How long does it take to get ATF FFL interview?
It typically takes 2 months from the time the ATF receives your application, to receive your FFL. What Happens if the ATF Takes Too Long? There is an administrative remedy you can take to force the ATF to approve or deny your application.
A Type 03 FFL is the easiest to get, it's a collector of curios and relics. A Type 03 FFL is not a license to deal firearms, but to have Curios and Relics transferred and shipped directly to their home. It's the most restrictive FFL, but the easiest to acquire.
ATF Form 4 Wait Times
Right now, expect any form 4 application to take between about 250-370 days to process and an e-filed Form 1 to take about a month. Some Form 1 users have reported even faster turnaround times of just a couple weeks, but that is the exception rather than the rule.
This is beneficial to not only serious collectors, but also to gun buyers just looking to save money. Having an FFL allows you to take advantage of internet flash sales and deals on auction sites. You won't lose whatever money you saved in transfer fees because you can have it shipped directly to your home.
Your approved tax stamp application can vary from 5 business days to 2 to 3 weeks. The variation in time can depend on when the ATF mails the approved tax stamp applications. Approved tax stamp applications may not ship the same day that they are approved.
A “Delayed” message means the FBI needs to do additional research to verify the person's background. Our staff works closely with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and courts to verify eligibility. In some cases, this can be a time-consuming process.
| State | FFLs In Total (June 2021) |
|---|---|
| California | 8,878 |
| Florida | 7,285 |
| Pennsylvania | 6,279 |
| Virginia | 4,107 |
The Type 01 FFL is the most common license type. If you are a gunsmith, this is all the license you need. If you want to buy and sell non-NFA firearms, this license will get you started in the gun business. However, the Type 01 FFL also comes with some limitations.
A separate federal firearms license must be obtained for each location. However, separate facilities solely to store firearms are not required to be covered by a separate license, although the records maintained at the licensed premises must reflect all firearms held in the separate storage facility.
When the ATF approves your ATF eForm 1 application, you will receive an email first before the ATF eForm's website is updated. The ATF eForm's website is not updated live in real time. The approval information on your account has to be refreshed periodically to update your approvals, etc.
Can ATF take your guns?
ATF has the authority to seize and forfeit firearms, ammunition, explosives, alcohol, tobacco and other assets used in criminal activity under the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture authority.
ATF Special Agent Requirements
Passing a polygraph examination and a drug test is required and a complete background investigation is necessary for top secret security clearance.
The FFL either collects a flat fee from the distributor for handling the transaction or charges the buyer a fee for the transfer. Either way, since you don't have to purchase and hold inventory, this is a great way to make money with your FFL.
The PRO is that you can run your business legally. The CON is that they can be expensive, and require effort to comply with the law. Certain occupations REQUIRE you have a FFL- Gun smith Gun Dealer Gun manufacturer. The PRO is that you can run your business legally.
Florida has no special licensing requirements or state laws for FFLs. This means that your FFL is all you'll need to be an official FFL dealer of handguns, rifles, ammo, and more.
The NFA restricts transfers of weapons. Normally we would not think of loaning a firearms or placing it in the hands of another person as a transfer, but under a more complete analysis, letting someone else use your silencer or other NFA firearm, is in fact a transfer and a violation of the National Firearms Act.
How Long Does It Take a Letter to Arrive? According to the U.S. Postal Service, First-Class Mail service has delivery times ranging from one to three business days. While this time frame is generally accurate, many factors, such as inclement weather, can affect mail delivery from location to location.
Flying With a Suppressor
Just like any firearm, you can fly to destinations where it is legal to bring your silencer. You'll need to put your silencer in a TSA approved locking container and follow procedures for checking a firearm aboard the plane.
Why Is My Background Check Taking so Long? There might be an issue if your background check takes more than two weeks. It is also possible that your recruiter has rejected your application after checking your background. In such a case, you can expect your recruiter to contact you and clarify some details.
The most common reasons for a delay:
There are delays at county courts due to court staffing and backlog challenges, such as seasonal hiring spikes or COVID-19. Additional research is required to ensure potential records are a match to the candidate.
Can I contact NICS about delay?
Can I appeal a delay status? Yes, as long as the transaction is not older than 88 days. The NICS Section recommends that you wait 30 days from the date initiating the check prior to filing an appeal on a delay to give the NICS Section's staff time to complete the initial transaction.
Generally, for a person to lawfully transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person who resides out of state, the firearm must be shipped to an FFL within the recipient's state of residence. He or she may then receive the firearm from the FFL upon completion of an ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check.
- Alaska.
- Kansas.
- Texas.
- South Dakota.
- North Dakota.
- Arizona.
- Utah.
- Montana.
Yes. Licensees may mail an unloaded handgun to another licensee in customary trade shipments. Handguns may also be mailed to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who is eligible under 18 U.S.C.
