How to Get an FFL in Michigan in 5 Easy Steps

If you’re interested in starting a firearms business in Michigan, you’ll need to obtain a Michigan FFL. The process of acquiring a Michigan Federal Firearms License (FFL) may seem intimidating, but we’ve broken it down into five simple steps, after which you’ll be on your way to launching your gun-based business in the wonderful state of Michigan.

Getting a Michigan FFL: An Introduction

Federal Firearm Licenses are granted to businesses or individuals for business purposes. As an FFL licensee, you are legally permitted to manufacture, import, or sell firearms and ammunition. Though this license comes with great responsibilities, the acquisition of a Michigan FFL is not an unattainable goal. In fact, there are currently over 3,800 FFL licensees in Michigan. Now, let’s start with the very first step you must take to join over three thousand of your Michigan neighbors in responsible firearms entrepreneurship.

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regulates Federal Firearms Licenses. As they are federal, yet state-specific licenses, FFLs are subject to federal and state requirements. Below are the federal requirements that all FFL licensees must meet, no matter their state.

Federal requirements

The federal requirements for an FFL do not vary by state. States are free to build upon the federal requirements with state-mandated requirements. Ultimately, it’s these state requirements that create the state-by-state variation in the prerequisites for obtaining an FFL.

State requirements

Michigan, being the gun-friendly state that it is, does not have any state requirements you must meet in order to obtain a Michigan FFL. Of course, you do have to meet the above federal requirements. Additionally, there are a few things you should still know:

1. You must register your business with the State of Michigan, even if your business was previously registered in a different state.
2. When selling handguns in Michigan, the purchaser must be in possession of a concealed carrier’s license (CCL) or permit. It is illegal to sell a handgun to anyone who does not have a concealed carrier’s license or permit.

Local and zoning requirements

The State of Michigan regulates where firearm and ammunition retailers can operate through its zoning laws. These laws restrict businesses from operating within a certain distance of entities like schools, daycare centers, and liquor stores. Failure to comply with the Firearms Laws of Michigan can result in significant fines and penalties.

Local governments have the authority to enact additional restrictions. As a result, it’s important for anyone interested in opening a firearm business to familiarize themself with the state and local laws governing business operations.

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

To choose which FFL you need, you first have to decide what type of firearms business you are launching: a manufacturing business, importing business, or retail business? Based on your answer, the next section will help guide you toward which Michigan FFL is best for your future firearms business.

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

Acquiring an FFL may feel like a complex process. After all, there are federal, state, and local firearms laws with which you must comply, lest you face some serious consequences. Fortunately, you don’t embark on this process alone. You can take an online FFL course in order to gain an overview of the federal process, an understanding of your state-specific requirements, and pointers on how to become a successful gun-based business owner. Additionally, an online course will help you prepare for step five of this process, during which (spoiler alert) an ATF representative conducts an interview with you.

Step 4: Apply for Your Michigan FFL

Once you have met the minimum federal requirements necessary and identified the type of FFL that meets your gun business’s needs, it is time to officially apply for your FFL in Michigan.

To apply, you’ll need:

• A completed Federal Firearms License application
• A completed Form 4473, used to conduct a background check
• Your fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check
• A photograph of yourself to create your license

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

After you’ve submitted your application, your regional ATF office will arrange an interview with you. ​​An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will meet with you to talk about your business, inspect your business location, and verify that you understand the federal laws regarding the selling and manufacturing of guns.

FFL License Costs in Michigan

Regulated by the federal government, the cost of an FFL does not vary from state to state, though it does vary based on the specific type of FFL you’re acquiring. The cost for each type of Federal Firearms License can be found here.

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Michigan: Closing Thoughts

Because Michigan requires no state-specific prerequisites, you must only meet the federal requirements to obtain an FFL in Michigan. After becoming a licensee, the next step to launching the thriving firearms business of your dreams is finding a gun-friendly payment processor. While Michigan may be gun-friendly, the payments industry can be difficult to navigate, so partnering with a merchant services provider experienced in advocating for firearms merchants is absolutely vital.

This article has been reviewed by Ryan Cleckner and is factually accurate as of July 12, 2022.

Reviewed by Ryan Cleckner

Ryan Cleckner, the best-selling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook and founder of Gun University and Rocket FFL, is a recognized firearms attorney specializing in firearms law/ATF compliance. Ryan has made appearances on the History channel as a sniper expert, and Fox as an industry expert.