How to Become a Federal Firearms License Holder

A federal firearms license is required for anyone who engages in the sale of firearms, either retail or wholesale, on a regular basis. It also is a requirement for those who engage in firearms repair and modification as well as for pawn brokers. A federal firearms license is not required of a person who makes occasional sales or repairs of firearms.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine eligibility for receiving a federal firearms license. A person must be 21 years of age and cannot have been convicted of a crime which was punishable by more than one year in prison. An applicant also cannot be an illegal alien, controlled substance abuser, adjudicated to be mentally disturbed, dishonorably discharged from military service or have a restraining order against them for stalking a partner or child. Other requirements may apply and an applicant should check with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    • 2

      Understand which type of license and corresponding fee is relative to the particular situation. There are different fees ranging from $30 to $3,000, depending on whether the license is for destructive devices or non-destructive devices. Also, the fee can be different if it's for a manufacturer or an importer as opposed to a collector or pawn broker.

    • 3

      Obtain ATF form 7 for a federal firearms license from the regional office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Fill out the application completely and submit it along with the fee, fingerprints obtained from local law enforcement and a photograph. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has 60 days to approve or reject the application.