Does the seller have to receive a signed copy of the FFL before shipping?

[natedog]

Hello, I'm in negotations right now to buy a firearm from an individual who is out of state, to be transfered through my FFL. Does he have to receive a copy of my dealer's FFL before shipping, or can I just give him my dealer's dealer # and have him verify it via the online ATF EZ Check?

 

[hotpig]

He has to have a inked copy in hand, or a legible faxed copy.

 

[cavman]

All he has to do is send it.

I was just in communication yesterday with the BATFE (Adam in technologies (304)262-0239 (the number on my phone when he called me back)) and we discussed this very issue at length. There is not need to have any FFL license copy or similar before sending a firearm.

Also look at their website and you will see the same.(As in the absence of requirement)

By verifying that the FFL is who he is by determining authenticity by using the EZ check is all that he needs to do. This ensures that the person that he is sendind it to is truly and FFL holder and is copacetic.

have a great day
cavman

 

[hotpig]

Do not EVER send a fire arm to another person in another state without have a FFL in hand or a legible faxed copy.

 

[cavman]

Hotpig,
Your statement is strong, yet not required by law, nor necessary as long as the sender is satisfied that the name and the address that he is sending the firearm to matches the name and address that is registered as a legal and recognized FFL in the BATFE books.

Out of curiosity, as I just went through a couple of days getting to the bottom of this very question that the thread starter asked, why are you so adamant?

cavman

 

[Steelharp]

If his FFL is going to ship it for him, they will want a copy of your guy's FFL.

If he is going to ship it directly to your FFL, he does not need a copy. Make sure your FFL will receive from an individual; all can, some won't. Personal choice.

It is NOT a good idea to send an FFL copy to a private individual; they can try to use it to purchase guns for themselves. (I've had that happen.)

FFL to FFL can use the Postal Service; individuals to FFL's have to use private carriers.

 

[cavman]

Individuals sending a longrifle to an FFL can use the Post Office. The Post Office can not require an FFL copy themselves. The Post Office is prohibited from putting on the box any identifying marks stating that it is a long rifle.

Can't use the Post Office for a handgun.

 

[Valkman]

Nope, not required - some dealers will not give out a signed copy anyway, unless it's to another dealer.

 

[Steelharp]

Correct; sorry about my lack of thoroughness in my answer. Thanks for the addition, cavman...

 

[hotpig]

Many FFL's will not send to individuals. Before I got my FFL I would not complete a transaction with anyone that would not send me their FFL. I always wanted a paper trail just like the receiving FFL had.I think it is crazy to send my gun across the country without have paper in hand.

 

[ScottS]

Many FFL's will not send to individuals. Before I got my FFL I would not complete a transaction with anyone that would not send me their FFL. I always wanted a paper trail just like the receiving FFL had.I think it is crazy to send my gun across the country without have paper in hand.

This is way the Internet is a great source...of BAD info. He did not ask, "Hey, what is hotpig's personal policy on FFL transfers??", yet your response was

He has to have a inked copy in hand, or a legible faxed copy.

which is factually wrong. Nice.

 

[cane]

Steelharp, how could a private individual use a copy of a dealer's FFL to obtain a firearm? If I was shipping a firearm, I would only ship it to the address on the FFL.

 

[hotpig]

ScottS

You got me on voicing my opinion hastily.

I have a more friendly transfer policy than some FFL holders. I will transfer from an individual rather than making the seller ship from a FFL to me. I do require them to send a copy of their ID.

I attempt to keep a paper trail in case five years from now the gun turns out to be stolen. Sure the seller could have sent me a fake ID but I did make a reasonable attempt to verify the seller at the time.

I just think it is crazy to send your gun off to someone because The ATF web site said they were ok, and not have a paper trail.

natedog, if your dealer will not send his FFL to the seller and the seller requires it find another Dealer. I send my FFL to individuals.

I know it is possible that it could be altered even though I write in red what it is for. Altering a FFL will not fool another FFL, but a individual who did not use the ATF web site to verify could be fooled.

 

[ScottS]

ScottS

You got me on voicing my opinion hastily.

I have a more friendly transfer policy than some FFL holders. I will transfer from an individual rather than making the seller ship from a FFL to me. I do require them to send a copy of their ID.

BTW, I don't think it's a bad policy. I think it's probably a good one, and if I had an 01 FFL, especially these days, I think I'd have some extra-legal policies, too, just to keep the paperwork straight. I'd be in a major CYA mode.

 

[Steelharp]

cane, that's exactly what happened... a purchase was made from a state below me from a state above me. Thankfully, the shipping FFL did the correct and legal thing by shipping it to my FFL instead of the address requested for delivery.

I guess anything is possible...

 

[waterhouse]

It is NOT a good idea to send an FFL copy to a private individual; they can try to use it to purchase guns for themselves. (I've had that happen.)

I give out copies of my FFL to individuals all the time. My address is right on the FFL, and it matches the one on EZ check. I hope every day that someone pays for a gun and uses my FFL without letting me know. The outcome is a free gun arriving at my door.

As for the original question, individuals do not need a signed copy before shipping a gun to an FFL. If an individual wish for his FFL to send the gun to the buyer's FFL, a signed copy, either mailed or faxed, is necessary.