Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FFL dealer?

An FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) is a business or individual licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to engage in the manufacture, importation, or dealing of firearms. There are 11 license types, from retail dealers (Type 01) to manufacturers (Type 07) and importers (Type 08). If you’re buying a firearm online or from out of state, the gun must be transferred through a local FFL dealer.

Why do I need an FFL for an online gun purchase?

Federal law requires that firearms purchased from an online dealer or from a seller in another state be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer near you. You then visit that dealer, complete ATF Form 4473, pass a background check, and take possession of the firearm. The FFL dealer facilitates this legal transfer for a fee (typically $20–$50).

How do I find an FFL dealer near me?

Use our FFL Dealer Search — enter your ZIP code and choose a radius. Results are sorted by distance and include the dealer’s address, phone number, license type, and expiration date. All dealers shown are currently active in the ATF database.

How often is your FFL database updated?

Monthly. The ATF releases an updated FFL master file each month, and we process that file within days of its release. Expired and revoked licenses are removed automatically, so every result you see is currently active.

What do the license type badges mean?

Each FFL has a license type that indicates what they’re authorized to do:

• Type 01 — Dealer: Standard gun store. Can sell firearms and facilitate transfers.
• Type 02 — Pawn Dealer: Licensed pawnbroker dealing in firearms.
• Type 03 — Collector: Licensed to acquire curio & relic firearms. Cannot conduct transfers for the public.
• Type 07 — Manufacturer: Licensed to manufacture firearms for commercial sale.
• Type 08 — Importer: Licensed to import firearms and ammunition.

For most transfers, you want a Type 01 (Dealer) or Type 02 (Pawn) FFL near you.

What is an NFA item and what dealer do I need?

NFA (National Firearms Act) items include suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), machine guns, and destructive devices. A transfer requires ATF Form 4 approval, fingerprinting, and a background check. To transfer an NFA item, your dealer must be a Class 3 SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer) in addition to holding an FFL. FFL Connect marks SOT-registered dealers with an NFA badge in search results. Not all FFL dealers are SOT-registered — confirm before beginning a transfer.

Can any FFL dealer do a transfer for me?

For standard (non-NFA) firearms, yes — any active Type 01 or Type 02 dealer can complete the transfer. Some dealers charge a fee and may have requirements (e.g., they only transfer brands they carry, or they require a minimum purchase). Always call ahead to confirm transfer policies and fees before having a firearm shipped.

How reliable is the data on FFL Connect?

Our data comes directly from the ATF’s official monthly FFL master file — the same source used by firearms distributors and compliance systems nationwide. We parse expiration dates and automatically exclude expired licenses. That said, a dealer’s business hours, transfer policies, and availability can change between our monthly updates. We recommend calling ahead before visiting.

What is FFL Connect’s API?

FFL Connect provides a JSON API for retailers and developers who need programmatic access to FFL data. It supports ZIP-based geo search with configurable radius, license type filtering, and returns structured dealer records. If you’re building a WooCommerce store, a gun shop locator, or a compliance verification tool, contact us about API access.

Is this an official ATF tool?

No. FFL Connect is an independent service built on publicly available ATF data. We are not affiliated with the ATF or any government agency. For official license verification, use the ATF’s EZ Check system.