FFL Interstate & Online Sales Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An FFL charges a $30 transfer fee for processing an interstate firearm purchase. Is this practice lawful?
- Yes, FFLs may charge reasonable transfer fees (Correct answer)
- No, FFLs must process interstate transfers for free
- Only if the fee is approved by ATF in advance
- Only for handguns, not long guns
Correct answer: Yes, FFLs may charge reasonable transfer fees
Federal law does not prohibit FFLs from charging transfer fees; the amount is set by the individual dealer.
Question 2: What information must an FFL provide to a customer who requests transfer of an online firearm purchase?
- Their FFL number and mailing address so the seller can ship the firearm (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal confirmation that they hold a valid FFL
- A notarized statement affirming their licensed status
- Their dealer license number and ATF district office contact
Correct answer: Their FFL number and mailing address so the seller can ship the firearm
The buyer typically provides the receiving FFL's license number and shipping address to the selling FFL so the firearm can be shipped to the correct location.
Question 3: Under ATF regulations, how long must an FFL retain the ATF Form 4473 for a firearm acquired through an interstate transfer?
- 5 years from the date of transfer
- 10 years from the date of transfer
- 20 years from the date of transfer
- Indefinitely (permanently) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Indefinitely (permanently)
ATF regulations require FFLs to retain Form 4473 indefinitely; beginning in 2022, the retention period was extended from 20 years to permanent.
Question 4: A private individual (non-FFL) in one state wants to sell a firearm to a private individual in another state. What is required?
- The transaction must be conducted through an FFL in the buyer's state (Correct answer)
- No FFL involvement is required if both parties are adults
- The seller must obtain a one-time transfer permit from ATF
- The firearm must be mailed through USPS with an ATF declaration
Correct answer: The transaction must be conducted through an FFL in the buyer's state
Private individuals may not transfer firearms directly across state lines; the transfer must go through a licensed dealer in the buyer's state.
Question 5: Which ATF form does an FFL use to record the acquisition of a firearm shipped from another FFL as part of an interstate transfer?
- ATF Form 4473
- ATF Form 3310.4
- The acquisition (A&D) bound book entry (Correct answer)
- ATF Form 7 (FFL Application)
Correct answer: The acquisition (A&D) bound book entry
The receiving FFL records the incoming firearm in their Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) bound book upon receipt, then completes Form 4473 when transferring to the customer.
Question 6: If an online buyer provides a false state of residence to purchase a handgun from an out-of-state FFL, which federal crime has been committed?
- Straw purchase under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)
- Making a false statement to acquire a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6) (Correct answer)
- Interstate trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)
- Unlicensed dealing under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A)
Correct answer: Making a false statement to acquire a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)
Providing a false state of residence on Form 4473 constitutes making a false statement to acquire a firearm, a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6).
Question 7: Can a U.S. citizen who is a resident of a foreign country purchase a firearm through an online transaction at a U.S. FFL?
- Yes, as long as they have a valid U.S. passport
- No, non-U.S. residents are generally prohibited from purchasing firearms from FFLs (Correct answer)
- Yes, if they provide a state-issued ID from any state
- No, unless they have a valid U.S. driver's license
Correct answer: No, non-U.S. residents are generally prohibited from purchasing firearms from FFLs
Federal law prohibits the transfer of firearms to persons who do not reside in the United States, even if they are U.S. citizens.
FFL Interstate & Online Sales Regulations 3
An FFL charges a $30 transfer fee for processing an interstate firearm purchase.
Is this practice lawful?