In the league of gun ownership, there are numerous pros and cons that should be taken under consideration, but a true survivalist perceives that advantages outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to owning a firearm.

An FFL, or a Federal Firearm License, requires several more factors to be taken into account. First, it is very important to know that FFL is not a license for using or carrying guns – it is actually a license for business owners. There are certain qualification requirements for applying for this particular license, and they should be reviewed thoroughly to make sure that you are eligible and well-informed on how to get an FFL.

First things first; in obtaining the Federal Firearm License, the primary determining factor for your eligibility is your qualification to carry guns. If this preliminary requirement makes you unqualified, then there is no way that you can get an FFL. However, being eligible to carry firearms is not a guarantee of an FFL approval as well.

Basic list of requirements

To start, you have to be more than 21 years old. Basically, if you are old enough for alcohol and tobacco consumption, it is understandable that you are also eligible for a Federal Firearm License. However, there can be instances in which an age-eligible applicant cannot apply for an FFL because of the prohibition to own a gun, which can be due to a previous record or other legal issues.

In addition, you should’ve always been a legal citizen of the United States from the time you acquired your citizenship. You will not be qualified to own a Federal Firearm License if you are classified as an illegal alien or have crossed the US border through illegal means. It is highly likely that you will be deported once you apply, which is also the case as you don’t have a US citizenship.

A Federal Firearm License is specifically intended for dealers, collectors, firearm merchants, and other owners of a business that involves the buying, selling, or reselling of firearms.

• You should be a resident of the location where your business is located.
• You must have a clear record against anything illegal or anything associated with owning, reselling, or manufacturing guns.
• An applicant will not be approved if he has a previous record of being convicted to prison for more than a year.
• You will not be qualified if you have an existing record or a history of restraining orders.
• You should have legal documentation that you are legally receiving a substance and a confirmation that you are not dependent or addicted to it.

As a conclusion for the basic list of requirements, you must confirm that you have no previous history of admission to a mental facility and have never been dishonorably discharged from the Army.

Types of FFL

Currently, there are nine types of Federal Firearm Licenses depending on the usage, purpose, and services provided by the business (Type 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). There are specific licenses for gunsmiths, collectors, importers, and manufacturers. This is why it is very important to determine the classification of the business for which the license is being applied.

Aside from these classifications, there are also further restrictions when it comes to Special Occupational Tax Classes, which comes in three categories, namely, importer, manufacturer, and dealer. The required certifications will branch out further depending on the services that the business will provide, along with the eligibility of the applicant. At this point, you can feel the complexity of the license acquisition, but as soon as this critical process is over, you are good to go.

If you were able to meet these requirements, you are now qualified to apply for a Federal Firearm License. While a lot of interested dealers may ask why so many requirements are being imposed to acquire this very important license, it is because these requirements promote the safety of not only the buyers, but the business as well.

Depending on the type you are applying for, there will be varying rates for the required fees needed to facilitate the application process. Obtaining an FFL means your business is legitimate and that you can transact based on the standards stipulated by the government. Customers no longer have to worry when they are buying guns and gun-related merchandise from you because of the assurance that this license provides.