New FFL Dealer Setup Checklist

License & Legal Foundation

Obtain your FFL license (ATF Form 7/7CR)

Submit your application to ATF, pay the license fee, and complete the in-person interview with an IOI. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.

Register your business entity with the state

File your LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship with the Secretary of State. Obtain your EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.

Obtain state and local business licenses

Check your state and municipality for firearms dealer licenses, sales tax permits, and any special occupational tax requirements.

Verify zoning compliance for your premises

Confirm that your business location is zoned for firearms sales. Some jurisdictions have buffer zones around schools or other restrictions.

Obtain business insurance including firearms coverage

Secure general liability, property, and specific firearms dealer insurance. Most carriers require a separate firearms endorsement.

Operations Setup

Set up your A&D bound book system

Purchase an ATF-compliant bound book (paper or approved electronic system). Establish your numbering system and entry procedures before your first acquisition.

Order Form 4473 supply

Order ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) from the ATF Distribution Center. Keep an adequate supply on hand at all times.

Register with NICS or your state POC

Apply for access to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or register with your state's Point of Contact if your state runs its own checks.

Establish secure firearms storage

Install safes, vaults, or locking cabinets for overnight storage. Consider alarm systems, cameras, and reinforced doors per ATF recommendations.

Post your FFL license at the premises

Display your license in a location visible to customers as required by federal regulations.

Compliance & Training

Complete ATF compliance training resources

Review the ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide and complete any available online training modules from ATF.

Train all employees on 4473 procedures

Every employee who handles firearms transactions must understand how to properly complete Form 4473, run NICS checks, and identify prohibited persons indicators.

Establish straw purchase identification procedures

Train staff to recognize red flags for straw purchases. Document your procedures for handling suspected straw purchase attempts.

Set up a record retention system

Form 4473s must be retained for 20 years (or until license discontinuation). A&D records must be retained permanently. Establish secure, organized storage.

Subscribe to ATF regulatory update notifications

Sign up for ATF Industry Alerts, newsletters, and FFL Watch monitoring to stay informed of regulatory changes that affect your business.