What Is an FFL Transfer? Complete Guide for Online Gun Buyers

Quick answer: An FFL transfer is the required process for buying a gun online: the seller ships your firearm to a licensed FFL dealer near you, and that dealer completes the background check and paperwork before you take possession. Federal law — the Gun Control Act of 1968 — prohibits shipping firearms directly to unlicensed buyers across state lines. Expect dealer transfer fees of $15 to $75.

Buying a firearm online is legal, affordable, and increasingly common — but it requires one extra step that buying in-store doesn’t: an FFL transfer. If you’ve never purchased a gun online before, here’s exactly how the process works and what to expect.

What Is an FFL?

FFL stands for Federal Firearms License. The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) issues FFLs to businesses and individuals who are legally authorized to manufacture, import, or deal in firearms. When you buy a gun online, federal law requires that it be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer near you — not directly to your home.

Why Can’t Guns Be Shipped Directly to Buyers?

Federal law (specifically the Gun Control Act of 1968) prohibits interstate transfer of firearms directly to unlicensed individuals. Every gun purchase that crosses state lines must go through a licensed dealer who can perform the required background check. This applies whether you buy from an online retailer, an auction site like GunBroker, or a private seller in another state.

The FFL Transfer Process Step by Step

Step 1: Find a local FFL dealer. Use a dealer directory (like GunTransfers.com) to locate licensed dealers near you. Ask about their transfer fee before committing — fees vary from $15 to $75 or more depending on the dealer.

Step 2: Get the dealer’s FFL information. Your chosen dealer will provide you with a copy of their FFL license (or their FFL number). You’ll need to send this to the online seller so they know where to ship the firearm.

Step 3: Purchase your firearm online. Complete your purchase and provide the seller with your FFL dealer’s information and shipping address. The seller ships directly to your dealer.

Step 4: Your dealer receives the firearm. The dealer logs the firearm into their “bound book” (the official ATF acquisition and disposition record every FFL holder must maintain).

Step 5: Complete the background check. When you go to pick up your firearm, you’ll fill out ATF Form 4473 and the dealer will run a NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) check. This is the same check done for any in-store purchase.

Step 6: Pick up your firearm. If your background check clears, you pay the transfer fee and take possession of your firearm.

How Long Does an FFL Transfer Take?

Most NICS background checks complete in minutes. In some cases, the system returns a “delay” — meaning the FBI needs more time to review. Delays can last up to 3 business days, after which the transfer can legally proceed even without a final determination. In rare cases, a “proceed” response takes longer.