How to get your FFL in Texas – FFL Texas
Have you ever thought of how to get your Texas FFL license and wondered what the associated cost may be ?
If you wish to be in the business of selling and transferring firearms in Texas the FFL licensing requirements are very strict and a qualified attorney can tell you how to get your FFL in Texas.
Texas 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.
Texas 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 for your Texas class 01 FFL license.
Another option may be to go the do it yourself route and utilize the resources found here which will enable you to correctly fill out and submit your FFL application to the BATF&E.
Can I Run An FFL Out Of My Home In Texas?
Yes you can! Information about how to start a home based FFL in Texas can be found here and you may be surprised at how easy it is.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A FFL In Texas ?
Fees vary depending upon the type of license you are wanting to obtain. Fees range from $30 for a Texas C&R license up to $200 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 Texas if you are wishing to start a business.
Federal Firearms License Types
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 Texas.
Special Occupation Tax – SOT Class 03
Please note that if you plan on selling NFA items such as suppressors in Texas you will need to apply for a SOT in addition to your chosen FFL. The SOT is a special occupation tax which grants you the ability to deal in NFA items.
01 FFL License In Texas
Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The Type 01 FFL License in Texas allows you the ability to deal in Title 1 firearms, it also includes Texas gunsmiths that make really cool guns and may take in and repair weapons.
02 FFL License In Texas
Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 02 allows Texas pawnbrokers the ability to take in and return to the person who holds the pawn ticket, firearms that they have loaned money on.
03 FFL Texas
Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R)
The Texas C&R license 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 C&R license in TX 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 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 in Texas. Further information on how to get a C&R license in Texas can be found at the link above.
06 FFL License In Texas 
Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms
The type 06 allows Texans to manufacture ammunition ( with the exception of armor piercing rounds) and sell to the general public. You do not need a 06 license 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.
07 FFL License In Texas
Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 07 FFL license allows Texas businesses 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.
08 FFL License In Texas
Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
The type 08 license allows you to import title 1 ammunition and firearms from other countries.
09 FFL License In Texas
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.
10 FFL License In Texas
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.
11 FFL License In Texas
Importer of Destructive Devices
The type 11 FFL License allows you the ability to import Title 1 firearms, regulated destructive devices and ammunition. Night vision goggles are not considered to be destructive devices, however, they are regulated under ITAR laws.
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 Texas Gun Trust ?
In short the answer would be no. A Texas 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 a FFL.
Texas FFL Requirements
The Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives have strict Texas FFL requirements when it comes to issuing licenses. A Few are listed below:
- As an FFL in Texas you must keep strict records of all transactions.
- Each gun sale or Texas firearms transfer 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 will also be required as well as adhering to any State of Texas , 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.
Texas FFL Licensing Requirements
Being the gun friendly state that it is, Texas has no state specific licensing requirements. Once you have acquired your Texas FFL you need only to apply for a business license and acquire a place to do business.
Texas FFL Zoning Requirements
Various cities and towns in TX may have different zoning laws as it applies to operating a FFL. Check these requirements before renting or building a place to conduct business. Be sure and let the zoning officials know what kind of traffic you are anticipating.
Whereas zoning may be denied for a Texas gun dealer in your chosen location, the zoning authority may approve the use of the same location for a gunsmith or a at home FFl.
Should My FFL In Texas Be A Licensed Business Entity ?
It is highly recommended that you run your FFL as a business entity. Although you may be able to operate as a D.B.A. a business entity such as a L.L.C. will give you certain legal protections that you otherwise would not have.
Getting an FFL license in Texas 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 Texas Federal Firearms License Attorneys today. Find out what any associated legal cost may be to obtain your FFL in Texas.