Handgun Purchase Online: What You Need for an FFL Transfer

Buying a handgun online is a popular option for buyers who want a broader selection and better pricing than what’s available at local stores. But handgun purchases come with a few additional considerations compared to long gun purchases — stricter age requirements, state-specific restrictions, and a few extra steps during the FFL transfer. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.

Federal Handgun Purchase Requirements

Before we get into the logistics, understand the baseline federal rules for handgun purchases:

• Minimum age: 21 — Federal law requires buyers to be at least 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. (Long guns only require age 18.) This applies to the FFL transfer as well — your receiving FFL dealer cannot transfer a handgun to someone under 21.
• Must be a US resident — Handgun transfers are generally restricted to residents of the state where the transfer occurs.
• Standard prohibited person rules apply — Felons, domestic violence convictions, fugitives, those under mental health adjudication, and others are prohibited from purchasing firearms.
• Must pass NICS background check — Same as all firearms purchases through licensed dealers.

The Handgun Transfer Process, Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Handgun from an Online Retailer

Major online handgun retailers include GunBroker, Guns.com, Grabagun, Buds Gun Shop, Palmetto State Armory, and countless manufacturer direct stores. Make sure the specific configuration (caliber, barrel length, magazine capacity) is legal in your state before purchasing. For example, California has strict magazine restrictions and a roster of approved handguns — a pistol legal everywhere else may not be legal for a standard sale in CA.

Step 2: Find a Local FFL Dealer

Search the GunTransfers.com directory for a licensed FFL dealer in your area. For handguns specifically, confirm:

• They’re willing to accept handgun transfers (virtually all dealers will)
• Their current transfer fee
• Their FFL license number and a copy of their license for your order
• Whether your state requires any additional waiting period or documentation

Step 3: Complete the Online Purchase with Your FFL’s Information

At checkout, provide your FFL dealer’s name, address, and license number. The retailer ships to the dealer, not to your home. Confirm your shipping address is your home state — handguns transfer in the state of the receiving FFL dealer, and most retailers won’t ship across state lines for transfers that wouldn’t comply with the destination state’s laws.

Step 4: Wait for Arrival and Dealer Notification

The retailer ships your handgun to the FFL dealer. Most dealers will call or email you when the firearm arrives. Average shipping time for in-stock items is 5–10 business days. You can track the shipment with the tracking number provided by the retailer.

Step 5: Pickup — What to Bring

When you go to the dealer for pickup, bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license preferred)
• Your ID must match the address on file from your order for many dealers
• Any state-required permit or documentation (see state-specific section below)
• Payment for the transfer fee

At the dealer, you’ll fill out ATF Form 4473, the dealer runs the NICS check, and you walk out with your handgun once the check clears.

State-Specific Handgun Purchase Requirements

Handgun regulations vary significantly by state. Here are the most common variations:

States with Waiting Periods

Several states mandate a waiting period between purchase and transfer — even if your background check clears immediately:

• California: 10-day waiting period
• Florida: 3-day waiting period (waived with a Florida Concealed Weapon License)
• Hawaii: 14-day waiting period (plus mandatory permit to purchase)
• Illinois: 3-day waiting period
• Minnesota: 5-day waiting period for purchases without a permit to carry
• New Jersey: 7-day waiting period (plus mandatory Firearms ID card and Permit to Purchase)

States Requiring Permits to Purchase

Some states require you to obtain a permit before you can buy a handgun from any source, including online with FFL transfer:

• Hawaii: State permit to purchase required for each handgun transaction
• Illinois: Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card required
• Massachusetts: License to Carry (LTC) or Firearm Identification (FID) card required
• Michigan: State pistol purchase permit required (or CPL bypass)
• New Jersey: Firearms Purchaser Identification card required, plus Permit to Purchase for handguns
• New York: Pistol permit required (process varies by county)
• North Carolina: Pistol Purchase Permit required (or CHP bypass)

If your state requires a permit, get it before you order online — the FFL dealer cannot complete the transfer without it.

California-Specific Notes

California maintains a Handgun Roster — a list of approved handguns that can be sold through licensed dealers in a standard transaction. Handguns not on the roster cannot be purchased new through dealers for standard sales. Single-shot exemptions, private party transfers (PPT), and law enforcement transfers have different rules. Consult a CA-licensed dealer before purchasing any handgun online if you’re a CA resident.

Handgun vs. Long Gun Transfers: Key Differences

• Age requirement: 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns (rifles and shotguns)
• Waiting periods: More states impose waiting periods on handguns than on long guns
• Permit requirements: Several states require purchase permits for handguns that don’t apply to long guns
• State residency: Handguns generally must be purchased in your state of residence; long guns can be purchased in any state where the sale is legal under both states’ laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a handgun online if I’m under 21?

No. Federal law requires buyers to be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. The FFL dealer completing your transfer will check your ID and will not release a handgun to anyone under 21 regardless of the online purchase circumstances.

Can I buy a handgun from an out-of-state retailer?

Yes — with an FFL transfer. The handgun ships to a licensed dealer in your home state, and you pick it up there. You cannot pick up a handgun directly from an out-of-state dealer while traveling — handgun purchases are restricted to your state of residence.

What if my state’s handgun is not on California’s roster?

If you’re a California resident, you’re limited to handguns on the CA Roster for standard dealer purchases. Your local CA-licensed FFL dealer can walk you through what options are available. This is a situation where choosing a knowledgeable local dealer is especially important.

How long does a handgun transfer take?

From order to pickup: typically 7–14 business days for in-stock items. The background check itself takes minutes in most cases. Waiting period requirements in some states add mandatory days beyond when the check clears.

What is the typical FFL transfer fee for a handgun?

The same as for any firearm — typically $20 to $50, with most dealers in the $25–$40 range. The type of firearm (handgun vs. rifle) doesn’t usually affect the fee. Multi-firearm transfers often come with per-unit discounts from many dealers.

What happens if my background check comes back “delayed”?

The dealer cannot release the firearm until the check clears or the maximum hold period (3 business days federally) expires. Most delays resolve within a day or two. If 3 business days pass without a denial, federal law permits (but does not require) the dealer to proceed with the transfer — most dealers will wait for a clear before releasing.

Ready to complete your handgun transfer? Find a licensed FFL dealer near you using the GunTransfers.com directory.