Let’s cut through the fluff. Getting a home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) isn’t just about filling out a form and waiting for Uncle Sam to give you a thumbs-up. It’s a process—a grind, really. But if you’re serious about running a small firearms business from home, whether it’s selling, gunsmithing, or handling transfers, here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: The ATF Paperwork Shuffle

It all starts with ATF Form 7—your golden ticket to becoming an FFL. But this isn’t just some quick application; you need to prove you’re legit. That means:



✅ Business Details: Your name, address, and a business plan that shows you mean business.
✅ Zoning Approval: Some local governments love to play the “Not in My Backyard” game with home-based FFLs. If zoning laws in your area don’t allow it, your application’s dead in the water.
✅ Background Check: No felonies, no domestic violence, no federal disqualifications. You’re dropping fingerprints and a photo like you’re applying for a top-secret clearance.

Step 2: The ATF Will Check You Out—Literally

Once you submit your paperwork and the $200 fee (good for three years, then $90 every three years after), you’re in the waiting game. Processing times vary, but expect three to six months depending on ATF backlog and whether your paperwork is solid.

Before approval, an ATF agent might pay you a visit. They’ll check your setup, make sure you’ve got a secure place for firearms and records, and quiz you on the laws. Fail this step? You’re not getting that FFL.

Step 3: Running Your Home-Based FFL

If you pass all that, congrats—you’re now a home-based FFL. But here’s the deal:

🔹 Compliance is King. The ATF doesn’t play around. Keep your records clean, follow transfer laws to the letter, and be ready for inspections.
🔹 No Gun Show Loophole Here. You’re bound by the same laws as a big-box FFL. Background checks are mandatory for every sale.
🔹 Online Sales? Maybe. You can sell guns online, but they must be shipped to another FFL for the buyer to complete their background check.

How Do Buyers Find a Home-Based FFL?

As a home-based FFL, you don’t have the visibility of a big-box gun store. So how do buyers find you?

1. FFL Locator Websites & Directories

Buyers looking for local FFLs often use online directories, including:

• The ATF’s FFL List (atf.gov) – The government’s official database.
• GunBroker’s FFL Finder (gunbroker.com) – One of the biggest sources for gun buyers needing transfers.
• FFL Registry & Online Marketplaces – Websites like FFL123 and FFL Dealer Network allow FFLs to list their services.

2. Local Gun Shops & Ranges

Many home-based FFLs partner with local gun shops and shooting ranges, letting customers know they offer cheaper transfers or specialized firearm services.

3. Social Media & Business Listings

A Google Business Profile makes your home-based FFL show up when someone searches “FFL near me.” Listings on Facebook, Yelp, and Instagram also help local buyers find you.

4. Offering Low-Cost or Discounted Transfers

If you want to compete with big-box stores, offering low-cost firearm transfers (e.g., $20 instead of $50) is a great way to bring in new customers.

Buying Guns Online: What You Need to Know

So you found a killer deal on a firearm online. Think you can just click “Buy Now” and have it show up like an Amazon package? Not even close. Here’s how online gun purchases really work.

Step 1: Pick a Gun, Pick an FFL

You’re buying from a website—maybe a dealer, maybe a private seller on GunBroker. Either way, the gun can’t ship to your door. It must be sent to a licensed FFL.

Step 2: The Background Check Process

Once your gun arrives at the FFL, you show up and start the paperwork:

📄 ATF Form 4473: Your full name, address, and a series of questions like “Ever been convicted of a crime?” or “Are you using drugs?” Answer wrong? Denied.

Then comes the NICS check (National Instant Criminal Background Check System).

✅ If you’re clear, it’s done in minutes.
⏳ If there’s a delay, it could take days.
❌ If you fail, you’re not walking out with that gun.

Step 3: Pay the Transfer Fee & Take Your Gun Home

Most FFLs charge a transfer fee—anywhere from $20 to $50, sometimes more.

The Best Payment Processing Solutions for Home-Based FFLs

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we make it easy for home-based FFLs to accept credit and debit card payments—without worrying about banks shutting them down.

We provide pro-2A, veteran-owned payment solutions designed for FFLs, gun stores, and online firearm retailerswith:

✅ SwipeSimple Mobile App & Bluetooth Readers – Take payments on the go or at gun shows.
✅ Countertop Terminals & Wireless Machines – Perfect for FFLs processing in-person transactions.
✅ Customizable Clover POS Systems – Ideal for home-based FFLs selling accessories or doing custom builds.
✅ Online E-Commerce Solutions – Seamlessly integrate with:

• GunBroker
• Gearfire
• AmmoReady
• GUNSTORES
• And more!

💳 Never let an anti-2A bank freeze your business. Get a reliable payment partner who has your back.

📞 Talk to us today and get set up in 24-48 hours!

🔗 Learn more & apply here: START HERE

Final Thoughts: It’s Doable, But No Cakewalk

Getting a home-based FFL takes effort, patience, and compliance with every ATF regulation. If your local zoning allows it and you’re willing to handle the record-keeping, it’s a solid way to get into the firearms business.

Buying guns online? It’s easier than getting an FFL, but there are steps, background checks, and hoops to jump through.

👉 Want to grow your FFL business the right way? Let EPIC Merchant Systems handle your payments—so you can focus on selling.

💡 Apply now & get approved fast: ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE