Buying a firearm is only one part of the process. For many customers, especially those purchasing a firearm from another dealer or through an online marketplace, the next step is completing the firearm transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee, or FFL.
If you've never completed a firearm transfer before, the process can seem complicated.
At ICB Firearms, we believe understanding the process before you begin can make the experience much easier.
Here's what new buyers should know about firearm transfers.
A firearm transfer is the process of legally transferring a firearm from one party to another.
A transfer can happen in several different circumstances, including:
The exact requirements can depend on the type of transaction, the parties involved, and the laws that apply.
FFL stands for Federal Firearms Licensee.
An FFL is a person or business licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to conduct certain firearms-related activities.
When a firearm needs to be transferred through a licensed dealer, the FFL plays an important role in making sure the transaction is handled according to the requirements that apply.
One of the most common situations is purchasing a firearm from an out-of-state seller.
For example, imagine you find a firearm you want through an online seller. The seller is located in another state. You live in Michigan.
This is one reason it is important to choose your receiving FFL before you purchase the firearm.
Before purchasing a firearm online or arranging a transfer, contact the FFL you intend to use.
Ask about:
Every dealer may have its own procedures, so don't assume that every FFL handles incoming transfers in exactly the same way.
Once you've confirmed your receiving FFL, you can proceed with the purchase or transfer arrangement.
For an online purchase, the seller will generally need information about the receiving FFL so the firearm can be shipped to the appropriate licensed dealer.
The seller and receiving FFL may have their own procedures for exchanging license information and confirming the shipment.
This is why it is important to make sure everyone involved understands where the firearm is going before the shipment is made.
Once the firearm arrives, the process isn't necessarily finished.
The FFL needs to receive and process the firearm before completing the transfer to you.
Depending on the dealer's procedures, this can include:
Give the FFL time to process the incoming shipment.
When you arrive to complete the transfer, you'll need to complete the applicable paperwork.
For a standard transfer from an FFL to an unlicensed buyer, this includes ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record.
ATF describes Form 4473 as the document used by the FFL to determine whether the buyer may lawfully receive the firearm and to collect the information necessary for the required background-check process.
The buyer is responsible for providing accurate information on the form.
If you're unsure about something on the paperwork, ask the FFL for clarification rather than guessing.
The FFL must verify the identity of the person receiving the firearm.
ATF guidance states that the FFL must verify the transferee's identity using an appropriate government-issued identification document.
Because identification requirements can depend on the circumstances of the transaction, it is a good idea to ask your FFL beforehand what documentation you should bring.
For a standard dealer transfer, the FFL generally initiates a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, commonly known as NICS, unless an applicable exception applies.
The result can include a:
The transfer may proceed once the applicable requirements have been satisfied.
Additional processing may be required before the transfer can be completed.
The firearm cannot be transferred when the applicable background-check response prohibits the transfer.
Federal regulations currently provide specific rules governing when a dealer may proceed after a NICS response or when the applicable waiting period has elapsed without a denial, including additional rules for certain purchasers under 21.
Your FFL is responsible for following the requirements that apply to the transaction.
A delayed response doesn't automatically mean that your purchase is permanently denied.
It means additional processing may be required before the transfer can be completed.
The important thing is to let the FFL follow the applicable process.
The purchase and the transfer are two separate parts of the process.
Once the applicable requirements have been satisfied, the FFL can complete the transfer when legally permitted.
The firearm is transferred to the person who is legally authorized to receive it.
ATF guidance specifically states that an FFL may transfer the firearm to the person who completed the required transaction, rather than simply handing it to a spouse, relative, or other representative.
If you're completing a transfer in Michigan, there may be Michigan-specific requirements in addition to federal requirements.
Michigan's firearm laws have changed in recent years, and different types of transactions can be subject to different requirements.
For example, Michigan State Police materials address firearm and pistol-related records and procedures, while state agencies also provide information concerning Michigan's firearm laws and requirements.
Because state requirements can change, customers shouldn't rely solely on an old transfer experience or information found in an outdated online post.
A little preparation can make the transfer much easier.
Before the firearm is shipped, consider asking your FFL:
☐ Do you accept transfers from this seller?
☐ What is your transfer fee?
☐ What information does the seller need from you or the FFL?
☐ What identification should I bring?
☐ How will I be notified when the firearm arrives?
☐ Do I need an appointment?
☐ Are there any additional requirements I should know about?
☐ What should I do if the background check is delayed?
Getting these questions answered ahead of time can eliminate a lot of unnecessary confusion.
If you're purchasing online, don't wait until the firearm is already on its way to figure out where it needs to go.
Contact the FFL first.
Different FFLs can have different policies regarding incoming transfers. Always confirm first.
The price of the firearm isn't necessarily the total cost of the transaction. Remember to ask about transfer fees and other applicable costs.
Don't assume that the identification you used for another transaction will automatically be sufficient.
Ask your FFL what you need before arriving.
A package being delivered to the dealer doesn't necessarily mean the transfer has been processed.
Give the FFL time to receive and process the firearm.
The information on your transfer paperwork matters.
Read the questions carefully and provide accurate information. If you don't understand something, ask.
One of the easiest ways to understand firearm transfers is to compare two common situations.
Select firearm → Visit dealer → Complete required paperwork → Background check → Transfer when legally permitted
Select firearm → Choose receiving FFL → Purchase firearm → Seller ships to FFL → FFL receives firearm → Complete required paperwork → Background check → Transfer when legally permitted
The second process has an additional shipping and receiving step, which is why communication between the buyer, seller, and receiving FFL is important.
Before starting your transfer:
1. Find your firearm.
2. Choose your FFL.
3. Confirm the FFL accepts the transfer.
4. Ask about transfer fees and requirements.
5. Complete your purchase or transfer arrangement.
6. Make sure the seller has the correct FFL information.
7. Wait for the firearm to arrive.
8. Allow the FFL to process the incoming firearm.
9. Bring the required identification and documentation.
10. Complete the required transfer process.
11. Wait for the applicable background-check response and other requirements to be satisfied.
12. Take possession only when the FFL determines the transfer may legally proceed.
For someone completing their first transfer, the process can seem intimidating.
But once you understand the basic flow, it becomes much easier to follow.
Choose your FFL.
Confirm the transfer.
Have the firearm shipped to the FFL.
Complete the required paperwork.
Complete the applicable background-check process.
Take possession when the transfer is legally permitted.
The most important thing is to ask questions before the firearm arrives, rather than waiting until something goes wrong.
At ICB Firearms, we believe that good customer service starts with clear communication. Whether you're purchasing a firearm locally, buying from another dealer, or arranging an incoming transfer, understanding the process can help you know what to expect.
Our goal is to help customers understand the steps involved and make sure they're working from current information.
Have questions about a firearm transfer?
VISIT ICB FIREARMSPrecision. Integrity. Community.
This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws and transfer requirements can vary depending on the type of transaction, the firearm involved, the jurisdictions involved, and other circumstances. Requirements can also change over time. Customers should verify the current federal, state, and local requirements applicable to their specific transaction and follow the instructions of the receiving FFL and appropriate authorities.