- ARCHANGEL - 6th Rank DPS, 6th Rank Efficiency.
- BLOODSTONE - 8th Rank DPS, Par Efficiency.
- BLUE BLAZE - 3rd Rank DPS, 2nd Most Energy Efficient.
- CERBERUS - 1st Rank DPS, Par Efficiency.
- DARK BLOSSOM - 6th Rank DPS, Most Inefficient.
- DIAMONDBACK - 1st Rank DPS, Par Efficiency.
Class 3 is used with an 01 or 02 FFL and permits the retail sale of NFA devices like silencers.
The Type 06 FFL is for manufacturing ammunition ONLY. You can not use this FFL to buy and sell firearms nor make guns. Remember, it is perfectly legal under federal law to make your own ammunition. However, once you start to make ammunition with the intent to sell it, you need with this FFL or a Type 07 FFL.
Did you know if you have an FFL, you can still use an FFL for personal use? That's right, not only can you get an FFL and sell guns from your home as a part time business opportunity, but you can use your FFL for personal use as well.
The Type 07 FFL (Federal Firearms License) is one of three licenses issued to those businesses that manufacture firearms, ammo, or destructive devices. A Type 06 FFL is the license that a firearms business needs to manufacture ammunition, except ammo for destructive devices or any type of armor-piercing ammo.
Federal explosives laws define a "responsible person" as an individual who has the power to direct the management and policies of the applicant pertaining to explosive materials. Responsible persons generally include sole proprietors and explosives facility site managers.
How competitive is ATF?
The odds of getting in are better if you have a graduate degree and experience working with law enforcement. Getting into the ATF is extremely competitive. People are attracted to the high stakes of the job.
After submitting a Form 4 you have to wait for approval from the ATF at which point they will send back a Tax Stamp, and you can pick up your suppressor. The approval process wait time varies, but currently it takes approximately 6-9 months.
Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license. Complete ATF special agent applicant questionnaire (at time of application). Take and pass the ATF Special Agent Examination. Take and pass the ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment Test.
The Department of Justice has directed ATF to reduce eForm 4 processing times to 90 days and when ATF launched its new eForm 4 in January of 2022, ATF stated they were “committed to a processing goal of 90 days.” On October 1, 2022, per their site, the ATF Current Processing Times are averaging "180 days" for eForms.
ATF requires all applicants for Special Agent positions to undergo a mandatory pre-employment polygraph examination. Those who refuse are not eligible for employment.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years of age, and complete physical and written testing, background checks, and drug screening. To be eligible for an entry-level ATF position, you'll need a bachelor's degree in any field, but a criminal justice or law enforcement focus can often help your chances.
ATF Special Agents are responsible to testify for the Federal Government in court or before grand juries. If you work at the ATF as a Special Agent, you should be prepared to work irregular hours and travel extensively.
Per the ATF they state that you cannot change your address and that your application should be canceled with them and recommend reapplying with your updated address in the state that you are moving to. However, a ATF specialist might be able to update your address and the SOT dealer to send the approved application to.
How to check the status of your submission: To get the status of your transfer from the ATF, call the NFA Branch directly at: (304) 616-4500. You will need to provide your name (or the name of your trust or corporation), the serial number of the suppressor, and the name of the transferor.
Your silencer ownership doesn't change if you lose your original tax stamp from the ATF. When you use your silencer or NFA Firearms you should carry a copy of your approved stamp with you and a copy of your notarized gun trust (if applicable).
What pistol do ATF agents carry?
Members of ATF special agent ranks are issued the Glock 19M as their primary duty weapon and are trained in the use of, and issued, certain rifles and shotguns. The ATF Special Response Team (SRT) is armed with Colt M4 carbines and other firearms.
Individuals applying for ATF employment who are currently involved in illegal drug activities or substance abuse are ineligible for hiring. In addition, past involvement in illegal drug activities or misuse or abuse of substances also may disqualify an applicant from consideration for hiring.
Approved – This is the best status! Your paperwork has been completed and your dealer (or transferor) will receive the approved forms in the mail within 30-45 days. Reminder: The ATF has up to 30 days to main the tax stamp to your dealer, then allow up to an additional 7-10 days for the USPS to deliver the mail.
Faster process
According to one source, the IRS typically processes electronically-filed returns within one or two days, whereas mailing a paper return takes much longer. Because e-Filing cuts down on processing time, individuals and businesses receive refunds more quickly (e.g., three weeks after e-Filing).
ATF Form 1 application may take 60 days to up to 5 months to process, depending on how you are going to apply. With a paper-based manual submission, expect the wait time to be as long as 5 months, while with electronic submission (eFiling) the wait time reduces to 10 days.
What's Taking So Long to Receive Refunds? If you don't receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review. This may happen if your return was incomplete or incorrect. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.