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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting a Utah FFL: An Introduction
- Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements
- Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need
- Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course
- Step 4: Apply for Your Utah FFL
- Step 5: Have an Interview with a Representative From Your Regional ATF Office
- FFL License Costs in Utah
- Getting a Federal Firearms License in Utah: Closing Thoughts
- FFL Utah FAQs
A federal firearms license (FFL) is the first piece of the puzzle if you want to enter the firearms industry. If that is your business goal, then Utah is a great place to be, as the process is relatively straightforward. To help combat potential confusion, we have put together an intensive five-step guide that will walk you through the process of getting your FFL in Utah.
Getting a Utah FFL: An Introduction
An FFL is a license issued by the ATF. The ATF, or BATF&E, is a federal organization that regulates the process of manufacturing, selling, and importing firearms.
If you hope to start a business in the firearms industry, then the ATF is an organization you’ll want to get familiar with, as one of the first things you’ll need to do is obtain an FFL from them. While there are many rules and regulations that an individual must first meet in order to acquire an FFL for their business, rest assured that we have you covered. In this article, we will look at how to get an FFL in Utah, the associated costs, and all the requirements set by both the federal government and the state of Utah that you’ll need to meet. Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements
The first step in getting an FFL is to make sure you’re eligible for one. The ATF sets several rules that everyone must pass for eligibility. After the ATF requirements, each state may implement additional licensing and regulations as they deem fit. Last, local governments can also implement more rules, such as zoning restrictions, making this process just a bit harder to navigate. Let’s take a look at Utah’s FFL requirements at all three levels of government.
Federal requirements
The federal government displays a very straightforward set of rules and regulations. These rules include things like:
- An applicant must be a United States citizen (or a permanent resident)
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have a clean background (i.e., is not banned from personally owning weapons)
- Etc.
See the full list on our FFL guide to view all federal requirements and ensure your eligibility to continue in the FFL process.
State requirements
States break down their additional requirements in two ways. First is state licensing requirements, and second is business requirements. Let’s take a look:
State licensing requirements
Utah is one of many states that has not implemented any additional state licensing requirements. This means to be eligible for an FFL, an individual only needs to be able to pass the federal requirements. This is a favorable thing for those looking to enter Utah’s firearms industry, as many states implement lengthy and costly additional licensing.
State business requirements
However, the state of Utah requires each business to register within the state. This applies even if your business is already registered in another state.
Local and zoning requirements
The third level of requirements comes from the local and zoning departments. Meeting local zoning requirements can be one of the trickiest parts of getting approval because adding an FFL or firearms business to a local community may be controversial in some regions.
If you find this to be a hurdle for your business, you may need to speak with the zoning department and explain what type of firearms business you are creating — especially if you are creating a home-based firearms business or a business in a high volume/foot traffic area. There are no state licensing requirements, but you may have to work with the local authorities to sort the zoning out.
Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need
- Type of weapon: You will need to decide if you plan to work with firearms or ammunition. You will also need to decide what specific types of weapons you’ll sell, as these factors will determine the kind of FFL you need.
- Location: You will need to decide whether you want an online business, a brick-and-mortar business, a home-based business, or a combination.
- Business model: What do you plan to do with the firearms and/or weapons? Decide if you plan to manufacture, import, and/or sell.
In step two, you will need to decide the FFL your business needs. This will require a business plan – it’s time to decide on some specifics for your business. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Take some time to consider these three points. Each FFL type is distinct, so choosing the right one for your business is imperative.
FFL license types
There are nine different FFL types that fall within the sales, manufacturing, and importing categories. To see a complete list and description of all nine, revisit our extensive FFL guide.
Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course
An online course can help teach you things like:
- Local laws and sales regulations
- Clarification on the firearms and parts legal to sell/deal
- Any paperwork that you’ll need to accompany each new sale
- How to report each sale
- And many other general business practices
Although this step is not mandatory, we highly recommend taking an online FFL course, as it will help get your business going in the right direction from the very start.
Step 4: Apply for Your Utah FFL
Once you’ve verified that you and your business plan are qualified by the state and federal government and that you have a suitable location, it’s finally time to apply for your Utah FFL. To put your application together, you will need to provide the following:
- Application form.[1]ATF. “Application for Federal Firearms License“.Accessed on May 22, 2024.
- Application fee
- Fingerprints: The ATF needs your fingerprints to conduct criminal background checks
- Photographs: The ATF needs your photograph to generate your federal firearms license
- Any required supplemental documentation (for example, information pertaining to additional managers/business owners)
Step 5: Have an Interview with a Representative From Your Regional ATF Office
The last and final step in getting your FFL is to have a meeting with your local IOI or Industry Operations Investigator. This meeting will be arranged with your local ATF office. The point of this meeting is to ensure you have a functional business model, have chosen a suitable business location, and to make sure you fully understand the federal laws associated with opening a firearms business.
