Federal Firearms License
Gun laws in the United States regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. These laws vary considerably by state and operate independently of federal firearms laws, sometimes being more restrictive or more lenient.
Forty-four states have provisions in their constitutions similar to the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.
The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. However, New York’s statutory civil rights laws contain a provision nearly identical to the Second Amendment.
In McDonald v. Chicago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the protections of the Second Amendment apply against state governments and their subdivisions.
Firearm owners are subject to the laws of the state they are in, not just their state of residence.
Reciprocity agreements between states allow certain concealed carry permits to be recognized across state lines.
Example: Idaho recognizes an Oregon permit, but Oregon does not recognize an Idaho permit.
Florida issues licenses for both concealed weapons and firearms, whereas some states only allow concealed firearm permits.
Some states do not recognize out-of-state firearm permits, making it essential for travelers to understand local firearm laws.
Many states require firearm training before issuing gun permits or concealed carry licenses. Some of the states with mandatory training requirements include:
California – Mandatory training and a safety test.
Connecticut – Requires a handgun safety course before applying for a permit.
Florida – Requires proof of firearms training for concealed carry permits.
Illinois – Requires 16-hour training for a concealed carry license.
Maryland – Requires a handgun qualification course before purchasing a firearm.
Massachusetts – Requires a firearms safety course before obtaining a gun license.
New Jersey – Requires firearm training before purchasing a handgun.
New York – Requires a firearm safety course before issuing permits.
North Carolina – Requires a concealed carry training course.
Texas – Requires a classroom session and live-fire training for a concealed carry permit.
Virginia – Requires handgun safety training for a concealed handgun permit.
Each state has different training requirements, ranging from online courses to live-fire training and written exams. Always check state-specific laws before purchasing or carrying a firearm.
If you do not have an FFL, you are considered an unlicensed person and must follow these guidelines when shipping firearms:
Modern firearms must be shipped only to a licensed FFL dealer.
If the buyer does not have an FFL, they must arrange for the firearm to be shipped to a licensed dealer in their state.
Before shipping, the buyer must provide a signed copy of the dealer's FFL license via fax or mail.
The firearm can only be shipped to the address listed on the FFL license.
Carry a copy of the signed FFL when shipping, in case it is requested by the carrier.
Antique firearms do not require shipment to a licensed dealer.
They can be shipped directly to the buyer.
Check state and federal laws for the definition of antique firearms and any restrictions.