FFL License?

[gwhunter69]

I just requested the paperwork from the ATF to apply for an FFL license. ###How difficult is it to do so after 8-years of Clinton-Reno? ###My record is 100% clean...

[JBarn3]

My dad is thinking seriously about applying as well. This is straight from ATF.

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ATF will approve the application if the applicant:

Is 21 years or more of age;
Is not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition;
Has not willfully violated the GCA or its regulations;
Has not willfully failed to disclose material information or willfully made false statements concerning material facts in connection with his application;
Has premises for conducting business or collecting; and,
The applicant certifies that--

(1) the business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located;

(2) within 30 days after the application is approved the business will comply with the requirements of State and local law applicable to the conduct of the business;

(3) the business will not be conducted under the license until the requirements of State and local law applicable to the business have been met; and,

(4) the applicant has sent or delivered a form to the chief law enforcement officer where the premises are located notifying the officer that the applicant intends to apply for a license.

(5) secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place in which firearms are sold under the license to persons who are not licensees ("secure gun storage or safety defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 (a) (34) ) .


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As long as you meet those criteria, you should have no problems.

[gwhunter69]

JBarn3: Yeah, I read that and it just seemed like a matter of paying the fee and passing the background check.

I got this from the California Attorney General's site: http://www.ag.ca.gov



Frequently Asked Questions Firearms Dealers

Common Abbreviations
BATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms
BFSC Basic Firearms Safety Certificate
CFD California Firearm Dealer
COE ###Certificate of Eligibility
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles
DOJ California Department of Justice
DROS Dealer Record Of Sale
FFL Federal Firearms License (federal)
FD Firearms Division
MCI MCI WorldCom, Communications Vendor, Facilitates DROS Transmittals to DOJ
PC Penal Code
PSD Point of Sale Device

(all abbreviations refer to California Agencies or documents unless otherwise stated)

1. What are California's licensing requirements for firearms dealers?
California firearms dealers must obtain and maintain the following:

a. ###A valid FFL,
b. A valid Seller's Permit issued by the State Board of Equalization,
c. A valid COE issued by the DOJ,
d. Any regulatory business license, or licenses, required by local government,
e. A local license granted by the duly constituted licensing authority, valid for one year from the date of issuance, and in one of the following forms:
1. In the form prescribed by the Attorney General;
2. A regulatory or business license that states on its face, "Valid for Retail Sales of Firearms" and endorsed by the signature of the issuing authority; or
3. A letter from the licensing authority stating that the jurisdiction does not require any form of regulatory or business license or does not otherwise restrict or regulate the sale of firearms. ###After obtaining the above licenses, an Application for Centralized List and appropriate fees are submitted to the DOJ. ###Upon approval of the application, the dealer will be given a CFD number and placed on the Centralized List of firearms dealers.
f. A listing on the DOJ Centralized List of Firearms Dealers.

For more information on dealer licensing or to obtain an Application for Centralized List of Firearms Dealers, contact the Firearms Licensing and Permits Unit at (916) 227-3694.

(PC section 12071(a))

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2. How does a firearms dealer obtain a Large Capacity Magazine Permit?

A DOJ-issued permit is required to import or export ammunition feeding devices that have the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. ###Permits are issued, upon request, to licensed firearms dealers whose businesses have a bona fide marketplace for the sale, import, or export of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. ###To obtain an Application for Large Capacity Magazine Permit (Form FD 050), call the Firearms Licensing and Permits Unit at (916) 227-3694.

(PC section 12079)

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3. How much is the annual Centralized List fee and when must it be paid?

The Centralized List annual renewal application and fee must be submitted to the DOJ by January 31st of each year regardless of the date of initial placement on the Centralized List. ###The Centralized List portion of the annual fee is $20.00 per licensee at each dealership. ###There is also an annual inspection fee of $95.00 per dealership location. ###Dealerships located in jurisdictions that have a local firearms dealer inspection program are exempt from the $95.00 inspection fee. ###Upon request, a list of such jurisdictions is available from the DOJ.

(PC section 12071(f))

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4. What is a CFD number?

