FFL Interstate & Online Sales Regulations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an FFL ships a firearm to another FFL for an interstate transfer, what shipping documentation must accompany the package?
- A copy of the seller's FFL license must be inside the package
- No specific ATF documentation is required inside the package, but the shipper must comply with carrier rules (Correct answer)
- An ATF Form 4473 signed by the buyer must be enclosed
- An ATF shipping manifest must be filed 24 hours before shipment
Correct answer: No specific ATF documentation is required inside the package, but the shipper must comply with carrier rules
No specific ATF document must accompany the package, but the FFL must comply with carrier-specific requirements and properly log the disposition in their A&D book.
Question 2: What is the significance of the receiving FFL's state of residence for determining which handgun laws apply during an interstate transfer?
- The buyer must comply with handgun laws of both the seller's and buyer's state
- Only the seller's state handgun laws apply
- Only the buyer's state handgun laws apply (Correct answer)
- Federal law supersedes all state handgun laws for interstate transfers
Correct answer: Only the buyer's state handgun laws apply
In an interstate transfer, the buyer's state laws (the receiving FFL's state) govern handgun eligibility requirements, including age and permit requirements.
Question 3: A licensed collector (C&R FFL) wants to purchase an antique firearm classified as a Curio & Relic from an out-of-state seller online. Can the firearm be shipped directly to the collector?
- Yes, C&R FFL holders may receive C&R firearms directly from any licensed seller across state lines (Correct answer)
- No, all firearms must go through a standard FFL regardless of C&R status
- Yes, but only for firearms manufactured before 1898
- No, C&R FFLs may only purchase from dealers, not private sellers
Correct answer: Yes, C&R FFL holders may receive C&R firearms directly from any licensed seller across state lines
Licensed collectors with a C&R FFL may receive qualifying Curios & Relics firearms directly from other FFLs across state lines without using a third-party dealer.
Question 4: An FFL dealer in Nevada sells a handgun online to a buyer in Arizona. The buyer's state permit card also serves as a NICS alternative. What should the receiving Arizona FFL do?
- Accept the permit as a NICS alternative if ATF has approved it for Arizona (Correct answer)
- Always run a full NICS check regardless of state permits
- Accept any government-issued permit as a NICS substitute
- Contact the Nevada dealer to confirm prior background check was run
Correct answer: Accept the permit as a NICS alternative if ATF has approved it for Arizona
Some states have ATF-approved permit systems that qualify as NICS alternatives; the receiving FFL should use the permit in lieu of NICS only if ATF has approved that state's system.
Question 5: Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3), which of the following is prohibited?
- Any person transporting a firearm across state lines without FFL involvement
- A non-licensee transporting into their state a firearm purchased out of state except through an FFL (Correct answer)
- An FFL shipping firearms to other states without an ATF shipping permit
- Private sales of firearms within a state between non-licensees
Correct answer: A non-licensee transporting into their state a firearm purchased out of state except through an FFL
Section 922(a)(3) prohibits non-licensees from transporting into their state any firearm purchased or obtained outside their state, except when transferred through a licensed dealer.
Question 6: An FFL dealer discovers that a firearm shipped to them for an interstate transfer was reported stolen by the original owner. What is the dealer's required action?
- Return the firearm to the sending FFL immediately
- Retain the firearm and notify ATF and local law enforcement (Correct answer)
- Complete the transfer to the buyer since the FFL is not responsible
- Destroy the firearm to prevent further criminal use
Correct answer: Retain the firearm and notify ATF and local law enforcement
Upon discovering a firearm is stolen, the receiving FFL must retain it and immediately notify both ATF and local law enforcement; they may not return or transfer it.
Question 7: Which of the following correctly describes the 'matching law' requirement for interstate long gun sales to non-licensees?
- The sale must comply only with the seller's state laws
- The sale must comply with federal law and the laws of both the seller's and buyer's states (Correct answer)
- The sale must comply with only the buyer's state laws
- Federal law preempts all state laws for long gun interstate sales
Correct answer: The sale must comply with federal law and the laws of both the seller's and buyer's states
Interstate long gun transfers must comply with federal law plus the applicable laws of both states involved in the transaction.
FFL Interstate & Online Sales Regulations 5
When an FFL ships a firearm to another FFL for an interstate transfer, what shipping documentation must accompany the package?