Become A Class 3 Firearms Dealer

Chuck Donald has been in the firearms industry for over forty years now and has prepared this guide “How To Become a Class 3 Dealer” to help expedite obtaining SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer) status as a Federal Firearms Licensee. He’s had both the Curios & Relics License as well as the standard “gun dealer” FFL; he also operated for a number of years as a manufacturer of Class 3 items and has been involved with NFA items since the early 1970’s.

There are plenty of sources on the internet offering to sell you the information for $10 to $30 or more for a “kit” when the information and all the forms are FREE!

This book and guide covers both a brief introduction of how to obtain your FFL (which you must have FIRST) plus how to then apply for your “Class 3” (dealer) status for NFA items.

NFA (National Firearms Act) items can include machineguns, sub-machineguns, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, etc. – LARGE caliber items (normally above 50 calibre) or ‘other” items such as hand grenades and such require a destructive device license.

This book is oriented towards the FEDERAL FFL license and SOT application– you cannot engage in the firearms business without having your FFL!! This book does NOT cover your local laws and ordinances – you may also have to comply with local regulations (such as having a business in your home if that’s your intention) and zoning requirements.

The book includes copies of the current FFL and SOT application forms – also included are copies of the Compliance Certification (required for both license types) and the Fingerprint Card (required for FFL.)

Part-time business – sure; flexible hours of operation – usually no problem; business out of your home – most likely ok as long as you don’t run afoul of any of your LOCAL ordinances and restrictions. As long as you intend to operate a legitimate business for the purpose of making a profit you should have little difficulty.

You will NOT be able to obtain an FFL just for the purpose of obtaining a few firearms for yourself or your friends at dealer cost.

This book will help simplify the federal application process – the application is basically just an information gathering document and is very straight-forward - the ATF must respond to your application within 60 days and you will most likely have a visit from an ATF agent to go over your application and explain some details – the agent will also go over what ATF expects of a dealer as to record-keeping, security, etc. The BATF agents are usually very helpful and can help walk you through any sticking points such as hours of operation, secure storage, and the like. So don’t be concerned if you’re unsure about an item or two – you can always pick up the phone and give them a call for any item that appears unclear though I believe you will find the application process to be quite straight-forward.

Why wait – get started now - read over the forms enclosed in this guide and start completing the forms, getting your fingerprints taken, etc.