How to Get an FFL in Arkansas in 5 Easy Steps

Arkansas-based firearm merchants hoping to secure an FFL must be prepared for any obstacles thrown their way. Arguably, the most essential thing they will need to start buying and selling guns and ammo is a federal firearms license.

A Federal Firearms License, or FFL, affords the license holder the legal right to sell, manufacture, or import firearms in North American territories. Since firearms are a lucrative but controversial industry, FFL applicants are subject to a great deal of scrutiny. This includes background checks conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (often referred to via shorthand as the ATF) and compliance with state, federal, and local laws.

However, it’s not only imperative for firearms merchants to possess an FFL—they must also understand why they are doing so. In this easy-to-follow five-step article, we’ll outline how to go about getting your FFL in the state of Arkansas. Adhere to these steps and follow all requisite guidelines, and you’ll be one step closer to a new career in the firearms industry. Let’s begin!

Getting an Arkansas FFL: An Introduction

The business of selling guns has proven profitable for many merchants. In Arkansas, this is especially true since the state ranks in the upper tier of gun ownership in the U.S. In fact, Arkansas ranks 14th out of the 50 states in gun ownership percentages; according to Wise Voter, 51.8% of Arkansas citizens are registered gun owners.^[1]Wisevoter. “Gun Ownership by State.” Accessed on November 6, 2024.

In other words, getting a federal firearms license in Arkansas is more accessible than in other, less firearm-friendly states. However, it’s still a costly, complicated process where merchants must follow all mandatory directives. We will start by reviewing the basic federal requirements before moving on to the commitments that exist at the state and local levels. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro!

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

For anyone interested in getting an FFL in Arkansas, the first step involves ensuring that you meet all the standard requirements according to local, state, and federal standards. This part of the process can be intricate, as mandates often vary state by state.

The federal requirements for obtaining an FFL are pretty significant—that’s what the first “F” in FFL stands for!

The federal requirements are the same in all fifty states, including Arkansas. They encompass the applicant’s age, citizenship or residency status, and questions about a potential criminal background. The criteria for FFL eligibility, however daunting it may seem at the outset, must be completed in full.

Once you’ve ensured you meet all the federal stipulations, you can move on to state-level requirements. As mentioned, each state has the right to implement additional requirements beyond the mandates that exist at the federal level. These can include background checks, licensing requirements, and more.

Thankfully, Arkansas is not a state that asks its residents to jump through any number of bureaucratic hoops. In other words, there are no auxiliary requirements for attaining a federal firearms license in the state that was once affectionately known as the Bear State. If you are twenty-one years of age, have no criminal record, and claim your status as either a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will likely be able to get your hands on an Arkansas FFL with no hiccups. However, all aspiring firearm merchants within the state’s borders must still register their business in an official capacity.^[2]Arkansas Secretary of State. “Business Services.” Accessed on November 6, 2024. 

Now that you’ve addressed the federal and state mandates, it’s time to focus on what is required locally.

Local conditions for getting your federal firearms license include zoning requirements and specific requirements for home-based FFLs. While many assume home-based gun shops are inherently high-traffic and, therefore, unwelcome in most neighborhoods, this is not always the case. When in doubt, work with your local zoning department to ensure the most optimal outcome. Be sure that you have explained all facets of the business you are starting in complete, comprehensive detail. This extends to information concerning waiting periods, assorted restrictions, etc.

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

You’ve satisfied requirements at the state, local, and federal levels. It’s time to answer the question of exactly what kind of FFL you’ll need to move forward.

Several types of FFLs are available to aspiring gun merchants, each serving a unique purpose. The type of federal firearms license you will need will be contingent on several factors. Some of these variables include your business plan, whether you’ll be working with firearms dealers, and whether you plan on importing, manufacturing, or selling guns and ammunition.

Your business model plays a huge part in choosing the type of FFL you need. Whatever option you choose, you’ll need to select an FFL that falls into one of the three categories mentioned earlier (importing, manufacturing, or selling).

There are nine separate variations on the standard FFL that cover the three categories mentioned above. To determine which license best fits your business, consider your professional and financial needs. Remember, you’re making a significant professional decision here. Don’t be afraid to take your time, deliberate, and think hard about which option is right for you.

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

If you are not already an expert in firearms, you must become one to thrive in the firearms industry. You need a professional knowledge base, encyclopedic wisdom on what you’re selling, and a base level of comfort in navigating a sector that many have described as high-risk. In other words, you need to know what you’re talking about.

We highly recommend taking an online FFL course, whether you’re a novice in the firearms game or an expert looking to refresh your memory on industry basics. While this practice is not a requirement, there are innumerable benefits to this kind of undertaking. In taking an FFL course, you’ll learn about the latest industry updates, build a foundation for future prosperity, and expand your knowledge of the firearms industry beyond what you had previously thought possible.

While taking an online course is not a hard and fast rule regarding the process of getting an FFL, it’s still an undertaking that we recommend to anyone hoping to enter the firearm sector in Arkansas. Completing one of these courses gives you an intense competitive edge in an already saturated market. New business owners should consider seizing this opportunity to set themselves up for success.

Step 4: Apply For Your Arkansas FFL

Congratulations—you’ve checked all the boxes up until this point. You’ve chosen the type of FFL you want to apply for (home-based or brick-and-mortar—the choice is yours). You’ve even taken an online course for the sake of preparation. The time has finally come to submit your application.

Upon submission of the required forms to the relevant authorities at the ATF, merchants will also need to complete the following steps:

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

This last step is critical and allows you to draw upon all the experience and expertise you’ve accrued up until now. That’s right: it’s time to sit down for an interview with your local ATF representative. This is the final step in getting your Arkansas FFL, but it’s one you can’t afford to overlook.

Upon confirming your interview date and time, the ATF will send out an IOI, or Industry Operations Investigator, to meet with you. The relevant authorities can then either recommend you for approval or deny your request.

IOIs are generally responsible for evaluating and reviewing the many parts of the operational procedure. The goal is to ensure legal compliance in an industry where playing it safe is a high priority. Basically, they want to ensure that you understand the laws surrounding the sale of guns and ammunition. They will also want to make sure that your business location meets their in-house standards.

IOIs are also in charge of investigating the internal operations of existing businesses. The goal is to identify potential margins for fraud, risk, or general non-compliance. The investigators will then conduct an in-depth analysis and research procedure. The purpose of said procedure involves determining whether or not the industry is operating according to prevailing ethical and legal standards.

FFL License Costs in Arkansas 

FFL costs are consistent across all 50 states, including Arkansas. This is because these costs are set at the federal level. State-specific costs tend to vary from territory to territory. Since this process can be expensive, be sure to leave plenty of room in your budget. When it comes to planning, you can never be too careful!

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Arkansas: Closing Thoughts

Good news, Arkansas firearm merchants: getting your hands on an FFL in the Natural State is considerably more manageable and less complex than it would be in other, less gun-friendly regions. Of course, firearms are an inherently volatile, high-risk industry. However, as mentioned, Arkansas does not require firearm merchants to implement additional licensing beyond what is mandated federally. You should be good to go if you’ve complied with federal demands, registered your business with the state, and picked an acceptable location to get your business off the ground.

While getting an FFL in Arkansas is undoubtedly less of an ordeal than it might be in a state such as California, the undertaking itself is nevertheless complex. With that in mind, we recommend partnering with a gun-friendly merchant service provider who understands your high-risk needs. The right provider can help elevate your business profile, aid you with chargebacks, and assist you with sensitive, case-specific needs as they arise.

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