nuances of this in our Get Your FFL course (including how occasional business use isn’t “solely” personal use).
Awesome! Thanks for the information Ryan, its most appreciated.
IS THERE A MINIMUM SALES REQUIREMENT? OR JUST INTENT OF SALE
Hi Dan! No specific sales requirement and yes, the intention of running a business with your FFL is required. Ryan covers this in the Get Your FFL guide and also gives insight on what’s needed for the hours of operation at your business activity location.
I am going to school to be a Gunsmith, should I wait on getting my FFL?
No – but you should apply at least two months before you’d like to get stared as a gunsmith.
Ryan,
Do you HAVE to get certified gunsmith skills in order to become FFL?
Absolutely not.
Was reading your website pages and have a question about NFA items. I understand you can get them quicker, but are you allowed to possess and use them? Things like full auto weapons and silencers? Can you possess and use them without needing NFA paperwork? Like now without FFL I need to apply for a NFA and create a trust to own and use a silencer, SBR, or full auto weapon. I know I only need a trust if I intend to share or pass down NFA items to family or friends. Or would I still require an NFA and trust? Thanks for your time.
What do SOT license cost?
You can learn about the costs in the Become an SOT course or read the blog post – FFL License Cost.
Can you tell how to get FFL LICENSE
Hi William. He can, and he does, in the Get Your FFL guide which walks you through the entire process from start to finish. 🙂
Does a home based FFL holder who sales a few guns to friends, have to do background checks? And what is the process to do a background check?
If background checks are required, and how they’re handled, depends on the state you live in – NICS vs POC and possible Brady alternatives. Ryan explains all of this in more detail the Get Your FFL start-up guide!
Ryan Cleckner,
Thank you for your ongoing involvement in the firearms community. Seeing that you are on board with RocketFFL I will surely be using them for my FFL application, you have clearly explained and helped me understand many aspects of long distance shooting via your YouTube videos and I have no doubt that the FFL process will be just as thorough. Once again, Thank you for your service and all you continue to do.
Thanks for the support, Danny!
Hey Ryan,
I’m looking at obtaining my FFL licence and would like to know a little more about your course. I already have the forms to fill out, tho there’s some information on there that I’m not sure how to get, for example, the police commissioner’s contact info and address, do you go over this sort of thing in your course? Do you go through the application possess with people? I would like to be able to buy for personal use and to sell as well.
Thanks
Cody
Sorry for the delay – I think there’s a lot of helpful stuff in the course. Only one chapter is dedicated to the application itself. The rest of the course is everything that you need to know to do it right. 🙂
does having an FFL give me any more conceal carry rights than my current CCL?
Hey Troy! It does not. FFLs are licenses to engage in the firearms business (ie. selling or making them). Federal firearms licenses and concealed carry permits are completely separate things – sorry!
I am a little unclear on which type to get. I would like to open a small shop up, something of a Hobby/Sport for myself and others. I don’t want to be a big store, just a small place that can handle a few guns. I enjoy buying, trying and trading guns for myself and would like a way and means to help others do the same. It’s a great way to make new friends and help people. I don’t want to be a pawn shop but wouldn’t mind “pawning” or loaning money for guns to help. But you never know what the future holds. Thanks, Jamie Ramey.
The course should help you decide which is right for you.
I am interested in getting my FFL And Buying and Selling and Gun Smithing from my home ( Maryland). And also buying for myself as well..I am a Registered Collector in Maryland…What kind of experience am I being retired am I looking at…Thanks
A follow up on Troys question, what is the answer to “does having an FFL give me any more conceal carry rights than my current CCL?” Thank you Randy
Definitely not. An FFL is for being engaged in the business of making or selling firearms. It has nothing to do with concealed carry.
My question is as follows what if i want to deal online only like via Craigslist for example.. Or one day if i am lucky my own website? But i do not want to have a store front in AZ. SO how can you do that?
You’ll still need an FFL and a place to do business from – even if it’s only online.