The CFD number is a unique number assigned by the DOJ to each firearms dealer location in California that the DOJ recognizes as fully licensed pursuant to PC Section 12071. ###The CFD number serves as the dealer's identifier for submitting DROS information and for other business dealings with the DOJ.

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5. Does my CFD number make my COE obsolete?

No. ###Your CFD number is assigned to your dealership location when you are recorded on the Centralized List. ###The COE is your eligibility clearance for firearms possession. ###You must have both as part your firearms dealer licensing.

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6. Do copies of a dealer's FFLs and local firearms license(s) need to be sent to the DOJ?

Yes. ###It is the dealer's ongoing responsibility to provide the DOJ with current copies of all required licenses and to provide copies of renewals within thirty days of a license's expiration date. ###A dealer who fails to provide copies of renewals will be subject to removal from the Centralized List and a $20.00 reinstatement fee.

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7. How is DROS information submitted?

The dealer collects the DROS information and documentation from the purchaser and submits it to the DOJ through MCI. ###High volume firearms dealers utilize a Point of Sale Device (PSD). ###All other dealers submit DROS information via the toll free, operated-assisted data collection service at 1-800-974-DROS (3767). ###When the DROS is accepted, a unique DROS number is assigned to the transaction and the required 10-day waiting period begins.

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8. Can I use the personal computer in my store to submit DROS information?

Possibly. ###The DOJ is adding a DROS Coupled Intranet option for dealers to submit DROS applications via personal computer (PC). ###Regardless of sales volume, any dealer with a qualifying PC and printer can submit DROS records via a secure dial-in connection directly to our current DROS contractor, MCI World Com. ###Dealers who have a PSD can use the Coupled Intranet system in addition to their PSD. ###Unfortunately, Macintosh computers are not included at this time. ###Please call the MCI DROS Service Center at 1-800-974-DROS (3767) for more information and to determine if your PC meets the minimum configuration.

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9. If I am issued a PSD, may I opt to report DROS transactions via the telephone system?

No. ###However if your PSD malfunctions, immediately contact the MCI Service Center at 1-800-974-3767 to report the problem. ###You may then use the operator-assisted telephone system temporarily until your PSD is repaired.

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10. How do I get copies of the blank DROS worksheet?

An initial supply of DROS worksheets is mailed to all new firearms dealers. ###Each dealer is
responsible for making copies of the worksheet for future use. ###Copies of the most current DROS
worksheet may be downloaded and printed from this website's forms page.

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11. What records of purchases must firearms dealers maintain and how long must they be retained?

When using a PSD or the Coupled Intranet system, a computer generated hardcopy of the DROS information must be printed out when the DROS information is transmitted and signed by the purchaser and dealer. ###Dealers submitting DROS information via telephone must complete a DROS worksheet. ###In all cases, signed DROS worksheets or computer printouts must be retained by the dealer in consecutive order for three years.

(PC section 12076©)

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12. Is a dealer required to give a copy of the DROS information to the purchaser?

Upon request, the dealer must give the purchaser a copy of the signed DROS record. ###In private party transactions, the seller is also entitled to a copy of the DROS record upon request.

(PC section 12076©)

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13. What are the signature requirements for the DROS worksheets / computer printouts?

The purchaser must sign the DROS worksheet or computer printout. ###For private party transactions, the seller must also sign the form. ###The salesperson is required to sign as a witness to the purchaser's signature and identification.

(PC section 12071©(1))

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14. What identification is required for a person to purchase a firearm?

Clear evidence of identity and age is defined as a valid California driver's license or a valid California Identification Card issued by the DMV. ###Military identification is also acceptable if accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California, but the dealer must retain copies of both documents. ###A diplomatic passport accompanied by written authorization from the embassy or consulate is also acceptable, subject to DOJ approval.

Temporary driver licenses and temporary identification cards (issued without photo) are not accepted forms of proof of identity and age.

(PC section 12071©(1))

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15. What happens if there is a problem with the purchaser's driver license?

If DROS information conflicts with the DMV driver license files or if the license is suspended or invalid, the DOJ will cancel the transaction and notify the firearms dealer. ###The purchaser should contact DMV to correct or update information in DMV's files. ###Once the DMV problem has been cleared, a new DROS may be initiated.

