What is a FFL?

An FFL — Federal Firearms License — is the license issued by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) that authorizes a business or individual to manufacture, import, or sell firearms commercially. When you buy a firearm online, federal law requires it to be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer near you, who conducts the required background check before transferring the firearm to you.

Why Every Online Gun Purchase Goes Through an FFL

Federal law (the Gun Control Act of 1968) prohibits licensed dealers from shipping firearms directly to unlicensed individuals across state lines. Every online firearm purchase must be shipped to a federally licensed dealer (FFL) in your state, who then transfers it to you after conducting an NICS background check. This applies to all firearms: handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Ammunition, magazines, and most accessories can ship directly to your home without going through an FFL.

How to Find an FFL Dealer Near You

Use Impact Guns' FFL dealer lookup tool to find a licensed dealer near you by zip code. Most local gun stores, pawn shops with firearms, and sporting goods stores that sell guns are FFLs. When selecting a transfer dealer, ask about their transfer fee before initiating a purchase — transfer fees typically range from $20 to $50 per firearm. Some dealers charge more for transfers from online retailers; asking upfront avoids surprises.

How the Transfer Process Works

The online gun buying process works in four steps: (1) Purchase the firearm on impactguns.com. (2) Provide your FFL dealer's name, address, license number, and contact information. (3) We ship the firearm directly to your chosen FFL dealer. (4) When it arrives, visit the dealer with valid government-issued ID, complete ATF Form 4473, pass the NICS background check, pay the dealer's transfer fee, and take possession. From purchase to pickup typically takes 3–7 business days depending on shipping speed and dealer processing time.

ATF Form 4473

Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) is the federal form every firearm buyer completes at point of transfer. It collects identifying information and asks a series of eligibility questions — felony convictions, domestic violence history, citizenship status, drug use, and other disqualifying factors. The dealer retains the completed 4473 for a minimum of 20 years and submits your information to the FBI's NICS system for the background check. Providing false information on a 4473 is a federal felony.

The NICS Background Check

NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) is the FBI-operated database queried when a firearm is transferred. The check typically returns in minutes with one of three results: Proceed (transfer approved), Denied (buyer is a prohibited person), or Delayed (additional review required, up to 3 business days). Most transactions proceed immediately. A delayed result does not mean denial — it means the FBI needs more time. If no result is returned within 3 business days, the dealer may transfer the firearm at their discretion, though many choose to wait.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Is an FFL?

Do I need an FFL to buy a gun?
No — you do not need an FFL yourself. You need to use a licensed FFL dealer as an intermediary to receive any firearm purchased online or from an out-of-state seller.

Can Impact Guns ship directly to my home?
No — federal law requires all firearms to transfer through a licensed FFL dealer. Ammunition, magazines, and most accessories ship directly to your home without FFL involvement.

How much does a transfer fee cost?
Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and typically range from $20 to $50 per firearm. Ask your FFL dealer before initiating a purchase.

How long does the process take?
Typically 4–10 business days from purchase to pickup — 3–7 days shipping to your FFL dealer plus the dealer's processing time.

What if I fail the background check?
If NICS returns a denial, the transfer cannot proceed. You may appeal through the FBI's NICS Section if you believe the denial was made in error.