How to Get an FFL in Oregon in 5 Easy Steps

Oregon is a great place to be if you’re considering getting into the firearms industry. This is because Oregon abides by the basic federal regulations for arms dealing and does not implement many of its own rules or guidelines. However, you will need an FFL in Oregon to start a firearms business.

In this article, we will explore the five easy steps to get an FFL in Oregon, allowing you to turn your firearms business dreams into a reality.

Getting an Oregon FFL: An Introduction

Before you can get an FFL in Oregon, you should understand what an FFL is. 

An FFL, or Federal Firearms License, is a license the federal government grants an individual or business to manufacture, import, or sell firearms and/or ammunition. To obtain an FFL, you’ll need to submit an application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

Depending on your business model, there are actually nine different FFLs to choose from. The FFL you need will depend on whether you plan to import, manufacture, or deal firearms, as well as the style of firearms or ammunition you choose to work with. 

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

FFLs can have requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Oregon is no exception. That said, Oregon’s federal and state-level requirements are relatively straightforward. It’s the local requirements that can get a bit stickier. In this section, we will touch on all three levels of the Oregon FFL requirements.  

The federal requirements for an FFL are the same in all 50 states. The US government has set a standard list of rules and regulations everyone must abide by to be eligible for an FFL. For example, you must be 21 years of age, have a clean background, and be either a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States. For a full list of the federal FFL requirements (to ensure you’re eligible for an FFL), click the link here. 

On top of the federal requirements, each state can implement its own FFL regulations. States tend to break down their state-level requirements into two categories:

1. Business registration
2. Business licensing

As in all states, if you are opening up a business in Oregon, you will need to register for a business license. Even if you have previously registered your business in another state, Oregon will require you to re-register with state authorities. 

As we stated, many states also implement their own state licensing requirements. However, in Oregon, registering for a business is the only state-level step you need to complete.

Local and zoning requirements are usually the trickiest piece of the compliance puzzle. Some local laws make it difficult to open a firearms business in busy parts of town (i.e., those with high levels of foot traffic) or residential areas. Many larger cities will also pass laws or zoning requirements to try to push FFL owners and firearms businesses to the outskirts. Also, applying to zone for a home-based firearms business can make neighborhood residents uncomfortable (so you might receive some pushback from them).  

Luckily, in Oregon, even in the capital of Salem or the largest city, Portland, there are actually no city-specific regulations in place. When opening up a business, you will still need to work with local zoning authorities to ensure your business can operate in your chosen location, but it’s a much easier place to operate than many. 

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL you Need

The second part of opening a firearms business is deciding what type of business you want to run. If you want to manufacture firearms, you will need a different type of FFL than if you are trying to start a business that imports them.

There are nine types of FFLs you can choose from. As we touched on, the best FFL for your business depends on the type of business you wish to start. 

A standard FFL will cost anywhere from $30 to $200 (but some specialized FFLs will cost $3,000 for the initial 3-year term). All FFLs are valid for three years before they need to be renewed. 

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

The third recommended step when starting a firearms business is to complete an online FFL course. It’s important to understand the rules and regulations your firearms business will be expected to follow to ensure you never get into any legal trouble and to stay in compliance with federal and state regulations. 

A quick Google search should bring up plenty of options to find an online FFL course. From there, you can determine which site you think aligns most closely with your future business and its operating location. While we recommend an FFL course, no federal or state requirements mandate you to take one. So you can get an FFL without taking an online course.   

Step 4: Apply for Your Oregon FFL

Step four, and maybe the most exciting step before starting your firearms business, is applying for your Oregon FFL. Once you have decided on the type of firearms business you wish to start, have a solid business model, and have passed both federal and local regulations, it’s time to pay the application fee and await a response from ATF. 

Once your application has been received, the ATF will run a background check with everyone listed as a relevant “responsible person” attached to your business. This includes anyone listed as an owner, partner, manager, etc.

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

The last step before you receive your FFL in Oregon will be to have an interview with a representative from your regional ATF Office.^[1]ATF. “Local ATF Offices | Page 7 | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives”. Accessed April 29, 2024. An Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will sit down with you to investigate your application further.

This meeting is intended to ensure you have done your research, know all rules and regulations both federally and in Oregon, have a safe and legally zoned area to start your business, and that your business model is satisfactory. This meeting is not to be taken lightly, as the IOI investigator will put together a report and write a recommendation on whether or not they think they should approve your application for an FFL.  

FFL License Costs in Oregon 

As we mentioned earlier, the cost of an FFL in Oregon (or any state, as the cost is federally regulated) can range drastically. The price can be between $30 and $3,000, depending on the type of business you plan to start. However, the most common FFL applications cost between $30 and $200.  

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Oregon: Closing Thoughts 

Starting a firearms business and obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in the United States can be a daunting task, but in Oregon it’s relatively straightforward.

One often overlooked part of starting a firearms business is finding a reliable payment processing partner to help you start accepting payments. At PaymentCloud, we specialize in providing merchant accounts for firearm businesses, ensuring you always receive the payment you deserve. With the right resources and support, your Oregon firearms business will be up and running in no time.

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