How To Get A Type 01 FFL

The Type 01 FFL is most likely the most common one that people think of when they think of an FFL. What we’ll first go over are the types of businesses that usually have a Type 01 FFL and what this license allows those businesses to do.

The types of businesses that usually have a Type 01 FFL are sporting goods stores, hardware stores and gun stores. It’s a license for firearms dealers and gunsmiths. It allows for gunsmiths to receive firearms from gun owners and send them back to gun owners, even across state lines. For firearms dealers, it allows them to buy and sell firearms across state lines through an FFL transfer system.

Some people have been known to get a Type 01 FFL and operate out of their own home. Home-based FFL’s are subject to the same regulations a firearms dealer, in a brick and mortar store, are subject to.

This brings us to the application fee part. The initial fee is $200 and the renewal fee is $90 every 3 years.

Now we go to what one actually has to do to obtain an FFL.

First off, you must first know whether or not you are considered a person that is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If you are, then you can’t have an FFL of any kind, let alone a Type 01. If you are not a prohibited person, then you can continue onward. Next on the list is that you are required to be at least 21 years old to apply for this kind of license. Other things that are on the BATFE eligibility list can be found on their website by going here: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/who-eligible-firearms-license

Next on the list is the actual application. You will want what is known as Form 7. That can be found here. https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/form/form-7-7-cr-application-federal-firearms-license-atf-form-531012531016/download

The next step should be common sense. You will want to fill out the form, tell them what license type you are applying for (Type 01 in this scenario), provide information about your business (name of business, address, business activities for the required FFL, and certify that your business will meet ALL regulations (local, state, and federal). Part B is all about you. They are going to ask you all kinds of personal information. If you are uncomfortable with that, then this isn’t for you. You will be asked for your social security number, physical description, have you ever been convicted of a crime, name, age, and address. If there are other responsible parties involved in the business, they will also have to answer such questions.

Your ATF Form 7 will need to be accompanied by a fingerprint identification card (FD-258). You can order the FD-258 card here https://www.atf.gov/distribution-center-order-form or call them at (703) 870-7526 or (703) 870-7528. Include a 2″ x 2″ picture of yourself that was taken less than 6 months ago. On the back of the picture, print your full name, the last 4 digits of your SSN, and the address of your business. This goes for every responsible person in the business.

When you are finished filling everything out and finished doing everything above, make 2 copies of everything you have done (Form 7, fingerprint card, etc.). Make sure to send the appropriate fee along with the originals. In the case of a Type 01, $200 is the appropriate fee. Make sure to send your Form 7, fingerprint card, etc. to the new address for the ATF.

Federal Firearms Licensing Center (ATF Forms 7 and 8)
P.O. Box 6200-20
Portland, OR 97228-6200

After that is done, make sure to submit a copy to either your local chief of police or the sheriff. You can either deliver it in person or mail it. It’s important to have such a person sign off on it.

After this is done, then the waiting begins. Background checks take time. When your background check clears, your application will go to your local ATF office. When that happens, prepare for an in-person interview. The Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will call to arrange a meeting with you where both schedules will coincide for such a meeting. Make sure your application information is current and correct. Also, make sure you are knowledgeable about all regulations and requirements for your business. The ATF will want to make sure that your business premises meets their security regulations. The ATF will require a lock on the door to your premises and a lock on the door to the storage place of your guns. Having a safe for the guns would be even better.

Attend your IOI meeting at your business premises. Be ready to have your business premises inspected and to go over relevant laws and regulations that have to do with your business. When you are done, the IOI will recommend to either approve or deny your application. If you are approved, you can expect to find your Type 01 FFL license in the mail where you will be conducting business. You will find out in about 60 days whether you were approved or denied. If it is taking longer than that, feel free to call the ATF for information about it.

I hope this was helpful to you.

As Always, Until Next Time, This Is Your Friend In Liberty,
Liberty’s Title