Whether you buy a gun online, buy one from a private seller in another state, or win one in a prize drawing, it reaches you the same way: through an FFL transfer. If you have never done one, the process sounds more complicated than it is. Here is exactly how an FFL transfer works, what it costs, and how to make it go smoothly.
What is an FFL?
An FFL is a Federal Firearms License, issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). People usually use "FFL" to mean the licensed dealer: a gun shop, a pawn shop, or a home-based dealer licensed to sell and transfer firearms. Federal law generally does not allow a gun to be shipped straight to a buyer's home. It ships to an FFL, and the FFL completes the legal transfer to you.
When do you need an FFL transfer?
- Buying a gun online. The seller ships it to a dealer you choose, and you pick it up there.
- Buying from a private seller in another state. Federal law requires interstate transfers between private parties to go through an FFL in the buyer's home state.
- Winning a firearm prize. The sponsor ships the prize to a dealer near the winner, who transfers it the same way as a purchase.
- Some in-state private sales. Many states require private sales to go through a dealer for a background check.
The FFL transfer process, step by step
- Pick a dealer near you. Call first. Confirm they accept transfers from outside sellers, ask their fee, and ask how they want to be contacted when the gun arrives.
- Send the dealer's license to the seller. The seller needs a copy of the dealer's FFL before shipping. Most dealers email it on request, and many online sellers already have it on file.
- The gun ships to the dealer. The dealer logs it into their records when it arrives and lets you know it is ready.
- Fill out ATF Form 4473. At the shop, you complete the federal firearms transaction record with your identification and answers to the eligibility questions. Answer every question honestly and carefully. Mistakes slow things down, and false answers are a federal crime.
- Pass the background check. The dealer runs your information through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), or through your state's own system in some states.
- Pay the transfer fee and take your gun home. Once you are approved and any state waiting period has passed, the gun is yours.
What to bring
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.
- If the address on your ID is not current, a government document that shows your current address, such as a vehicle registration or voter card.
- Any state permit your state requires to buy or own the firearm.
- Payment for the transfer fee.
How much does an FFL transfer cost?
Dealers set their own transfer fees. Many charge somewhere around $25 to $75 per firearm, and some charge more for NFA items or in high-cost areas. Some states add a background check fee. Ask before you ship, and ask whether the fee is per gun or per transfer.
Background check results
- Proceed: you are approved, and the transfer can continue.
- Delayed: NICS needs more time to research a record. Under federal law, if there is no final answer within three business days, the dealer may transfer the gun, but many dealers choose to wait for a final answer. For buyers under 21, the check can take up to ten business days.
- Denied: the transfer cannot proceed. If you believe the denial is a mistake, you can appeal it.
Age and residency rules
- Licensed dealers can transfer long guns to buyers 18 and older, and handguns only to buyers 21 and older.
- A handgun must be transferred by a dealer in your state of residence.
- A long gun can be transferred in person by a dealer in another state only if the sale is legal in both states. Most people simply use a dealer at home.
- Your state may add its own rules: permits to purchase, waiting periods, safety certificates, registration or limits on certain firearms.
NFA items: suppressors, short barreled rifles and more
Items regulated under the National Firearms Act, such as suppressors and short barreled rifles, go through a dealer licensed for NFA items (often called a SOT dealer). The transfer uses ATF Form 4 instead of a simple 4473 transfer, and you take the item home only after ATF approves the form. Approval times vary, so plan ahead.
Winning a gun? The transfer works the same way
If you win a firearm in a legitimate prize drawing, the sponsor cannot ship it to your house. It goes to a licensed dealer near you, and you pass the same background check as any buyer. A few things to expect:
- You choose the dealer. At Draw The Pew, winners get a claim link by email that walks them through picking a licensed dealer near them.
- You meet the same age rules. 18 or older for long guns, and 21 or older for handguns and NFA items.
- You pay the dealer's transfer fee, just as you would for a purchase.
- Prizes are taxable income. If a prize is worth $600 or more, the sponsor will typically send you an IRS Form 1099. Plan for the tax when you claim.
Any "giveaway" that promises to ship a gun straight to your door, or asks you to pay a fee to an unknown account to release your prize, is not legitimate. Read our guide on how to tell if an online gun giveaway is legit.
Frequently asked questions
Can a gun be shipped directly to my house?
Generally, no. A gun bought online or won in a drawing must ship to a licensed dealer, who transfers it to you after a background check. Some exceptions exist for licensed collectors and certain antique firearms.
How long does an FFL transfer take?
Once the gun arrives at the dealer, the paperwork and background check usually take less than an hour. State waiting periods, delayed checks and dealer schedules can add days.
Can I use any FFL dealer?
You can use any licensed dealer who agrees to do the transfer. For a handgun, the dealer must be in your state of residence.
Ready for your next one
Once you have done one FFL transfer, the next one is easy. Save your dealer's contact information and ask them to keep their license on file with the sellers you use. And if you want a shot at winning your next firearm, see how Draw The Pew drops work: every gear order earns bonus entries whenever a drop is open, and every winner is posted on our winners page.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Firearm laws vary by state and change often. Check with your dealer and your state's laws before any transfer.
