Are you looking to buy or sell guns? If so, it’s important to know the legal requirements for that kind of business.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what you need before you apply for a Federal Firearms License (commonly referred to as an “FFL”).
If you need to know the process of obtaining an FFL, please visit this page.
What Is An FFL?
If you wish to manufacture, sell or transfer firearms and ammunition in the United States, obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is required.
This license grants individuals and businesses permission to carry out specific activities related to guns and ammo.
The Federal Firearms License (FFL) system was initiated in 1968 under the Gun Control Act, requiring anyone who desires to make a living from selling guns or ammunition and/or producing them to possess one.
Federal Requirements
Before you can qualify for an FFL, several legal conditions must be met to make your application eligible. The ATF will carefully evaluate each applicant’s eligibility before allowing them to apply; thus the following criteria should be taken into consideration.
Keep in mind, you need to meet these baseline federal requirements before submitting a request for an FFL in your state.
According to FFL123.com, these requirements are as follows:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Not be convicted of any felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
- Not be a user of illegal drugs (including marijuana)
- Never have been dishonorably discharged from the US Military.
- No outstanding arrest warrants.
- No pending criminal charges.
If you can legally own a gun and are over 21, there’s a good chance you already fulfill most of these requirements to get an FFL.
State Requirements
The requirements to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) are set at the federal level by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Thus, the standards for obtaining an FFL are uniform nationwide.
Yet, some states may have extra regulations or limitations related to firearms licensing and ownership.
Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the particular laws and guidelines in your state before participating in any activities concerning guns.
