1. Decide What You Actually Want To Do
The license type follows the activity. Dealing in firearms at retail, gunsmithing for others, manufacturing, importing and collecting curios and relics are all different license types with different fees and different obligations.
- Type 01 — Dealer in firearms, including most gunsmiths
- Type 02 — Pawnbroker dealing in firearms
- Type 03 — Collector of Curios and Relics (personal collection only, not a business license)
- Type 06 — Manufacturer of ammunition
- Type 07 — Manufacturer of firearms and ammunition (may also deal)
- Type 08 / 09 / 10 / 11 — Importers and destructive-device licenses
2. Confirm You Are Eligible
Federal law bars anyone who could not lawfully possess a firearm from holding a license. You must be at least 21, not a prohibited person, and you must not have willfully violated the Gun Control Act. You also have to intend to actually engage in the business at the premises you list.
3. Clear Your Premises And Local Law
ATF will not issue a license if operating at your premises would violate state or local law. That means zoning, home-occupation rules, HOA restrictions, landlord permission, and any state or city firearms-dealer licensing must be handled before you file — not after.
4. File ATF Form 7
Most applicants file ATF Form 7 (5310.12); collectors file Form 7CR (5310.16). The application asks for your business details, responsible persons, premises, storage, and a set of eligibility questions. Every responsible person submits fingerprints on FD-258 cards and a photograph.
You send a copy of the application to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) with jurisdiction over your premises at the time you file.
5. The ATF Interview (IOI Inspection)
An ATF Industry Operations Investigator schedules an in-person interview at your listed premises. They verify identity and the premises, walk through recordkeeping, storage, the bound book, Form 4473, NICS, multiple-sale reporting, theft/loss reporting and state law, and have you acknowledge that you understand each item.
6. Approval And First Operations
By statute ATF must approve or deny within 60 days of receiving a properly executed application, though real-world timing varies with workload and how quickly you can schedule the interview. Once the license arrives, your recordkeeping obligations start with your first acquisition.
Fees, forms and processing rules change through ATF rulemaking. Confirm current requirements with ATF and your state and local authorities before you file.