How to Get an FFL in Indiana in 5 Easy Steps

If you’re ready to make your dream firearm-related business a reality in Indiana, then great news: you’re in the right place. If you wish to manufacture, sell, or import firearms in the state of Indiana (or any of the other states, for that matter), you will need to get a Federal Firearms License. The next question on your mind may be, “How do I get an FFL license in Indiana?” This article is here to help you make that process painless. This will be the first step in starting your own business in the firearms industry. Let’s get started.

Getting an Indiana FFL: An Introduction

A Federal Firearms License, or FFL, is a license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It allows individuals or FFL businesses to buy, sell, and manufacture certain types of firearms. ^[1]ATF. “ATF“. Accessed May 23, 2024. To obtain an FFL in Indiana, individuals must submit an application to the ATF, pass a background check, and adhere to state laws and regulations. Here are the 5 easy steps for how to get your FFL license in Indiana.

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

The first step you must consider when applying for an FFL is ensuring you meet all the requirements. The ATF sets federal regulations for everyone in all 50 states. These include things like 21 years of age, the ability to legally possess a firearm, and being a US citizen or permanent resident. Beyond the federal minimum, each state can implement its own rules and regulations in Indiana. Finally, states allow local governments to impose their own rules or zoning laws restricting a business’s location. Here, we break down the federal, state, local, and zoning regulations for becoming an FFL dealer in Indiana.

As mentioned, federal requirements for getting an FFL license in Indiana are the same across the country. The ATF has set federal requirements that are pretty straightforward—essentially, if you’re of the correct age and can legally purchase a firearm, you have met most of the eligibility requirements for opening a firearms-based business. 

Once you know you can pass the federal requirements, you can examine the Indiana state-specific rules and regulations. 

The state of Indiana opted to implement additional regulations beyond the federal requirements. If you want to obtain an FFL in Indiana, let’s look at the two categories of these regulations: licensing and registration.

How to Get a FFL License in Indiana: State Handgun Dealer License (SHDL) 

Before you get an FFL in Indiana, anyone interested in starting a business in the firearms industry must also obtain a State Handgun Dealer License (SHDL).^[2]Indiana State Government. “ISP: Apply for a Handgun Dealer License”. Accessed May 23, 2024  

The first step to securing a state handgun dealer’s license is to visit your local sheriff’s office. Here, they will fingerprint you, run an additional background check, and charge you a sixty-dollar application fee. Once you get approved for the SHDL, the license is valid for six years in Indiana. You will need this license before you submit your FFL application.

Indiana Registration Requirements

The Indiana business registration requirements are simple: in effect, every business must register with the State of Indiana, as is true of every state in the US. This also means that if you registered your business in another state, like Illinois, and you are moving to Indiana, you will need to re-register. 

Local and zoning requirements can prove to be among the most challenging to meet. If you are starting a firearms business in a large city, you may face resistance from the zoning committee. Similarly, if you wish to start a home-based FFL, you may get pushback for starting one in a residential area.

Typically if you are in a more rural area, you will have an easier time getting approved for zoning. However, if you get denied initially, it is usually because the zoning committee does not understand what business activity will look like (they may picture high amounts of customer foot traffic, for example). With that said, you may have to meet with zoning and explain how there is not heavy foot traffic for a home-based FFL business and address any other worries they have. 

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

Once you have passed all federal, state, and local regulations, it’s time to choose what type of FFL you need for your new business. There are 9 different FFLs to choose from, so there will be many factors to consider when making your decision, like:

The ATF has divided the nine FFLs into three categories: manufacturing, importing, and dealing in firearms. The full list of FFL license types is available here to help you determine which best fits your business model. 

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

An online FFL course can be very beneficial to someone new to the firearms industry. This course will teach you as a business owner how to properly file/fill out paperwork, what firearms are legal to sell in the state of Indiana, general business skills, and any recording techniques required by the state. 

Although an FFL course is not required in Indiana, it is highly recommended. Adding additional knowledge and insight to your new business can help it run smoothly and ensure you are fully aware of all laws and requirements in Indiana. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Indiana FFL

Once you have passed all federal and local requirements, selected the FFL license you need, and (hopefully) taken an online FFL course, it’s time to apply for your Indiana federal firearms license officially. During this process, you will need to submit a background check to the ATF, pay the application fee, and submit your formal application. You can find the application form here: ATF Form 7/7CR.

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

The last step before receiving the news of your FFL application will be an interview with a local Indiana (IOI) Industry Operations Investigator. In this interview, the IOI agent will ensure you understand federal gun laws and state/local laws and have a properly zoned business. After this interview, the IOI agent will write a report to the ATF that influences the decision to approve or deny your firearm license. 

FFL License Costs in Indiana

The license costs for FFLs do not change from state to state. The ATF regulates the price on the national/federal level. Depending on your business, the fee for an FFL can range from thirty to three thousand dollars.

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Indiana: Closing Thoughts

If starting a business in the firearms industry is your next career move, you’ll want to open a merchant account with a firearm-friendly payment processor. Getting your FFL will be your first challenge, but Indiana is a great place to be. Indiana has added a State Handgun Dealers License, valid for six years and not requiring additional licensing.

Still, the firearms industry is highly regulated, and your business is likely to be considered high-risk. Here at PaymentCloud, we specialize in handling high-risk merchants. Although the initial application may seem like a lot to take on, it is a very achievable goal. Reach out to see what we can do for you!

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