How to Get an FFL in Alabama in 5 Easy Steps

According to recent reports, the U.S. Firearm industry contributed $51.3 billion to the economy in 2023.^[1]Zippia. “30+ Striking U.S. Firearm Industry Statistics [2023]: How Big Is The US Gun Industry.” Accessed October 7, 2024. For entrepreneurs eager to tap into this market and create their own successful business plan, you’ll need to get a federal firearms license (FFL) to do so. Read on to learn more about how to get an FFL in Alabama. 

Getting an Alabama FFL: An Introduction

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) issues Federal Firearms Licenses. Having an FFL allows individuals or businesses in the United States to purchase, sell, manufacture or transfer firearms commercially. 

In this article, we will cover the cost associated with getting an FFL, the rules and regulations pertaining to an Alabama FFL specifically, and answer your frequently asked questions about FFLs. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

Before applying for an FFL, you must first make sure you are eligible for one. There are three tiers of requirements you’ll need to consider: federal, state, and local. Think of it like a cake: the federal requirements are the base layer, state requirements add a tier on top, and local requirements are the decoration. Each builds on the other to create the full picture of the FFL requirements based on your local area. Let’s go through each tier of the FFL requirements in Alabama specifically.

Federal requirements

As we mentioned, the ATF sets the country’s minimum requirements for applying for an FFL.^[2]ATF. “Apply for a Federal Firearms License.” Accessed October 7, 2024. As such, they are pretty straightforward. 

The federal requirements mostly pertain to the individual applicant and include things like:

• Personal eligibility to own a firearm
• 21 years of age or older
• Be a legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Clean criminal history

State requirements

Each state can impose additional licensing and requirements that FFL applicants must abide by in order to get an FFL and operate a business in that state. Luckily, Alabama is a very gun-friendly state and has not implemented any additional state licensing requirements. 

The only additional piece of paperwork you will need to do in Alabama for an FFL is to register your business.^[3]Alabama.gov. “Register an Entity – Alabama Department of Revenue.” Accessed October 7, 2024. Whether your business is new, established (and switching locations), or you inherit a business, you must ensure you register it within the state. 

Local and zoning requirements

As we touched on, Alabama is a gun-friendly state, and that attitude continues at the local level. Alabama does not have any specific zoning or local requirements for starting your firearms business. However, that is not to say getting zoned for your new business will be easy. You’ll either need to find a location that’s already zoned for your business or make a good business plan to present a case for updating the zoning requirements.

Many times, getting properly zoned for your business is one of the hardest parts of getting your FFL. This especially applies when an individual is starting a home-based FFL. Because of these difficulties, it’s, again, important to provide a detailed business plan and speak with the zoning department about the type of business you are starting. Include pertinent details like the amount of foot traffic you expect, and so on. Many times, they initially deny a zoning application because of a simple misunderstanding. So, make sure you have all your ducks in a row when speaking with the zoning department, as it will help you with this part of the process. 

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

Before deciding which type of Federal Firearms License, or FFL, your business needs, you should consider a few things:

1. What type of firearm are you going to sell? Certain firearms will require a different level of FFL license. 
2. What type of business are you starting? Are you going to be selling firearms, importing firearms, or manufacturing them?
3. What is the location of your business? Are you going to have a brick-and-mortar location, an online e-commerce store, or a home-based FFL?

All this will need to be considered before you start looking at what type of FFL your business will need. 

FFL license types

There are nine different FFL licenses, and they are separated into three categories: dealer, manufacturer, or importer. No matter what you choose, you will find the FFL you need on this list. 

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

Taking an online FFL course in Alabama is an important step toward becoming a firearms dealer. We recommend a high-quality course for anyone hopeful of getting involved with the firearms industry. 

It’s beneficial to be well-versed in local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the field. This includes things like commercial storage requirements, background check procedures, and record-keeping processes. Having this base level of understanding will help you start your business and hit the ground running with a lot less fumbling along the way. 

An online FFL course offers a great overview for someone who is just starting out and can help you acquire important knowledge that would otherwise take a lot of time and practice to learn. Although taking a course is highly recommended, it is not legally required. Having a good understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding your business venture is essential, so it’s important to take advantage of all resources available to arm yourself with the best possible information.

Step 4: Apply for Your Alabama FFL

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to submit your FFL application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Along with your completed application, you will need to supply the ATF with fingerprints and a picture for your application. Once you have submitted your application, you should have your decision on your application within 60 days. 

Step 5: Have an Interview with a Representative From Your Regional ATF Office

Once the ATF has received your application, within that 60-day decision window, they will arrange a meeting with your regional ATF office. An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will conduct a visit and chat with you about your business plan. The point of meeting with the IOI is so they can review your business and business model and make sure you have a clear understanding of state and federal laws. 

FFL License Costs in Alabama

FFL license costs can vary depending on the category, but they will not vary from state to state. Like the federal FFL requirements, the ATF also regulates the costs. You can find the cost of each FFL by type on the ATF website.

It’s good to note that each FFL is valid for three years, and each renewal is also valid for a three-year period. 

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Alabama: Closing Thoughts

With so much support for gun rights in Alabama, getting an FFL is even easier than in most other states. Knowing the law concerning this business can help set you apart. Getting a federal firearms license (FFL) in Alabama is a great way to jumpstart your career in the art of gunsmithing, firearm sales, and ammunition. The process itself is straightforward. Once your application gets approved, you can begin receiving firearms from distributors at wholesale pricing levels.

The next step after getting an FFL is to find a payment processor to start accepting payments. You might find this a challenge since the firearms industry is considered high-risk, making it difficult to keep a merchant account open. Fortunately, we specialize in working with businesses like you. We provide top-tier, white-glove service with dedicated support to help your business thrive. Reach out today to see what we can do for you!