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. What does 'straw purchase' refer to in the context of FFL transactions? → A person buying a firearm as the actual buyer but falsely claiming to be on Form 4473
2. 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
3. A NICS check returns a 'Delay' response. What does this mean for the FFL? → NICS needs more time to research the potential disqualifier before making a determination
4. Which OFAC program most directly affects an FFL considering a sale to a foreign buyer in a country under a US arms embargo? → Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List screening
5. Under the National Firearms Act, which of the following is NOT classified as an NFA item? → Standard semi-automatic handgun
6. Which database is NOT directly searched during a standard NICS background check? → Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax records
7. An FFL charges a $30 transfer fee for processing an interstate firearm purchase. Is this practice lawful? → Yes, FFLs may charge reasonable transfer fees
8. A Type 07 FFL manufacturer wants to also deal in NFA items. What additional license or registration is required? → Register as a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) Class 3
9. Under the Gun Control Act, what is the minimum age for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a non-licensed individual? → 21 years old
10. 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
11. Which of the following individuals is NOT automatically prohibited from receiving a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)? → A person convicted of a misdemeanor assault not involving domestic violence
12. A manufacturer's principal place of business changes to a new address. When must ATF be notified? → Within 30 days before the move
13. How frequently does ATF recommend that FFLs conduct internal self-inspections to maintain compliance readiness? → At least annually, or whenever significant inventory changes occur
14. What type of physical security measure is ATF strongly recommended for FFL dealers to prevent theft? → Alarm systems and secured storage
15. What is the primary purpose of the Gun Control Act of 1968? → To regulate the sale and ownership of firearms
16. Under ATF regulations, how long must an FFL retain a completed Form 4473 after the date of sale? → 20 years
17. How long does an FFL have to wait for a NICS response before the transfer may proceed by default (the 'Proceed by Default' rule)? → 3 business days
18. A manufacturer's bound book entry for a manufactured firearm must be made: → By the close of business on the day of manufacture
19. What does the term 'destructive device' include under 26 U.S.C. § 5845? → Any explosive bomb, grenade, or similar device
20. What does the NICS 'Proceed' response authorize the FFL to do? → Transfer any firearm to the buyer within 30 days without running additional checks
21. In addition to notifying the ATF, what else must an FFL do when firearms are stolen? → File a report with local law enforcement
22. A Type 07 manufacturer accidentally manufactures a firearm with a barrel shorter than the legal minimum for a rifle. What is the resulting classification? → It is classified as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the NFA
23. Which ATF program specifically focuses on reducing FFL theft and providing security guidance? → Voluntary FFL Security Initiative
24. 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
25. What is the maximum number of pistols or revolvers purchased from the same unlicensed person that triggers a multiple sale report requirement? → Two or more
26. Which ATF form must a licensed manufacturer submit to report the manufacture of a new firearm? → ATF Form 2
27. Can a buyer who received a NICS 'Deny' response appeal the decision, and if so, to whom? → Yes — the buyer may appeal to the FBI's NICS Section to challenge an erroneous denial
28. When verifying Form 4473 compliance during self-inspection, which field error would make a transfer legally invalid rather than just a recordkeeping deficiency? → The buyer answered 'no' to being a prohibited person but is in fact prohibited
29. A licensed manufacturer ships firearms to a dealer in another state. What document must accompany or precede each shipment? → A copy of the transferee's FFL
30. Which agency enforces federal firearms laws? → Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)