Frequently Asked

FFL Questions

WHAT IS AN FFL?

A Federal Firearms License/Licensee (FFL) is a license in the United States that enables an individual or a company to engage in a business pertaining to the manufacture or importation of firearms and ammunition, or the interstate and intrastate sale of firearms.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR PURCHASING A FIREARM IN CALIFORNIA?

Generally, all firearms purchases and transfers, including private party transactions and sales at gun shows, must be made through a California licensed dealer under the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) process. California law imposes a 10-day waiting period before a firearm can be released to a purchaser or transferee. A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To purchase a handgun, a person must be at least 21 years of age. As part of the DROS process, the purchaser must present "clear evidence of identity and age" which is defined as a valid, non-expired California Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a posting in California is also acceptable.

If the purchaser is not a U.S. Citizen, then he or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation containing his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number.

Purchasers of handguns must provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, Vehicle registration, residential lease, property deed, or government-issued identification (other than a drivers license or other DMV-issued identification), and either (1) possess a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with their recently purchased handgun or (2) qualify for an FSC exemption.

(Pen. Code, § § 26800-26850.)

WHY DO I NEED TO USE A FFL?

The only way to legally transfer firearms is to use an FFL, it's legal and traceable FFL to FFL. Every brick and mortar store that you purchase a gun from has an FFL, e.g. Big 5, Walmart, Ammo Brothers, Bass pro shop, Turners outdoorsmen. This includes guns purchased on line from such places as the GlockStore.com, BudsGunStore.com or GunBroker.com

FFL Transfer Part 1

When you purchase a firearm it can only be sent or transferred from one FFL to another FFL. For your convenience I would use the FFL nearest to your home. When you purchase your gun, the seller will ask you what FFL are you using for this transfer? If your using GUNSHOTS ACADEMY? You will provide them with this information Todd Widick, 909-518-4130, todd@gunshots.us Then you or the seller will send me their following information via email or phone. Name of gun shop or person you bought it from, purchase order number, firearm make and model, their email address, fax number and telephone number. What I do as your FFL? I send them a photo of my FFL license #, and my CA Firearm Dealers number, they call the ATF and verify my information is current and correct, upon verification and ATF approval they will send your firearm to my location.

 

FFL Transfer Part 2

(First visit transfer starts) we input required computer documentation for CA DOJ and required documentation paperwork for Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Federal)

We will arrange a time and date to meet. You need to bring the following items with you.

Cash for the DROS fee, transfer fee, and out of state import tax if this applies to your purchase.

If your purchase is a long gun (Rifle or shotgun) you'll need a Firearms Safety Certificate & a Driver License

If your purchase is a handgun, you'll need a Firearms Safety Certificate, Drivers License & proof of residence, see above proof of residence.

 

What do I do as the Customer?

  1. Arrive on date & time with required identification items.
  2. Give FFL your DL, FSC, vehicle registration and payment.
  3. Inspect firearm and demonstrate your knowledge of its use for the FFL.

 

What the FFL will do? (The Transferer)

Provide your information to the California Department of Justice

  1. The FFL will enter your information to the CA Department of Justice website, this is done by swiping your DL, this will provide all pertinent information the DOJ requires for you to start your transfer.
  2. The FFL will make copies of your FSC, DL, etc.
  3. The FFL will return your originals to you.
  4. The FFL will print the DOJ paperwork, this paperwork will have a DROS # on it, this DROS number provides the FFL & you with the earliest legal pick up date and time of your firearm.
  5. You will provide a right thumb print onto the DOJ paperwork and you will sign the DOJ paperwork.

Provide Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms with your information

  1. Fill out in black ink only an ATF form # 4473.
  2. Upon completion you will sign and date this paper work.
  3. Upon your return, date of pick up you will sign and date this paper work again.

 

Payment to FFL consists of:

  1. (DROS Fee) Dealer record of sale ($25.00 per gun) this is the current price from the CA DOJ per state law.
  2. Transfer Fee set by FFL mine is ($50.00) per gun.
  3. California import tax? if you imported a firearm from anywhere other than CA e.g. Georgia? then you owe California import tax. The current San Bernardino County tax rate is 8.25%.
  4. Upon completion of all these requirements I will place your gun in the safe with your name and DROS # on it.
  5. You will return (10) days later at the same time or later then the initiation time to complete your transfer and pick up your gun.

 

FFL Transfer part 3

(Successful background check verification, Complete transfer paperwork and complete your firearm pick up)

  1. On the date and time of your pick up? this date was initiated on your first visit, thru the DOJ website. This was when we were issued a (DROS #) which determined the date & time that you were legally able to pick up & possess your firearm, this will be your second and last visit.
  2. I will enter the DOJ website and click on your DROS # your documentation will come up and it will ask me if I want to complete this transfer? I will click yes complete transfer.
  3. If your background check was successful it will tell me that everything was good with your background check and to complete the transfer.
  4. You will sign and date your ATF paperwork, I will give you your gun, this will complete your firearm transfer, you can leave with your gun which is now lawfully registered to you.

 

Total time spent with your FFL: 35 minutes

  1. First visit, 30 minutes
  2. Second visit, 5 minutes
  3. Total cost for a handgun which was purchased for $500.00

 

Fees

  • CA DROS fee $25.00
  • Transfer fee $ 50.00
  • CA tax fee of 8.25% on a purchase of $ 500.00 = $ 41.25
  • Total cost $116.25