Can I get multiple types of FFL?
Absolutely! Check out or course for instructions on how to do that.
I just turned 20 in NC and can’t wait to turn 21 so I can get my Type 7 FFL. Is there any work I can get done before I turn 21 to help speed the process?
You can start studying/planning now.
Hi!
If I’m buying, say, a bunch of parts online and assembling them, then turning them around for profit, do I need a Type 7 or Type 1 FFL? Seeing as I’m only assembling and no ‘manufacturing’, which one do I need?
Assembling an AR-15 with the intent to sell it is definitely manufacturing activity per the ATF. You must have a valid Type 7 FFL. The occasional assembly of AR-15s as a manufacturer per the ATF is not considered to be manufacturing for ITAR purposes under State.
Hello Ryan, I’ve been researching / studying firearms. Trying to learn more about them, and I have a question. Is a F.F.L. only for businesses or can anyone get one?
So I live in TN and my favorite gun store is in AL. To buy a say pistol there I have to have an AL DL. They don’t have a website to order and ship to a FFL, so with an FFL1 can I walk into that store and purchase?
Yes, you could. They could then transfer it to your FFL on the spot and you could take possession. Of course, it’s up to them if they want to do that. But, it’s legal. Also, with your own FFL, you can just order straight from the distributor.
Does have an FFL allow for the transfer of suppressors for example to LE in states where they are prohibited from private ownership like CA. I’d like to start an on line then storefront for LE almost exclusively. Suppressors, non-listed handguns, standard cap mags.
Ryan, the goal of my having my FFL is to be able to purchase firearms for myselfe as well as doing transfers for people. i was wondering which FFL would be best for me.
Hi Alex! Chapter 1, Section 3 of the Get Your FFL Course (‘FFL Types’) goes through each type of FFL in detail to help you select which option is best for you. I hope you decide to take Ryan’s course and if you do, please let us know if you have any unanswered questions afterwards. Thanks! Jackie
Hi Ryan, my father passed away with a rather large collection of firearms that we are wishing to sell. What is the maximum number of firearm sales you can do a year without having an FFL? Thanks
I was recently told by an FBI agent here in Phoenix that taking a FFL course was not necessary. Is that true?
Absolutely true. No requirement to take a course – you can get your FFL on your own. However, if you’d like some help and make sure that you get it set up the right way, our course is here for you. 🙂
I have a Master’s, Bachelor’s, and an Associate’s in Criminal Justice. Shouldn’t I only have to apply for the license?
Anyone can apply for an FFL and be approved if you’re not a prohibited person. Degrees are not a requirement for obtaining an FFL nor do they allow you to bypass the standard requirements. Please feel free to take Ryan’s Get Your FFL course which walks you through the entire process including selecting which type you’ll need, filling out and submitting the application as well as preparing for your ATF inspection. If you’ve got any unanswered questions after completing it, just let us know!
Want to apply
Hi Joseph – Please feel free to apply for an FFL. If you want help with the process, Ryan’s Get Your FFL course is available.
I would like to learn more about getting my FFLs
Good morning. You can learn about the entire FFL application process in Ryan’s Get Your FFL course. Please feel free to take it and let us know if you have any questions afterwards. Thanks!
I am a non-resident who opened a LLC in the US and want to export guns parts and import into us, but I do not have an SSN, can I get a license?
Hi Artem! Please feel free to read FFL Requirements or check out Ryan’s recent Trigger Words podcast – Foreign Persons. The Get Your FFL course will also walk you through this topic. Thanks!
I have a design for a firearm that will be manufactured at a machine shop. If only one firearm will be made that I am only using for testing purposes, does the prototype firearm need to be serialized? Does the machine shop need to have an FFL 07? Does the firearm only need to be serialized when I want to sell it on a production scale?
It all depends on a bunch of variables. Sorry, but depending on some distinctions, my answer to each question changes. If you’d like some help with this, please reach out to info@rocketffl.com.
