Federal Firearm Licensing FAQs

According to Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 923(i) and 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 478.92, manufacturers of firearms must include identifying markings on the frame or receiver of every firearm.

30 calendar days for any transaction, beginning on the day after NICS was initially contacted.

Licensees must retain each ATF Form 4473 for 20 years after the date of sale or disposition.

The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, also known as the Brady Law, is a United States federal law mandating background checks on firearm purchasers. The law also established a waiting period of up to five days for the purchase of a handgun.

The ATF will inspect your firearms records and inventory. They may not review records related to any other aspect of your business.

Yes. The ATF and industry operations investigators (IOI) are not legally required to make an appointment first. During regular business hours, you must allow them in.

The ATF plans to inspect all FFLs on a 3 to 5-year basis. If you live in a non-source state and have a low denial ratio, you’ll be inspected less often than if you live in a source state and are located in a high crime area.

Review records, inventory, the bound book and the serial numbers of firearms in your possession. All records must be consistent.

Yes. False statements warrant criminal prosecution and up to 10 years in federal prison.

While the ATF does not maintain a federal gun registry, records can be traced through FFLs during an investigation.