C&R FFL Application Form ATF 7CR - use the official BATFE PDF form!

[JWil]

My CFARS is stuck on needing more documents, already sent them in, but says they still need the same things as before, will getting a Real ID and sending a photo of that in help out the process?

[nbk992h]

it might... but I doubt it would hurt. I would say getting one would be a good idea in general as its benefits I feel that way the additional cost if you decide to get one before your next renewal. I got one in 2019 even though I knew I had to renew my license the following year because it was just easier to have already in the system. I noticed this when I went to renew it online and all I had to do was pay the renewal fees and another one was mailed to me. This is versus having to go down and provide all the necessary proof and documentation you need to provide when getting the real ID. If you do decide to get one oh, I would make an appointment as soon as possible as appointments last fill up very quickly at local DMVs. Sometimes you might have to go out of here area but if you're willing to drive a little bit sometimes you can get an appointment sooner at DMVs that are not as close by you. Just make sure if you do decide to get one to read the list of required documents carefully and what are acceptable forms of documentation for each category. I believe the fee for the real ID or regular ID is the same at $33 based on when I last renewed mine last year. It might have gone up since last year but if it has I don't believe it's too much. But I do know is that when I renewed my COE this year when they ask for a copy of my identification oh, that one I uploaded a copy of my real ID driver's license my application was approved almost immediately. I don't know if I just clocked out or the computer system can verify it immediately but I saw that my expiration date had changed to next year within 15 minutes of me uploading copy of my real ID driver's license. If you have anymore questions about your cfars account or the COE application renewal or initial applications please feel free to send me a PM and I'd be happy to help as best I can.

Sorry for the long post just wanted to share some words of wisdom and my experience.

[PHOsho]

Hi all,

Here are my timeline in case anyone want to reference it:

08/12/21: FFL application submitted via USPS;
08/13/21: Live Scan & COE application submitted;
08/16/21: Received email from CFARS regarding reason for submittal & DL upload. CFARS showed application status as "incomplete", but it was changed back to "in process" once documents were submitted;
08/18/21: $30 application fee charged by ATF;

It seems my application process is bit faster than what I see in here, but we shall see how it ends (fingers crossed).

- EDIT -

I don't know if it's relevant, but I recently received Utah Non-Resident CCW (about 1 month ago) so.. I assume my background is good to go?

[PHOsho]

My CFARS is stuck on needing more documents, already sent them in, but says they still need the same things as before, will getting a Real ID and sending a photo of that in help out the process?

I submitted jpeg photo of my real ID (license) on the website AND sent it as an attachment to the CFARS email.

Status changed from "incomplete" to "in process" within couple of minutes.

I hope this helps.

[Capybara]

Sent off my FFL03 to the ATF a few weeks ago. Received a call from my local sheriff'a office about the local LEO letter I had to send them. I explained what an FFL03 is and they seemed fine with that, but the woman I spoke with made it clear than "When I am sent the FFL03, I should send a copy to their office to have on file"?

This isn't required in any PC is it? Nothing that the ATF requires, correct? I think the ATF's only requirement is the local chief LEO notification, not that I send a copy of the FFL03 to my local LEO? Very weird as I have had the same FFL03 previously in the same town at the same address for eight years, let is lapse for a few years and now have applied for a fresh FFL03. In the past, I never had any call or comment from the local Sheriff's office. Notifying them is so they can notify the ATF if they have had calls/or visits to you, that's it, correct?

It was a pretty strange request. Any other FFL03 holders here ever have their local Sheriff's office request a copy of their FFL03 to "have on file"? Or is this some new California BS that I haven't heard or read about?

[97F1504RAD]

I’ve never even heard from local LEO regarding this. I personally would not send them a copy but that’s just me.

[cz74]

I went through the FFL03 process in June 2021, the form specifically says you need to mail or hand deliver a copy to your "local chief law enforcement officer" I asked here on Calguns and everyone said to go ahead and do it. I mailed using USPS Priority with tracking and confirmed delivery to my local PD, I even created a cover letter addressed to my local Police Chief, just one sentence saying I am following ATF FFL03 instructions, etc.

