Contrary to popular belief, getting a home-based FFL is perfectly legal, surprisingly straightforward, and more common than most people realize.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about getting a home-based FFL from the ATF.
So, why should you trust the information I'm writing for you here? I'm an actual firearms attorney and specialist in ATF compliance who's helped thousands of people and businesses stay out of trouble with the ATF and get their FFLs.
Myth #1: The ATF doesn't allow home-based federal firearms licenses.
Yes, you can legally be an FFL dealer as a home-based business.
Myth #2: It's nearly impossible to become an FFL holder from home.
As long as there isn't a zoning/HOA issue, and you know the right steps, the process of submitting your FFL application to the ATF for a home-based FFL is fairly straightforward.
Myth #3: A home-based FFL is rare.
In fact, they are so common that most FFL dealers in the country are home-based FFLs. This means that the ATF approves MORE FFLs every year for home-based applicants than they do for retail locations for a gun shop.
So, what does all of this mean? It means that you can be an FFL holder from your home, as long as you know the right way to apply for your FFL license, and you meet all the requirements (and it's not solely for personal use).
We cover all of this, and more, in our Get Your FFL course.
Home-Based FFL
We've seen a giant increase lately in the number of people getting their home-based FFL (even more than usual). We think that it is due to a couple of reasons:
- American gun owners are getting more and more nervous about anti-gun legislation, and they've realized that FFLs are often exempt from new gun bans, and,
- The increase in online gun sales, and the ease of internet sales, are encouraging Americans to start a side business from their home to make some extra money.
So, why are most of the FFLs in our country home-based?
Easy… Although an FFL is not a customary home-based occupation, many Americans realized they can start their own firearms business with a dealer or manufacturer's license, but without the overhead expenses and commitment associated with opening up a brick-and-mortar location.
With a home-based FFL, you can use your license to conduct many forms of business with firearms. You can purchase firearms as a dealer to list and sell online, conduct retail sales to customers in your home as a gun dealer, or even conduct the occasional FFL transfer of a firearm with your house being the licensed premises.
For example, a friend who purchased a gun could have it shipped to your home, where you could transfer it to them for a small fee. This includes something as simple as a handgun like a Glock or any other pistol. And if you also become an SOT, your home-based FFL can even deal in NFA firearms like silencers, short-barreled rifles, and transferable machine guns.
We cover this in depth in our Get Your FFL course, where we cover the pros and cons of each option that you can do with your license. You don't even need to start a business if you don't want to – you can be a sole proprietor.
Want to know how to get your home-based FFL? We're here to walk you through the entire process!
Are Home-Based FFLs Allowed?
You might be thinking, “Wait, I thought I read online that the ATF won't give a license to home-based FFLs anymore."
Well, bluntly, that's what you get for believing what you read in forums and on social media. 🙂
The ATF actually approves more home-based FFLs than licenses at commercial locations!
In fact, the majority of current FFLs in this country are home-based. Yep, that's right – currently, most FFLs are home-based FFLs.
Now, this just means that ATF will approve the license to allow you to be a dealer or manufacturer – it isn't a guarantee that you'll be able to get an FFL in your home. There are a couple nuances that might affect you (we'll discuss these more below).
These potential hurdles, including our tips and tricks on how to overcome them and get your own home based FFL, are covered in our Get Your FFL Course.
Is a “Business” Required for a Home-Based FFL?
Whether a business is required is a tough question to answer.
Simply, no you do not need a "business" (as in an LLC or Corporation) to have an FFL.
However, you must have "business intent" (which you can satisfy without an LLC or Corporation).
In order to get any type of FFL, you must have a business intent! You can get a personal firearm for yourself with your license, but you'll need to at least have some business intent in order to get your FFL application approved.
So yes, a “business” is required for a home-based FFL according to the Gun Control Act, but not in the way you might think.
Although we recommend forming an actual business and getting a business license, you may apply for an FFL in your name as a sole-proprietor.
Either way, there must be some sort of “business” intent, even though you may not be operating an actual gun storefront or firearm manufacturing facility.
Home-Based FFL Requirements
The requirements for getting a home-based FFL are no different from the standard FFL requirements.
However, the zoning/location requirement becomes even more important along with what your actual business activity related to firearms is going to be.
Worry not! We walk you through this whole process in our Get Your FFL course.
Basic Home-Based FFL Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal qualifying status (for example, a lawful permanent resident)
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be legally allowed to possess a firearm and ammunition
- Have a location for conducting FFL activities (home-based FFLs are the most popular FFLs in the country)
- Ensure that your business activity at that location meets zoning requirements
- NOT have violated the Gun Control Act (GCA) or its regulations
- NOT lied on your FFL application
[ 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1) ; 27 CFR 478.47(b) ]
Of course, this is a simplified version of what is needed.
The full requirements for getting an FFL are explained here: FFL Requirements.
What Would Keep You From Getting an FFL in Your Home?
The two biggest hurdles to getting a home-based FFL in most areas are zoning and landlords.
There are, of course, some cities that have a local law prohibiting this, but there aren't many (NYC, for example).
Home-Based FFL Zoning
You don't need to be in "commercial" or "manufacturing" zoning to have a home-based FFL.