(PC section 12071(b)(3)(B))

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16. Is there a maximum number of handguns that a person may purchase?

While no limitation exist for the number of handguns that a person may own, a person is generally limited to making no more than one application to purchase a handgun within any 30 day period. ###Handgun transactions related to law enforcement, private party transfers, returns to owners, and other specified circumstances are exempt from the one-handgun-per-30-day restriction.

(PC section 12072(a)(9))

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17. What fees can I charge in addition to the DROS?

In addition to the State's $14 DROS fee, you must also charge a $1 Firearms Safety Testing fee and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement fee. ###If the transaction being processed is a dealer sale, consignment return, or return from pawn, you may impose other charges as long as this amount is clearly shown as a "dealer fee" and not misrepresented as a State fee.

(PC sections 12071(b)(11), (12))

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18. What fees can I charge for handling a Private Party Transfer (PPT)?

If the transaction is a PPT, you are restricted to charging no more than $20.00 in State fees described and $10.00 per firearm for conducting the PPT. ###For example:

a. For a PPT involving one or more handguns, the total allowable fees are $30.00 for the first handgun, and $26 for each subsequent handgun.
b. For PPTs involving one or more long guns, the State fees are limited to $20.00 for the whole transaction plus $10.00 dealer fee per firearm transferred.

(PC section 12082)

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19. What are the BFSC requirements?

Prior to the submission of DROS information for a handgun purchase, each person purchasing a handgun must present a BFSC or show proof of exemption. ###The dealer must retain a copy of the BFSC exemption document attached to the DROS record.

(PC sections 12071, 12081)

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20. What is the waiting period for firearms purchasers?

The waiting period for the purchase or transfer of handguns and long guns is ten (10) 24-hour periods from the date and time of the acceptance of the DROS information by the DOJ and the assignment of the unique DROS number.

(PC sections 12071, 12072)

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21. Who is exempt from the waiting period?

The most common exemptions to the 10-day waiting include:

a. ###California law enforcement officers are exempt from the waiting period if they have a letter signed by the head of the agency or commanding officer, stating they are full time paid peace officers authorized to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties and authorizing the purchase. ###The dealer must retain the original letter and attach it to the DROS record.
b. Persons who have special weapons permits issued by DOJ are exempt. The dealer must retain a copy of the permit and attach it to the DROS record. ###Qualifying special weapons permits include:
1. Possession of Short-barreled Rifle/Shotgun, (PC Section 12095);
2. Possession or Sales of Machine Guns (PC Section 12230, 12250); and
3. Possession of Destructive Device (PC Section 12305).
c. Persons who have a curio and relic collector's license issued by the BATF and who have a valid COE issued by the DOJ are exempt from the waiting period only when purchasing curio and relic firearms. The dealer must retain a copy of the FFL collector's license and the COE.
d. Dealers transferring a handgun from inventory to their personal collection are exempt from the waiting period but are still required to submit DROS records for each handgun transferred. ###There are no DROS submission or waiting period requirement for dealers transferring long guns to themselves for personal use. ###The BATF's acquisition/disposition log requirements still apply.

(PC section 12078)

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22. How are dealers notified regarding DROS denials and delays?

If the DOJ determines that a purchaser is ineligible to possess a firearm, the DOJ will deny the sale. ###The dealer will be notified via telephone not to deliver the firearm. ###A confirming letter will be sent via the U.S. Mail, and a message via the PSD (for dealers who have a PSD).

When the DOJ is not able to immediately determine a purchaser's eligibility to possess firearms, the dealer is notified as above to delay delivery of the firearm. ###Once a determination is made, the dealer will be notified as above to cancel the sale or to deliver the firearm.

(PC section 12076(d))

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23. Is there a maximum time frame after submission of the DROS information during which a firearms dealer may release a firearm?

Yes. ###If a firearm purchaser does not take physical possession of the firearm within 30 days of submission of the DROS information, the dealer must cancel the sale and, if the firearm was a handgun, send the DOJ a cancellation form for that transaction. ###If the purchaser still wants to take possession of the firearm, the entire DROS process must be completed including payment of DROS fees.