[rromeo]

My old CLEO asked to see any cool purchases, and to let him know before I sold anything.
So, I say unless you're conducting a transaction, he doesn't need the license.

[rromeo]

I went through the FFL03 process in June 2021, the form specifically says you need to mail or hand deliver a copy to your "local chief law enforcement officer" I asked here on Calguns and everyone said to go ahead and do it. I mailed using USPS Priority with tracking and confirmed delivery to my local PD, I even created a cover letter addressed to my local Police Chief, just one sentence saying I am following ATF FFL03 instructions, etc.

That is a copy of the application, not the license

[Capybara]

Yes, I did send them the application as required by the ATF. If there is no PC supporting that I must give them a copy of my FFL03, I simply won't, why would I? With all things gun related these days, I always ask myself, "What possible upside is there" when revealing anything about me, my guns or reloading? Then I ask myself, "What possible downsides are there to revealing the same?" Inevitably, the potential downsides ALWAYS rule out the potential upsides. Especially in California, but now, even in gun friendly states, we still have an entire federal government and civilian disarmament complex that is just itching to disarm us. Gun ownership is probably best left as a personal detail, only divulged with shooting buddies and firearms friendly relatives. For anyone else, why?

[Interloper]

Quick question... C&R expired last year. Should I fill out the renewal form or start over as if it's a new application?

[rdfact]

Quick question... C&R expired last year. Should I fill out the renewal form or start over as if it's a new application?

I let mine lapse before. The application had a question asking if I ever had a previous FFL and what the license number was. I checked yes and provided my prior number. They gave me a new license number anyway.

[Interloper]

I let mine lapse before. The application had a question asking if I ever had a previous FFL and what the license number was. I checked yes and provided my prior number. They gave me a new license number anyway.

Perfect. Thank you.

[M1A-08]

Quick question. Are they accepting the pdf downloaded, filled out and sent in?

[nbk992h]

I believe they do.....that is how I did mine (initially), and I had no issues (Your renewal will be mailed to you and a good portion of it is prefilled in already so you can fill the rest in with blue or black ink pen). I think the main thing is to fill out the form correctly (based on which type of FFL your applying for, which for most of us will probable be the 03 FFL). Make sure you sign it in pen, as I am pretty certain the part where it says "signature" at the end requires a "live" ink signature. But most important, make sure you include the correct (which for 03FFL is $30) payment amount with your application. I personally would not use a credit card, due to potential issues with fraud if your application somehow got lost in the mail. Nor would I use a personal check either for that same reason. I would use (and what I have used) is a bank or postal money order. You can easily track and see when it has been cashed, as I am sure they process your payment before your application I also use a USPS tracking service when I mail it there (for my CLEO I just use regular 1st class mail), so as to know it has been received by the ATF. Some people may say this is unnecessary, but for a few $ extra, I know they get it, and it will be processed (got my renewal in 4 weeks from January this year).

I also recommend that if it is a renewal to send it in as early. I got this directly from the ATF website:

"PLEASE NOTE: A renewal application (ATF Form 8 Part II) will automatically be mailed by ATF to the "mailing address" on the license approximately 90 days prior to the expiration of the license. If the application is not received 30 days prior to the expiration date, the licensee should contact the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC).When you have sent your Federal Firearms License (FFL) Renewal Application, ATF Form 8 Part II, to ATF prior to the expiration of your federal firearms license and the application form has been postmarked before the expiration date, you may request a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FFLC to facilitate and carry on your business operations while your renewal application is in a pending status.[I believe there is a box on the renewal application for this) The LOA provides evidence to your distributors that you may continue your business operations under your current license until ATF has completed the processing of your renewal application, even if the time needed by ATF to process the application extends beyond the expiration date of the current license. The LOA will state that operations may continue under the existing license for a period of up to six months. If the FFLC does not complete processing of the application within the six month period specified in the LOA, you may request the FFLC to extend the LOA. You may also provide copies of the LOA to your suppliers"



The last part I highlighted is important (I did it just to be safe) as I was not sure how long it would take to process my renewal.


Sorry if my post is very long, just wanted to share tips from my experience with my initial and renewal application for my 03 FFL.



Hope this helps all who are interested