However, if you are in a residential zoned area (likely), you'll need to work with your local zoning department to make sure that they understand that your FFL business will be a home business and that you will not be a typical storefront with regular customer traffic (if true).
The easiest home-based FFL to get is for testing, sales at gun shows only, sales online only, or even gunsmithing. This is because it is a common zoning requirement to not have public customer foot traffic.
It's not that tricky to get zoning approval. In fact, in our FFL course, we walk you through this process and even give you a sample letter to use as you explain the issue to your local zoning office. It may also come in handy if you need to get a permit from your local business office.
Home-Based FFL Landlords
If you rent your home (or apartment/condo), you'll need to get approval from your landlord.
Your landlord's contact information (the property owner's name, phone number, and address) will need to be listed on your FFL application (ATF Form 7), and the ATF may contact your landlord before issuing your federal firearms license.
If you've been concerned about whether home-based FFLs are allowed, and you've been wondering how to get an FFL from your home, I hope that this information helped!
How to Get a Home-Based FFL
After you're sure you've met the basic FFL requirements to get your license, you'll need to set up your business intent and plan, and ensure that you make the right choices when completing your FFL application.
We walk you through all of this in our course.
Step 1 is to enroll in the course.
Step 2 is to follow the course and learn the right way to set everything up.
Step 3 is to get your license and start running your firearms business from home!
Common Uses for an FFL at Home
If you're still reading this far, perhaps you're still wondering why anyone would get a federal firearms license out of their house.
Well, the reasons to get an FFL in general are the same: start a business in an industry you enjoy, make some money, and become the go-to person in your circle of firearm-loving friends.
Now, getting your FFL at home can be an even better option if you're looking to have guns shipped directly to you at your home instead of having to go down to the local gun shop and paying for a transfer.
Also, it's a great side business!
Making Money with Guns from Your House
There are many ways to make money with guns from home.
The most popular are internet sales, occasional in-person firearm sales, and conducting transfers for a fee.
Internet Gun Sales from Home
Because most zoning rules will prohibit retail customer foot traffic to your home gun business, it is very common to sell guns online.
With your FFL, you can buy guns from distributors, have them shipped straight to your home, and then you can list them online for sale. You can either have your own online store or you can list them on an online auction site like GunBroker.com.
Then, when someone purchases the firearm from you online, you can ship the firearm from your home to their preferred FFL where they can have it transferred to them.
Although an FFL is not required to sell ammunition, it is popular to order ammo along with firearms from distributors. And, most distributors won't set you up to purchase (even ammunition) without a federal firearms license.
If you're going to do this, be organized! A spreadsheet helps keep things organized to manage your listings, when they end, where to ship things, etc.
Occasional In-Person Sales at Home With an FFL
The word "occasional" is there on purpose.
No, it's not an ATF requirement for your license at home. However, if you live in a city or neighborhood, it is very hard to get away with a steady flow of customer traffic to your home. Therefore, it's best for sales every once in a while.
I've seen this work best with "VIP" sales or friends of friends.
The key here is to only advertise this option to buy a firearm from your home to people that you're actually willing to have come to your home.
If you teach concealed carry classes, this is a popular business add-on to sell firearms to your students.
Conducting Transfers for a Fee
Conducting transfers for people is a great way to make some extra cash with your license.
Many people shop for guns online and need an FFL to transfer the gun to them. Typically, they'd choose a local gun shop, but it can be very convenient for them to swing by your house to pick it up after the transfer paperwork and background check. Transfer fees typically range from about $20 to $75, depending on your area (see our guide to firearm transfers).
Home-Based FFL FAQ
Yes, home-based FFLs are allowed. In fact, they are the most common type of FFL in the country.
No, the ATF doesn't shut down "kitchen-table" FFLs. Years ago, the ATF did make a push to limit them. However, they are currently the most popular type of FFL.
There is no federal restriction on which type of FFL you can have in your home. Dealing, gunsmithing, and manufacturing FFLs are federally permitted, as long as you have zoning approval from your local zoning department to engage in the business of firearms (and manufacturing, if applicable).
No, a home-based (kitchen-table) FFL is exactly the same as a regular FFL. The only difference is that the licensed location is your home, instead of a business/commercial address.
The requirements for a home-based FFL are mostly the same as for brick-and-mortar FFLs. The only difference with having your home as your business location is making sure you're compliant with all applicable zoning requirements and that your business intent is feasible from your home.
No. Multiple types of FFL may be home-based. A Curio and Relic (C&R) license, or Type 03 FFL, is just one type of FFL. The C&R license is ONLY for collectors of a certain class of firearms (generally firearms at least 50 years old). So, you can have a C&R license at home, but you can also have a dealer's license or even a manufacturer's license.
No, you do not need a specific business structure for an FFL. A sole proprietorship is allowed. For more info, check out GunUniversity's article: How to Get an FFL Without a Business.
Usually, yes. You don't need commercial or manufacturing zoning, but if your home is in a residential zone, you'll need to work with your local zoning department so it understands your FFL will be a home business without regular customer traffic. If you rent, you'll also need your landlord's approval.
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