There are many misconceptions, wrong information, and wrong advice on the Internet in regards to getting a FFL or getting a federal firearms license.

This article will outline some of the basic requirements and steps needed to get a federal firearms license…also known as a FFL.

First, getting a federal firearms license will require time, effort, energy, and money.  You need to plan out ahead of time your goals in getting a FFL, so that you will not end up wasting time, effort, energy, or money.

There are 11 different types of federal firearms licenses.  These different types include everything from being able to buy and order armor piercing ammunition, to people only wishing to collect and act as a pawn broker.

There are also 3 different special operating tax classes.  These range from class 1 to class 3, and then each of these three classes have different FFL / federal firearms licenses.

Some firearms that are older than 50 years old and are for purposes other than hunting or defense can fall into a unique class of its own.  These firearms are more for collectible purposes.  These are called C&R firearms, or curio and relic firearms.  Generally weapons from World War I and World War II are the types of weapons that fit into this category.

People who have a FFL / Federal Firearms license are individuals who can help the buying, sale, and transfer of firearms across state lines.  Individuals who have an FFL / Federal Firearms license are required to keep records on these transfers for a period of 20 years, and if the person who has the FFL or Federal Firearms license retires, he or she must turn over his or her records to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

If you are interested in getting your FFL / Federal Firearms license you need to ask yourself which class of license is right for you.  If you only wish to collect and not resale this still means that you must get your FFL / Federal Firearms license.  You must also keep in mind that these licenses cannot be sold or transferred, and that a FFL / Federal Firearms license sometimes has significant feese and  (several thousands of dollars) and must be renewed because a Federal Firearms License / FFL is not a lifetime license without renewal procedures.

The fees on getting a Federal Firearms license range from $30 (to basic licenses to get ammunition) to up to $3,000.  These licenses also must be renewed, so if you are wanting to get your FFL / Federal Firearms license, make sure that you plan in advance and setup a budget.