(PC section 12071(b))

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24. If a handgun purchase transaction is delayed by the DOJ, how does it affect the delivery within 30-days restriction?

The 30-day delivery restriction begins upon notification from the DOJ that the delay has been lifted and that the dealer is authorized to deliver the handgun. ###The firearms dealer must retain all notifications and correspondence.

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25. How do I handle the paperwork when a purchaser returns a defective firearm?

If a firearm is brought to you for service or repair, you may return it to the person who submitted it for repair without undergoing the DROS process. ###If the firearm must be replaced, a new DROS is required. ###There is an exemption from the one-handgun-per-month restriction for exchanged handguns.

(PC section 12072 (a)(9)(xi))

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26. How can I correct or cancel a DROS submission?

If you need to report a handgun DROS correction or cancellation within the 10-day waiting period, you may use the PSD or call 1-800-974-3767.

If you need to report a handgun DROS correction or cancellation after the 10-day waiting period, you must fill out the DROS cancellation or correction form and mail it to DOJ.

In the event of a correction, only one handgun data field may be modified. ###If additional fields require modification, the DROS must be canceled and a new DROS submitted. ###A handgun DROS must also be canceled if the transaction is not completed within 30 days. ###All correspondence and documentation must be retained for three years for inspection purposes.

(PC section 12076(d)(5))

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27. What is required if a dealer closes a firearms business?

The dealer must write a letter indicating the CFD and the effective date of the closure to: ###DOJ Firearms Licensing and Permits Unit (FLPU), P.O. Box 920200, Sacramento, CA 94203-0200. ###The dealer is required to retain completed DROS forms for three years from the date of sale, after which they may be destroyed. ###The dealer should contact the BATF for federal requirements for closing a firearms business.

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28. What are the handgun safety testing requirements?

The DOJ certifies laboratories to test handguns. ###Effective January 1, 2001, no handgun may be sold, manufactured, etc., in California unless it has been safety tested by a DOJ-certified laboratory, found to have passed safety/reliability standards, and approved for sale by the DOJ. ###Firearm manufacturers and importers, who wish to certify a handgun model for sale or manufacture within California must submit three copies of the handgun model directly to a DOJ-certified laboratory for testing.

Upon approval of the test report and payment of listing fees, the handgun is listed on the DOJ Roster of Certified Handguns (RCH). ###The roster lists qualifying handguns according to: make / model / caliber / barrel length. ###A change in any one of the RCH categories is considered a new model and requires a new certification.

Effective January 1, 2001, only handgun models listed on the RCH may be manufactured, imported for sale, or sold in California. ###Exemptions exist for private party and law enforcement transactions.

A listing of certified handgun models is currently available on this website . ###Listings are also available upon request by fax, and will periodically be sent as administrative messages to operators of Point of Sale Devices.

(PC section 12125, et seq.)

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29. What are the firearm warning label and safety device requirements?

Each firearm sold by firearms dealers must be accompanied by a child safety warning label.

DOJ standards for firearms safety devices have been in effect since January 1, 2001. ###The DOJ has certified independent laboratories to test safety devices for compliance with the adopted standards. ###Any manufacturer of safety devices who wishes to have a particular device certified for sale in California must submit the device to a DOJ-certified testing laboratory. ###The DOJ-certified laboratory will test the device and forward the test results to the DOJ. ###Subject to DOJ application and fee requirements, qualifying devices may be approved by the DOJ for inclusion on the Roster of Approved Safety Devices (RSD).

Effective January 1, 2002, no firearm may be sold in California unless:

a. ###It is sold with a DOJ-approved safety device listed on the RSD; or
b. The purchaser can prove purchase of an approved device within 30 days prior to taking delivery of the firearm, or
c. The purchaser can prove that he/she owns a gun safe.

(PC section 12087, et seq.)

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30. Are firearms dealers required to provide customers with anything upon DOJ's denial of a firearm transaction?

Yes. If the DOJ instructs a firearms dealer to cancel a firearms transaction, the firearms dealer is required to provide the prohibited individual with a Prohibited Persons Notice Form and Power of Attorney for Firearms Transfer and Disposal.

(PC section 12071)

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