Individual shipping to FFL

[mrstang01]

An FFL told me that an individual can ship to him, without having a copy of his (the dealer's) FFL. Is this correct? Would a shipper want any info other than the dealer's address, and would this be legal?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[BlackJack]

Yes it is legal for a private individual to ship a firearm to an FFL in another state. However, the shipper is legally responsible to ship the firearm to an actual FFL. If someone just tells you he has and FFL and you can ship it to him, you have no proof that this is so. If you have a copy of the FFL and ship the firearm to the address on the FFL, you have proof that you are following the law. Otherwise, you could be at risk for prosecution.

 

[DMK]

However, the shipper is legally responsible to ship the firearm to an actual FFL. If someone just tells you he has and FFL and you can ship it to him, you have no proof that this is so. If you have a copy of the FFL and ship the firearm to the address on the FFL, you have proof that you are following the law. Otherwise, you could be at risk for prosecution.

Excellent point Blackjack.

To verify an FFL that doesn't want to send you a copy, you could use the ATF EZ Check and the FFL only needs to give you the first three and last five digits:

http://www.atfonline.gov/FFLeZCheck

 

[Jim K]

The best bet is to get a signed copy of the FFL, and keep it on file. That way, you are covered and the licensee knows that a shipment is on the way. Make sure the shipment includes your own name and address and the reason for the shipment (transfer to non-licensee, repair, replacement, etc.). That way the licensee is not left trying to figure out where the item is from and why it has been sent.

Note that the ATF EZ list does not include holders of collectors licenses, only dealers licenses.

Jim

 

[dukeofurl]

A non-licensee shipping to a licensee in any state for any lawful purpose is legal.

Contrary to what most think, one does not need to give their gun to an FFL so that they can give it to another FFL.

I'm 95% sure that this practice was invented by an unscrupulous gun dealer on the basis of "If I'm not gonna buy this gun for 50 cents on the buck, I'll make $25 off him by transferring it out of state."

 

[Hkmp5sd]

However, the shipper is legally responsible to ship the firearm to an actual FFL.

As long as the individual reasonably believes he is shipping to an FFL, he is legal. A non-licensee is not required to maintain records, therefore there is no legal requirement for a non-licensee to get and maintained a signed copy of the FFL. It is good for CYA, but not required. It is the same as a non-licensee selling a firearm in a person-to-person sale. As long as he believes the buyer meets all legal requirements, he is ok. He does not need proof of age, residency or criminal history. Again, it is a good idea to keep that information anyway, but not required.

A non-licensee shipping to a licensee in any state for any lawful purpose is legal.

While not required by federal law, some states do require FFL-FFL shipping.