FFL Guide: How to purchase a firearm online and legally transfer via a Federal Firearms License Holder


  1. Choose a Firearm thats right for you

    If your order also contains non-gun items, those items will ship directly to you. We are not attorney's so check the rules of your state. New York for example requires a handgun permitting system so if you haven't completed that requirement no reputable FFL will transfer a gun to you.  If you selected a dealer in California: California dealers must also include their CA firearms dealer (CFD) number on their license. Review CA State restrictions for firearms at http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/.


  2. SELECT A FFL DEALER (YOUR GUN WILL BE SHIPPED HERE)

    Use a comprehensive FFL search tool to select an FFL dealer near you that will accept a firearm and agrees to perform a firearms transfer. One can easily search for and select an FFL dealer during the checkout process on most reputable firearms websites such as Buds Gunshop, Gunbroker or TargetSports

    There are two types In-Network (Preferred Dealer) or out of Netowork - While all authorized FFL dealers are available to select. In-Network dealers have agreed to process compliant ATF gun transfers for specific website customers (dealer transfer fees still apply). Out-of-Network just means they have to do some additional paperwork and will often need to email a copy of their FFL credentials to the Website.

  3. CONTACT FFL DEALER

    In-Network (Preferred Dealer)  or Out-of Network - its always a good idea to check the laws in your state in advance to ensure the firearm you want to purchase is legal in your state prior to purchasing it. After that its also a best practice to contact the FFL to ensure the gun is compliant with Federal, State and Local Laws and you have discussed any additional terms and conditions and that they will agree to accept the transfer.

    COmpliance

    CA for example has a "safe handgun roster" which limits the types of guns you can legally transfer into the state via a website purchase. Review the list for details prior to contacting your FFL.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR ORDER

    Most websites will charge sales tax but keep a note of whether or not they do: the easiest way to ruin a good FFL relationship is to not inform them when sales tax hasn't been charged because they are then on the hook for it and may be caught with a surprise bill. Don't be a bad customer.

    Shipping

    Always provide your FFL with tracking information prior to making an appointment with them. Its generally a best practice to wait about 24 hours after the item arrives before contacting your FFL as shipping times and deliveries can be unpredictable. UPS may deliver at 8 AM some days and 8 PM on others so save your FFL and yourself the headache and annoyance by confirming the item has arrived and has been signed for.

  5. PICK UP YOUR GUN AT YOUR SELECTED FFL DEALER

    Work with your selected FFL dealer to arrange your gun transfer. At the time of pick up, you will need to arrive with all proper identification and documentation / licenses to show that you can legally purchase and possess the gun. 

    PRoviding ID

    This is where many people get tripped up. In California for example a simple driver's license without a REAL ID component is insufficient so if your driver's license says "federal limits apply" you'll need a passport or birth certificate to back it up. In addition you will generally need proof of residency such as a utility bill with your full name and address on it. Other acceptable forms of ID would include any document issued by the state with your full address on it such as a hunting or fishing license. We are not attorney's so check the rules of your state.

    "Clear evidence of identity and age is defined as a valid California driver license or a valid California identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Military identification is also acceptable if accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California, but the dealer must retain copies of both documents.

    Temporary driver licenses and temporary identification cards are not accepted forms of proof of identity and age."

    Background Check and Mandatory waiting Periods

    The FFL Dealer will complete a background screening using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as required. Assuming that all goes well depending on your state you may have anywhere from a 0 day to 10 day cooling off period and wait.  

    You should closely inspect the gun and verify the make, model, caliber/gauge and condition matches with what you ordered before any paperwork is filled out. 

    If you selected a dealer in California: California dealers must also include their CA firearms dealer (CFD) number on their license. Review CA State restrictions for firearms at http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/.


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