Different types of licenses
As an FFL Dealer, you can also be a gunsmith. Dealer FFLs (Type 1, Type 2, or Type 9 FFLs) generally allow the licensee to engage in the business of selling firearms.It’s easiest to explain each type of FFL by grouping them into categories:
#Different types of licenses license
Importer of Firearms (including Destructive Devices)Īs you can see from the table of FFL License Types above, you can either be a firearms dealer (sell firearms), a firearms or ammunition manufacturer (make firearms and ammunition for sale), a firearms importer (bring foreign guns into the country), or you can be a collector. Manufacturer of Firearms (including Destructive Devices) There are 9 different types of FFL Licenses – we cover each FFL type in detail below.įirearm Dealer (including Destructive Devices) What are the Different Types of FFL Licenses?
#Different types of licenses how to
If you’re interested in getting an FFL, even an FFL from your home (most FFL’s are home-based), then you should check out my article on how to get an FFL. However, once you buy a firearm or make a firearm with the intent to sell it, you need to have an FFL. Nor do yo need an FFL to make your own firearms. You do not need an FFL to buy or sell personal guns. The “engaged in the business” part is very important (but it does NOT mean that a business/company is required) You need an FFL if you intend to be engaged in the business of buying, selling, making, or importing firearms.
For example, it is sometimes said “I got my FFL” and also, “he is an FFL.” In this article, we will sometimes refer to the thing as an “FFL License” even though the term is a bit redundant. ? Who needs an FFL? The term “FFL” can be used to refer to both the license and the license holder – this can be confusing if you aren’t paying attention to context. The Federal Firearms License system was created by the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) and is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Also, there’s something called an SOT, commonly called a “ class 3 license” that exists in conjunction with an FFL, but it is not a type of FFL (or even a “license”).įor more help with this, check out our article: How To Get an FFL However, if you do want to get an FFL, you really need to make sure that you’re getting the right license type. There are 9 different types of FFL Licenses and, contrary to popular belief, you may not need an FFL. Depending on the type of Federal Firearms License (FFL), different business activities with firearms can be conducted.įor example, one type of FFL will allow you to be a firearms dealer and/or gunsmith (Type 01 FFL) whereas a different type is required if you’d like to also manufacture firearms (Type 07 FFL).