FFL Process

[kanaka44]

Hey all. I have toying with the notion of trying to get me FFL. Does anyone know how hard the process is in Cali? I have been directed to a site called FFL123.com on some guy who sells a book that gives detailed instructions how to apply for and get your license.

Can anyone give me any pointers or suggestions regarding the process? How much will it cost me start to finish to try to apply! I am kinda interested to start a home business, do not want to open my own shop.

Thanks for your help!!!

[CHS]

In CA you will have to register with the DOJ and get a COE, but it's pretty easy.

Your holdups will be all the local stuff. You may not be allowed to open a home business in your location due to municipal laws banning firearms sales in homes or other zoning issues.

However, if it's legal for you to operate the business in your home, the BATFE will issue an FFL.

You still need to make sure you have a business license and all that fun stuff.

[Librarian]

Oddly enough, we have an FFL Forum.

See this link to start: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=384995

Plan to be on the phone with your local government a lot.

[CHS]

Plan to be on the phone with your local government a lot.

Yeah, that. You'll be going back and forth a lot with your city and county. State and Feds are easy. But the city and county is where you'll meet your frustration.

[girl1231]

I have everything done for my FFL-City, Sellers Permit, COE, just waiting for the ATF interview for an 01 license. Does anyone have any helpful hints, and do you know will the agent give me some type of book for reference on what forms are required-and when.
Thanks.

[rjh4758]

Hey all. I have toying with the notion of trying to get me FFL. Does anyone know how hard the process is in Cali? I have been directed to a site called FFL123.com on some guy who sells a book that gives detailed instructions how to apply for and get your license.

Can anyone give me any pointers or suggestions regarding the process? How much will it cost me start to finish to try to apply! I am kinda interested to start a home business, do not want to open my own shop.

Thanks for your help!!!

Local is going to be your biggest obstacle. I looked into it and my city does not allow any retail home based businesses so for me that kills it.

[warbird]

I went on line and got all my information from the AFTB including a video free of charge. They told me everything I needed to know to comply with their requirements federally and referred me to the California DOJ and gave me the site reference and everything. A lot of FFL holders fail in two areas. The impression I got was that the feds do not want you going for the FFL 01 if you are not going to sell guns as a profitable business that can support you. In short they only want serious people in the business. Guns are about to become your career choice. I can't blame them for that which is why I am a 03 collector instead of an 01. The second is to provide the required security and modifications designed to keep your guns safe that they will require and that is not cheap. Once you have done that then you have to comply with any state requirements or local requirements which may limit where you can have a business or even a particular specialty business like guns. Violate anything especially gun book records or income/IRS reporting and the license can be jerked. The biggest thing is to establish to feds and then the state you are serious and responsible and you want them available to answer questions when you have them so you do not get into trouble. Lawyers even if you win are extremely expensive in this area. That said, Good luck on your new venture.

PS note- Local is going to be your biggest hassle and maybe even your largest expense. Contact Sacramento Black Rifle becuase I believe they had a lot of hassle with the City of Citrus Heights and then moved to their new location where they are now. I know I stopped in there a couple of times when they were on Auburn Blvd and the city was not being kind to them at that time. What is okay in Rocklin or Loomis might be not okay and much more expensive in someplace like Citrus Heights because they do not want you. Some home businesses are in violation of numbers of customers per day and other restrictions because they cannot survive as a viable gun business otherwise so be careful. Again good luck.

[CHS]

I have everything done for my FFL-City, Sellers Permit, COE, just waiting for the ATF interview for an 01 license. Does anyone have any helpful hints, and do you know will the agent give me some type of book for reference on what forms are required-and when.
Thanks.

Once you are issued your 01, the ATF will send over your local field agent to basically "train" you on how to properly transfer/receive firearms.

I would imagine the DOJ does the same regarding the state requirements.

[Curtis]

The ATF interview is rather smooth. They will want to see were you will be doing business. They will provide you with lots of information, paperwork, and books. All of them are available via the ATF website. DOJ never contacted me.

[m24armorer]

Once you are issued your 01, the ATF will send over your local field agent to basically "train" you on how to properly transfer/receive firearms.

I would imagine the DOJ does the same regarding the state requirements.

I do recall you get the visit and information package before they issue the FFL. I think they now want a FTF to be sure you are in compliance and know how to do it right.

Back in 1980 you just sent them money and they sent you a package with the FFL. Not anymore.......