Ryan, I was wondering, I had an FFL in Alaska back in 1993-95 timeframe. Does being a former license holder count for anything? I am moving to Texas the end of next year (2020) and I would like to reapply and was curious if having one before would speed up the process of getting one now. The license wasn’t revoked/taken away I just didn’t renew because I didn’t have the cash to run the business after I got married, I just let it expire. Thanks Gary
Once the course is purchased is access available indefinitely? Or does it have an expiration?
Hey Ashley! There is no expiration date on the courses. If that policy were to change in the future, it would not affect any existing members, only new members/course purchases.
I am sure that you have already been asked this but i did not see a response on the ones I did. so with the correct FFL, if i were wanting say a silencer that i had in stock for my self, I would still need to go through the paper work and pay my tax stamp to be able to use it on one of my daily firearms correct?
Great question – we explore the nuances of these types of transactions in our ATF Compliance section
If I were to become an FFL, am I still able to engage in private sales/ trading as an individual? It’s legal in Indiana. Thx
Absolutely!
I am currently under contract with the state department (OCONUS) and was looking into purchasing a rifle from Taran Tactical. I am in no rush for the weapon itself to reach my home because I am not due back for a few months, but I do not know the closest FFL dealer to my home. Would it be faster to apply for an FFL or wait until I return home? (retired military-Honorable discharge-certified marksmanship instructor through the Army/CC out of Texas/legal firearms for personal use already in the home/no felonies
I want to import, or buy within the US, mil-surp guns and offer gunsmithing on them, as well as, refurbish them and sell them once they’ve been refurbished. What FFL would I need for that?
I am interested in your course. I am looking to engrave, and possibly put together 1911’s to sell (and possibly AR15). I am under the impression this requires me to get a type 7? Side question a type 7 license allows me to own and buy full auto weapons?
Yes, you need at least a Type 07 FFL to manufacture firearms with the intent to sell them. Yes, you can also buy and own full-auto weapons but there are tax implications that go along with all NFA Firearms (tax paid per transfer or annual SOT payments).
So as part of the steps we are interviewed in person for determination if I’m suitable to be a ffl dealer?
Yes – but the interview is just to make sure that you understand the requirements and to confirm the location. With all that has been going on lately, most (all) interviews have been by phone.
I am looking at retiring soon and would be interested in buying and selling guns as a part time business. I am interested in your course and would like to know how long it takes to get your FFL from start of your course until you get the FFL?
It generally takes about 2 months total to have your FFL in-hand.
First off, huge fan of the YouTube videos. Secondly, I am interested in obtaining my FFL by taking your course. That being said, you have a drop down menu for curriculum and I am unsure which to choose. I will be applying for a type 1. Thank you in advance,
Thank you! You should start with our “Get Your FFL” course.
Hello Ryan my husband and I are looking into our ffl type 1 do we have to have a store front or can we do it right out of our home if we are only wanting a online base?
Hi Donna. Brick-and-mortar stores are not a requirement for getting an FFL. We’ve helped thousands of people get home-based FFLs and it’s one of the main reasons Ryan created the start-up guides. Ryan gets into this in much more detail in the course and addresses things like approvals needed from zoning, landlords, HOAs, etc., as well as what to expect when the ATF comes out to inspect your location prior to approving your application. Hope this helps!
Hi, I would like to get an FFL solely to use it to export overseas. My target is shows. Is there a specific State you recommend to do so. I am outside of the US, do I need to be inside the US, any advise?
Yes, you need a U.S. business premises in order to have an FFL
I am interested in getting a curio and relic license in order to collect older guns off the DOJ list in CA. Does that require a “business” intent as well? For instance an intent to buy or trade? Or can I simply say i wish to collect older firearms? That seems to be an option on the application.
Thanks for the info. I’m active military, and as such move from time to time. Do i pay the initial fee every time i move to a new state/residence or can i carry it with?
You would apply for an address change and your licensed premises would move with you.