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What Type of FFL (Federal Firearms License) Do I Need?

An individual who is licensed to engage in the business of manufacturing, importing and/or dealing in firearms. Persons must be licensed by ATF to engage in the business of firearms.

FFL Types For Dealers

Type 01 FFL – Dealer in Firearms other than Destructive Devices

A Type 01 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business firearm dealing (e.g., in practical terms – a retail operation) and gunsmithing.

Type 02 FFL – Pawnbroker in firearms other than Destructive Devices

A Type 02 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of firearm pawn brokering (e.g., a “Pawn Shop”)

Type 03 FFL – Collector of Curios and Relics

A Type 03 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the collection of firearms. It is used for purchasing, or other acquisition or trading of collectable firearms that meet the definition of a “Curios and Relic” in the Federal Regulations.

Type 09 FFL – Dealer in Destructive Devices

A Type 09 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of dealing in Destructive Devices. Customers of Type 09 FFL include government agencies. A Type 09 FFL, along with Type 10 and 11 FFLs, also permit a licensee to engage in the business of dealing Armor Piercing Ammunition and Destructive Devices (DD) as classified under Federal Regulations.

FFL Types For Manufacturers

Type 06 FFL – Manufacturer of Ammunition other than for Destructive Devices or Armor Piercing

A Type 06 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of manufacturing ammunition. However, a Type 06 FFL can only be used for ammunition and does not permit firearm related activities authorized by a Type 07 or Type 10 FFL, for example.

Type 07 FFL – Manufacturer of Firearms other than Destructive Devices

A Type 07 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of manufacturing firearms other than those defined as Destructive Devices in the Federal Regulations. The Type 07 FFL also permits a licensee to deal in firearms, similar in nature to the retail type of activities permitted by a Type 01 FFL.

Type 10 FFL – Manufacturer of Destructive Devices and Armor Piercing Ammunition

A Type 10 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of manufacturing Destructive Devices and Armor Piercing Ammunition.

Note – Generally, persons holding a manufacturer’s license (FFL Type 06, 07 or 10) must also register as a manufacturer with the Department of State (DOS) unless exempted by the Directorate of Defense Trade Control (DDTC), regardless of whether the manufacturer actually exports any of the items manufactured. Therefore, applicants intending to manufacture and/or export defense articles, as defined on the United States Munitions List (Part 121 of the ITAR), may need to register with Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

FFL Types For Importers

Type 08 FFL – Importer of Firearms and Ammunition other than Destructive Devices and Armor Piercing

A Type 08 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of importing firearms or ammunition into the United States.

Type 11 FFL – Importer of Destructive Devices and Armor Piercing Ammunition

A Type 11 FFL permits a licensee to engage in the business of importing Destructive Devices and Armor Piercing Ammunition. Such products are imported for Government and Military contracts and cannot be imported for introduction into commerce with citizens for personal use.

How Much Does an FFL License Cost?

FFL License costs vary depending on the FFL Type, as shown below.

What is an SOT or a Class 3 Dealer License?

Business who wish to engage in NFA firearm activities must also apply for a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license. SOT’s are identified by Class and must be “paired” with the proper Type of FFL.  (NFA stands for the National Firearms Act of 1934 and includes such firearm such as Short Barreled Rifles, Short Barreled Shotguns, Machine Guns or Suppressors.)

A Class 1 SOT Firearm License – Importer of NFA Firearms

A Class 1 SOT License permits a licensee to engage in the importation of NFA firearms. It is used in conjunction with a Type 08 FFL or a Type 11 FFL. A Class 1 Firearm License can cost between $500 to $1000 depending on the size of the business applying for the SOT.

A Class 2 SOT Firearm License – Manufacturers of NFA Firearms

A Class 2 SOT License permits a licensee to engage in the business of manufacturing NFA firearms. It us used in conjunction with a Type 07 FFL or a Type 10 FFL. A Class 2 SOT can cost between $500 to $1000 depending on the size of the business applying for the SOT.

A Class 3 SOT Firearm License – Dealer in NFA Firearms

A Class 3 SOT License permits a licensee to engage in the business of dealing NFA firearms. It is used in conjunction with a Type 01 FFL, a Type 02 FFL or a Type 09 FF. A Class 3 SOT costs $500.

How Long is an SOT Valid For?

SOTs are valid for one year, regardless of Class, and are valid from July 1 until June 30 of the next calendar year. Regardless of when an applicant submits their application, there is no proration of the cost to be paid and the SOT will still expire on June 30th. SOTs can be filed and paid online at Pay.gov.