How To Get A FFL License In California
Have you ever dreamed of obtaining your California FFL License in California and wondered what the associated cost may be ? Learn how to apply for a FFL in California.
Have you ever thought about having a home based FFL in California ?
If you wish to be in the business of selling and transferring firearms in California the FFL licensing requirements are very strict and a qualified attorney can tell you what it takes, and how to become an FFL in California. Learning how to get an FFL in CA may be easier than you think.
You can learn more by visiting the State of California Department of Justice website by clicking here.
California FFL attorneys can be of great assistance if you are in the process of obtaining your Federal Firearms License. Representing gun dealers in matters concerning the Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, an FFL compliance lawyer can be of great assistance for advice during the formation of your FFL corporate structure.
California attorneys can also help you in matters concerning revocation of your Federal Firearms License and compliance inspections. Having the help of someone that has been through the process on multiple occasions limits your chances of being denied.
Do I Need An Attorney To Fill Out My California FFL Application ?
You can actually fill out your California FFL application yourself providing you have the proper guidance. We recommend this course which is only a trivial amount, as compared to what an attorney would charge you.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A FFL In California ?
Fees vary depending upon the type of license you are wanting to obtain. Fees range from $30 for a C&R license in California up to $200 and $3000 for other types of licenses.
These fees are required to paid when you submit your application to the BATFE. The application fees in no way guarantee that you application will be approved. There may also be fees imposed by the State of California if you are wishing to start a business.
Requirements For Obtaining A FFL In California
- You must reside in the State of California
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- You must be a legal resident of the United States
- You must have never been charged with a felony crime involving firearms
- You must be of sound mind
- You must have never committed a crime that carried a prison sentence of 1 year or greater
California Gun Dealers License
California law requires those gun dealers in California that sell firearms to apply for and receive a gun dealers license from the California DOJ. A firearm dealer or manufacture may be required to apply for and receive more than one license from the California DOJ in order to conduct business.
California Gun Dealer Licensing Requirements
Before being granted a California gun dealers license you must meet the following requirements :
- You must have a valid Federal Firearms License. This is obtained by filling out an FFL application and being approved.
- You must have any business licenses or regulatory licenses required by the local governing authority.
- You must have a valid Sellers Permit that has been granted by the State Board of Equalization.
- You must have been issued a Certificate of Eligibility from the California Department of Justice.
- You must have the appropriate license as required by any city, local, or county authority.
- You must have a valid listing on the Centralized List of Firearms Dealers.
- You must have a completed Certificate of Eligibility
How Do I apply For A Certificate Of Eligibility ?
Please follow the link below for the application.
Certificate of Eligibility Application
How Do I Apply To Be On The California Centralized List of Firearms Dealers ?
Please follow the link below to the application.
California Centralized List of Firearms Dealer Application
FFL Dealer License Types In California
There are 9 different types of licenses that are available and each one gives you different options when it comes to handling, importing, repairing, manufacturing and selling firearms in California.
Type 01 FFL License In CA
Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The Type 1 FFL License allows you the ability to deal in Title 1 firearms, it also includes California gunsmiths that may take in and repair weapons.
The cost for a Type 1 license application in CA is $200
Type 02 FFL License In CA
Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 02 allows pawnbrokers the ability to take in and return to the person who holds the pawn ticket, firearms that they have loaned money on.
The cost for a Type 2 license application in CA is $200
Type 03 FFL California
Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R)
The C&R license in California allows individuals the ability to collect C&R firearms. These firearms must be manufactured 50 years prior to the current date, this does not include newly manufactured replica firearms.
With a type 03 FFL in CA you may purchase these collectable firearms and have them shipped directly to your home thus avoiding any FFL transfer fees and background checks.
Please note that avoiding the background checks and California FFL transfer fees only apply to those firearms that fall within the category of C&R firearms.
You can not purchase modern day firearms with a C&R license. More information about how to get a C&R license in California can be found at the link above.
The cost for a C&R license in CA is $30
Type 06 FFL License In CA 
Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms
The type 06 allows California ammunition manufactures to manufacture ammunition ( with the exception of armor piercing rounds) and sell to the general public.
You do not need a 06 ammunition manufacturing license in California if you reload as a hobby, however, you may not sell any ammunition you reload as a hobby to the general public without facing stiff fines and penalties including incarceration.
The cost for a Type 6 license application in CA is $30
Type 07 FFL License In CA
Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 07 FFL license allows FFL holders in California to manufacture firearms and ammo and sell to the general public. It does not allow you to manufacture any firearm that may fall under the guidelines of the National Firearms Act, unless you also get a 02 SOT.
The cost for a Type 7 license application in CA is $150
Type 08 FFL License In CA
Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 08 license allows you to import title 1 ammunition and firearms from other countries.
The cost for a Type 8 license application in CA is $150
Type 09 FFL License In CA
Dealer in Destructive Devices
The type 09 license allows you the ability to deal in title 1 firearms and those items which are considered destructive devices by the National Firearms Act. It does not include any other items that may be regulated by the act.
The cost for a Type 9 license application in CA is $3000
Type 10 FFL License In CA
Manufacturer of Destructive Devices
The type 10 License allows you the ability to manufacture Title 1 firearms, ammunition, ammunition components and destructive devices. It does not include armor piercing rounds or any other items that may be regulated by the National Firearms Act.
The cost for a Type 10 license application in CA is $3000
Type 11 FFL License In CA
Importer of Destructive Devices
The type 11 FFL License allows you the ability to import Title 1 firearms, regulated destructive devices and ammunition.
The cost for the Type 11 license application in CA can be found here.
Please note that the above descriptions are brief and you may find more information by visiting the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives website.
Can I Get A FFL With My California Gun Trust ?
In short the answer is a resounding NO. A California gun trust is neither a person or a corporation and therefore will not be issued a Federal Firearms License. However, a trust can be the owner of a LLC or Corporation which in fact can apply for an FFL. Learn more about the benefits of having a gun trust here.
FFL Dealer Requirements In California
As a California gun dealer you must keep strict records of all transactions. Each sale must be recorded and your paperwork will on occasion be audited by the BATFE. You also must be at least 21 years of age with a clean criminal history.
A secure environment may also required as well as adhering to any State of California , local or community laws, including zoning requirements if required.
You must be a legal resident of the United States. If you have served our country in any of the armed services you must have had an honorable discharge. You must not have been a psychological patient or a user of controlled substances.
Learning how to become a licensed gun dealer in California may at first appear to be a daunting task, however, it’s not. It is a process that must be followed step by step to achieve success and receive your FFL license in California.
Who Is Eligible For A Federal Firearms License In California ?
Eligibility requirements for those individuals in California who wish to apply for a Federal Firearms License is determined by the ATF. View the FFL eligibility requirements.
Getting an firearms dealer license in California may enable you to purchase firearms and ammo at dealer prices. This may enable you to start a great new business or hobby.
Contact any of our California Federal Firearms License Attorneys today to find out what any associated legal cost may be and how to get an FFL license in California.
