FFL License Types (A Short Guide)

The Gun Source provides an overview of the various types of federal firearms licenses and what each license permits.

In this brief article, we will provide an overview of the various Federal Firearm Licenses issued by the ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC).

If you need to know how to get an FFL, please read this guide first.

Overview

There are two types of licenses:

1. FFL — Federal Firearms License

2. FEL/FEP — Federal Explosives License & Federal Explosives Permit

FFLs are issued to individuals and businesses that are engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, and dealing in firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

The FFLC (Federal Firearms Licensing Center) is responsible for reviewing and processing applications for FFLs (Federal Firearms Licenses), coordinating inspections with ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) field offices, performing background checks on responsible persons, and maintaining the Firearms Licensing System (FLS) database.

Additionally, the FFLC provides certification on a subject’s license status to ATF field personnel and has a call center to respond to inquiries from the public and the firearms industry.

 

What Does the FFLC Do?

  • Responsible for completely evaluating all Federal Firearms License applications, reviewing the application data, performing intensive background research, and granting FFLs.
  • Provides an organized and secure location for all FFL-related documents, ensuring that each file is properly prepared for digital archiving.
  • Assists ATF investigations by supplying Blue Ribbon Certifications and providing direct expert testimony to verify the licensed status of defendants related to criminal prosecutions or other administrative actions.

License Types

FFL

 

FFL stands for Federal Firearms License, which is a license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the United States. This license is essential for people and businesses who make buying or selling firearms their business, as well as individuals engaging in activities that involve manufacturing, importing, or dealing with firearms.

Types of Federal Firearms Licenses:

  • Type 01 – Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
  • Type 02 – Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
  • Type 03 – Collector of Curios and Relics
  • Type 06 – Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms Other Than Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition
  • Type 07 – Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
  • Type 08 – Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices or Ammunition for Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices, or Ammunition Other Than Armor Piercing Ammunition
  • Type 09 – Dealer in Destructive Devices
  • Type 10 – Manufacturer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition
  • Type 11 – Importer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing Ammunition

 

FEL/FEP

 

FEL or FEP stands for Federal Explosives License or Federal Explosives Permit, which is a license or permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the United States for individuals and businesses engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, or dealing in explosive materials.

Types of Explosives Licenses

  • Manufacturer
  • Importer
  • Dealer

Types of Explosives Permits

  • User of Explosives
  • Limited Permit Intrastate Only