Overview
When purchasing firearms online, federal law requires that the firearm be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer for the background check and transfer process. This guide will walk you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and compliant transaction.
Important Note
All firearm purchases must comply with federal, state, and local laws. It is your responsibility to ensure you are legally eligible to purchase and possess firearms in your area.
Legal Requirements
Age Requirements
- Handguns: Must be 21 years or older
- Rifles & Shotguns: Must be 18 years or older
Documentation Needed
You will need to bring the following items to complete your transfer:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Proof of residency if required by your state
- Any required permits or licenses
- Payment for FFL transfer fee
State Restrictions
Some states have additional requirements such as waiting periods, permits to purchase, or restrictions on certain types of firearms. Please check your local and state laws before ordering.
The Transfer Process
Follow these steps to complete your FFL transfer:
Choose Your FFL Dealer
Select a local FFL dealer to receive your firearm. We recommend contacting them first to confirm they accept transfers and their fees. You can find FFL dealers using the ATF’s online database.
Provide FFL Information
During checkout, provide your chosen FFL dealer’s information. We will need their full business name, address, phone number, and a copy of their current FFL license.
We Ship Your Firearm
Once we receive and verify the FFL dealer’s license, we will ship your firearm directly to them. You will receive tracking information via email.
Complete Background Check
Visit your FFL dealer with required documentation to complete ATF Form 4473 and undergo the background check process (NICS check).
Take Possession
Once the background check is approved, pay any applicable fees and take possession of your firearm. Make sure to inspect the firearm before leaving the dealer.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FFL Transfer Fee | $15 – $50 | Varies by dealer; set by the receiving FFL |
| Background Check Fee | $0 – $25 | Some states charge additional fees |
| Shipping Cost | Free over $99 | Standard rate $19.99 for orders under $99 |
| Sales Tax | Varies | Charged based on shipping address |
Expected Timeline
Processing Time
- Order Processing: 1-2 business days
- Shipping Time: 1-5 business days
- Background Check: Minutes to 3 days
Total Timeline
Most transfers are completed within 3-7 business days from order placement, depending on shipping distance and background check processing.
Expedited Processing
Orders placed before 2 PM EST on weekdays typically ship the same day, helping to minimize your total wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can typically pick up your firearm as soon as the FFL dealer receives it and you can visit during their business hours. However, you must still complete the background check process, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days depending on the results.
If you are denied during the background check, you cannot take possession of the firearm. The FFL dealer will follow federal procedures for denied transfers. You may be able to appeal the decision through the FBI’s NICS Appeals process. Contact us for information about our return policy in these situations.
No, federal law requires the actual purchaser to be present to complete the background check and take possession of the firearm. The person whose name is on the order must be the one who picks up the firearm.
This varies by dealer, but most will hold your firearm for 30-90 days. After that period, they may return it to us or charge storage fees. We recommend contacting your FFL dealer promptly when your firearm arrives.
Need Help?
Phone Support
Call us at (555) 123-4567
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Email Support
Send us an email at support@gunprime.com
Typical response time: 2-4 hours during business hours