FFL License Costs in Utah
Like the FFL eligibility requirements, the licensing costs are also federally mandated by the ATF. The only cost variable will be which FFL type you choose (depending on your business model). You can find the price of each licensing cost detailed in our FFL guide.
Getting a Federal Firearms License in Utah: Closing Thoughts
Whether you are looking to import, manufacture, or sell firearms, Utah is a great place to establish your new firearms business. Utah has not implemented any additional state licensing, making the federal requirements your biggest obstacle. So, if you are eligible to get an FFL through the ATF, Utah is a great place to do it.
Once you receive your FFL, you can move to the next stage of opening your business, such as finding a gun-friendly payment service provider. Launching a firearms business has its challenges, but with a secured FFL and the right merchant services provider by your side, you can successfully navigate the intricacies of this exciting industry!
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FFL Utah FAQs
Do I need an FFL in Utah?
If you plan to start a firearms business in Utah, you will need an FFL. Every state requires a federal firearms license to operate in the firearms industry. As we mentioned, each state can impose its own additional licensing and rules, so the process of getting an FFL in each state will be different.
Who can apply for an FFL in Utah?
Anyone can apply for an FFL in Utah if they pass the federal regulations. These regulations span things like your background, history, age, and citizenship. For the full list of federal requirements, check out our FFL guide.
Do I need to register as a business to get a Utah FFL?
Yes, the application process for a Utah FFL includes registering your business with the state. If you previously had a firearms business in another state, you are also required to re-register your business in Utah.
Note: This is not an FFL-specific requirement; it is a requirement regardless of what type of business you plan to open.
How can I find an FFL dealer in Utah?
To find an FFL dealer in Utah, you have a few options.
- One option is to search the ATF’s official Federal Firearms Listings database online. Simply input your city or zip code and scroll through the list of local dealers.[2]ATF. “Federal Firearms Listings“.Accessed on May 22, 2024
- Another option is to ask friends or fellow shooters at your local shooting range for recommendations.
- Finally, be sure to check online reviews before making your decision – there may be red flags or warnings about certain dealers that are worth taking into consideration.
With just a bit of research, you’ll be able to find the perfect FFL dealer in Utah for all your firearm needs.
Can you have a home-based FFL in Utah?
Yes, you can. However, home-based FFLs are hard to zone. So, getting approved for a home-based FFL may take some time, but it is legal in the state of Utah.
Can I apply for an FFL with a Utah gun trust?
No, a gun trust does not allow anyone to apply for an FFL. To obtain an FFL, you will need to do a new application and complete the entire application process yourself. This may seem tedious and unfair, but it is the federal regulation for all 50 states to ensure that only eligible persons own firearms-related businesses.
Does the BATF&E have requirements for an FFL in Utah?
The BATF&E, also known as the ATF, has requirements for an FFL in Utah.[3]ATF. “About the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.” The BATF&E is the federal company that sets the country’s minimum requirements. Everyone who holds an FFL has passed the BATF&E requirements.
Do I need to apply for an SOT for my Utah FFL?
The short answer is that it depends on your FFL type. If you are just a regular dealer, then no, you do not need to become a SOT (special occupational taxpayer). However, if you plan on dealing with National Firearms Act (NFA) items such as suppressors or short-barreled rifles/shotguns, you must apply to become an SOT.
How long does it take to get your FFL in Utah?
The length of time it takes to get an FFL can vary depending on your personal background in business and your choice of business location. You’ll need to get a business model and plan together, take an (optional) online FFL course, pass federal and state regulations, verify that you met local zoning requirements, and pull together all the paperwork required for an FFL in Utah. However, once all that paperwork has been compiled and submitted with your application, you will have an answer from the ATF within 60 days.
How can I transfer an FFL in Utah?
You cannot transfer a federal firearms license to another person in Utah (or anywhere, for that matter). In order to start a business in the firearms industry, you must submit your own application for an FFL. This includes purchasing an existing firearms business or having one passed down to you. Everyone connected to a firearms business must submit their own FFL application.
How much does an FFL transfer cost in Utah?
The price of an FFL transfer is typically between $20 and $200. However, this price can vary drastically due to the weapon being transferred, the company doing the transfer, and any other transfer-related fees that may come up.
How hard is it to get an FFL in Utah?
Getting an FFL in Utah is fairly easy. Utah does not have additional state, zoning, or local licensing requirements, making it a very straightforward process.
