FFL and Licensed Premise
Is an FFL required to maintain gun storage or safety devices at the licensed premises?
Any FFL who transfers firearms to consumers is required to have secure gun storage or safety devices on premises.
(Ref: 18 USC 923)
What signs is an FFL required to post on the licensed premises?
FFLs are required to display their license in a conspicuous location at the licensed premises. FFLs who transfer handguns to unlicensed transferees is required to post ATF I 5300.1 Youth Handgun Safety Act Poster. Several states have their own laws that require FFLs to post specific information on their licensed premises.
(Ref: 478.91 / 478.103)
How can I confirm that an FFL is still active and is not expired, suspended, or revoked?
FFLs may verify the validity of a license by visiting the FFL EZ Check website maintained by the ATF. The website may be accessed at https://fflezcheck.atf.gov.
(Ref: 478.94)
Can I conduct business at a location away from my licensed premises?
An FFL may conduct business temporarily at a gun show or similar event provided the following requirements are met:
- The event is in the same State as the one in which the FFL is licensed.
- The event is not taking place in a motorized or towed vehicle.
- A copy of the license is posted in the FFL’s space at the event.
- The event is sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms, OR, an organization or association that sponsors functions devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community.
- The FFL records the name and location of the event in the Form 4473.
- The transactions that occur at the show are recorded in the FFL’s A&D Book.
(Ref: 478.100)
What do I do to correct an error on my license?
If an FFL discovers the license issued to him was incorrect, the FFL can return the license to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center with a statement showing the nature of the error.
(Ref: 478.48)
Does my FFL expire?
FFLs are valid for a period of 3 years, unless revoked or surrendered sooner.
(Ref: 478.49)
For how long is an FFL valid?
FFLs are valid for a period of 3 years, unless revoked or surrendered sooner.
(Ref: 478.49)
How do I renew my FFL before it expires?
In advance of the expiration of the license the ATF will mail the FFL an ATF Form 8 Part II. To renew your license, you must complete and return the ATF Form 8 Part II.
(Ref: 478.45)
If I have multiple locations do I have to obtain an FFL for each location?
A license authorizes regulated operations at the location identified on the license. If an FFL desires to engage in regulated activity at another location they must apply for a license for that location. However, no license is required to cover a separate warehouse used by the FFL solely for storage of firearms or ammunition if the records required by this part are maintained at the licensed premises served by such warehouse and an FFL may engage in business at a gun show pursuant to the requirements found at 478.100.
(Ref: 478.50)
How do I change the address of my license?
FFLs may change their licensed location by filing an Application for an Amended Federal Firearms License, ATF Form 5300.38, with the Federal Firearms Licensing Center not less than 30 days prior to the move.
(Ref: 478.52)
Can I add or change the trade name on my license?
An FFL can add or change the business or trade names on their license by furnishing its license for endorsement of the change to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center within 30 days from the date the licensee begins his business under the new trade name, or, by filing an Application for an Amended Federal Firearms License with the Federal Firearms Licensing Center.
(Ref: 478.53)
Does my FFL allow me to make, import, and deal in NFA firearms?
No; your FFL alone does not permit you to engage in commerce in NFA firearms. Any FFL wishing to engage in commerce in NFA firearms is required to become a Special Occupational Taxpayer (“SOT”). To become an SOT you must first obtain your FFL, and thereafter file the Special Tax Registration and Return National Firearms Act (NFA), ATF Form 5630.7 and pay the prescribed fee. Once you have become an SOT you can engage in commerce in NFA items.
(Ref: 479.31)
What does an FFL need to do if control of the business has changed?
In the case of a corporation or association holding a license under this part, if actual or legal control of the corporation or association changes, directly or indirectly, whether by reason of change in stock ownership or control, by operations of law, or in any other manner, the FFL shall, within 30 days of such change, give written notification thereof, executed under the penalties of perjury, to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center. Upon expiration of the license, the corporation or association must file a Form 7 for a new license.
Tags: 478.54
What does an FFL need to do if it goes out of business or wants to discontinue ATF-regulated activity?
Within 30 days the business shall furnish to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center notice of the discontinuance. The business shall also submit to the ATF Out of Business Records Center or to any ATF office in the division in which the business is located the following records; A&D Books, Forms 4473, Multiple Sales Forms, Law Enforcement Officer NICS Exemption Letters, Theft / Loss Reports.
(Ref: 478.57 / 478.127)