FFL Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FFL facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for interstate & online sales regulations in FFL practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
2. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for ammunition & explosive licensing in FFL practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
3. What type of physical security measure is ATF strongly recommended for FFL dealers to prevent theft? → Alarm systems and secured storage
4. What is the primary purpose of the Gun Control Act of 1968? → To regulate the sale and ownership of firearms
5. In addition to notifying the ATF, what else must an FFL do when firearms are stolen? → File a report with local law enforcement
6. Which ATF program specifically focuses on reducing FFL theft and providing security guidance? → Voluntary FFL Security Initiative
7. What must an FFL dealer do if they discover a firearm is missing from their inventory during a physical count? → Report to ATF within 48 hours
8. Which agency enforces federal firearms laws? → Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
9. What is the purpose of the Bound Book? → To log all firearms received and sold
10. In the context of FFL certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing state law integration & compliance? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
11. How does ATF use reports of stolen firearms from FFLs? → To trace crime guns and investigate trafficking patterns
12. What type of information is recorded in FFL transaction records? → Buyer's name, firearm details, date of transaction
13. Which federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating FFLs and enforcing federal firearms laws? → ATF
14. How long must an FFL dealer retain completed ATF Form 4473 records after a firearms transaction? → 20 years
15. How often must FFL records be updated? → Immediately after each firearms transaction
16. Within what timeframe must an FFL report a theft or loss of firearms to the ATF? → 48 hours
17. If a firearm is recovered after being reported stolen, what must the FFL do? → Notify ATF and local law enforcement of the recovery
18. Can electronic recordkeeping systems be used for FFL records? → Yes, if they comply with ATF standards
19. What is the consequence for an FFL who fails to report stolen firearms within the required timeframe? → Civil and criminal penalties, including possible license revocation
20. What must an applicant submit to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL)? → Completed application and fingerprints
21. What is an FFL dealer required to do if they change their business address? → Notify ATF within 30 days and obtain a new license
22. What is required when an FFL dealer goes out of business regarding their firearms records? → Records must be transferred to ATF's National Tracing Center
23. What ATF form is used by FFLs to report the theft or loss of firearms? → ATF Form 3310.11
24. What is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) used for? → To perform background checks on firearm purchasers
25. In the context of FFL certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing background check & nics procedures? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
26. When must an FFL dealer verify the identity of a firearm purchaser? → For every over-the-counter firearm transfer
27. What happens during an ATF compliance inspection? → Review of records, inventory, and premises
28. What information must be included when an FFL reports a theft to ATF on Form 3310.11? → Make, model, serial number, and caliber/gauge of each stolen firearm
29. When an FFL receives a trace request from ATF for a specific firearm, how quickly must they respond? → Within 1 business day
30. What is the minimum age requirement to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer in the United States? → 21 years old