Posted: 7/30/2008 7:35:20 PM EDT
| I'm considering getting an FFL to do some part time "gun flipping" and restoration and the occasional transfer out of my own house. I have seen the application and it asks for hours and all that jazz. I wont have any set hours because I'm LE by day and this will by on the fly. Anyone else have any knowledge or experience in this matter? |
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Steps to getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL): 1) Check your local zoning ordinances and HOA CCR's, if any. If either document prohibits you from obtaining a business license at your residence, go no further. The ATF will not issue you an FFL. 2) Check with your homeowner's insurance to see how much it will go up if you run a firearm business out of your home. Hopefully you have a local agent who you've personally known and worked with for many years, as the flunkie on the toll-free call center phone will probably freak at your questions. You may find the increase in premium alone makes getting an FFL unviable. 3) Another question for yourself - are you comfortable filing federal and state tax returns every quarter? If not, add CPA services to your list of expenses. 4) If you've gotten to this point, find an attorney to help you form a S Corp, C Corp, or LLC (most folks go with an LLC). This is not the time to go with a DIY document off the internet, especially if you plan on dealing in NFA toys. Besides, being in the firearms biz, you're going to need an attorney sooner or later anyway; might as well get to know one now. 5) Once your LLC is formed, obtain any necessary state and local business licenses to run a business. If you don't have these, the ATF will not issue an FFL. See #1 (and yes, they go to your county or city courthouse and check). 6) Call the ATF Distribution Center (703-455-7801) and ask for an application packet. It will include several copies of the application (no carbons unfortunately), fingerprint cards, and instructions. <-- 07 FFL / 02 SOT 
The ATF used to accept "by appointment only", but stopped as part of the effort to get rid of "kitchen table" gun dealers. The hours are required to give them a time when they can drop by to do a compliance inspection. |