All You Need to Know About FFL Dealership in Missouri

Table of Contents:

• Introduction to Missouri Firearm Laws
• How to Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Missouri
• Firearms in Missouri: Permitted Vs. Restricted
• Selling Firearms Online Legally in Missouri
• Understanding Background Checks for Firearm Sales in Missouri
• Conclusion

Introduction to Missouri Firearm Laws

In Missouri, obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL) involves meeting eligibility criteria, completing ATF Form 7, and following a thorough application process. This blog explores the steps to acquire an FFL, state-specific considerations, and guidelines for legally selling firearms online in Missouri. Understanding these procedures ensures compliance with federal and state regulations governing firearm sales.

How to Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Missouri

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
• You should not have any felony convictions or certain misdemeanors that would disqualify you.
• You must not be prohibited from owning firearms under federal law (e.g., mental health issues, domestic violence convictions).

Application Process:

1. Form 7: Complete ATF Form 7(Application for Federal Firearms License). This form can be obtained from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) website.
2. Fingerprint Cards: You will need to submit fingerprint cards, which can be obtained from local law enforcement agencies.
3. Photographs: Include two recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Background Check: The ATF will conduct a background check as part of the application process.

Fees:

• The application fee varies based on the type of FFL you are applying for. For a standard dealer’s license (Type 01), the fee is typically $200 for the first three years.

Interview:

• After reviewing your application, an ATF Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will contact you to schedule an in-person interview.

Approval:

• If your application is approved, you will receive your FFL in the mail. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes 60 days.

State-Specific FFL Considerations in Missouri

No State-Specific License:

Missouri does not require a state-specific firearms dealer license. However, you must comply with all applicable federal laws regarding firearms.

Business Registration:

To obtain an FFL in Missouri, you must first register as a business entity with the state. You are required to secure a state business license and ensure that your business is appropriately zoned for the activities you intend to carry out. This is especially important for home-based FFLs, as zoning regulations might limit retail operations in residential areas. 

Additionally, you need to comply with all applicable state laws regarding firearms and collect and remit sales tax on firearm sales by registering for a Missouri sales tax permit with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Firearms in Missouri: Permitted vs. Prohibited

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Selling Firearms Online Legally in Missouri

To process an online firearm order for a customer in Missouri, follow these guidelines to ensure adherence to both federal and state regulations:

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Verify Customer Order: Begin by confirming the details of the customer’s order, including the type of firearm, quantity, and shipping address. Ensure the customer meets all legal requirements for purchasing a firearm.
2. Choose a Local FFL Dealer: Since firearms cannot be shipped directly to customers, you must send the firearm to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer designated by the customer. The customer should provide the contact details of their chosen FFL dealer in Missouri.
3. Prepare Required Documentation: Gather the necessary paperwork from the customer for the transfer, which generally includes:
   • A copy of your own FFL.
   • A copy of the receiving FFL’s license.
4. Ship the Firearm: Dispatch the firearm to the selected FFL dealer, ensuring compliance with all shipping regulations. Use a secure shipping method and label the package appropriately. Retain tracking information for your records.
5. Inform the Receiving FFL: Notify the receiving FFL dealer that the firearm has been shipped, providing them with tracking details. This allows them to be prepared for the firearm’s arrival.
6. Customer Pickup Procedure: Once the firearm reaches the FFL dealer, the customer will be informed. The customer must then visit the dealer to complete the background check and any additional paperwork required for the transfer.
7. Complete the Sale: After the background check is successfully completed, the customer can take possession of the firearm. Ensure that you maintain records of the sale to comply with ATF regulations.

Online Considerations

• Website Compliance: Make sure your FFL ecommerce store adheres to all federal and state laws regarding firearm sales. This includes verifying the age of purchasers and providing clear information about the buying process.
• Customer Communication: Keep communication lines open with your customers throughout the transaction. Provide updates on their order status and any necessary actions they need to take.
• Payment Processing: Utilize secure payment methods that comply with firearms sales regulations. Be aware of any additional fees that may be associated with the transaction.

Maintain Records

Federal Law Compliance: Missouri law requires gun dealers to follow federal laws regarding the sale of firearms. This means that dealers cannot sell a gun or armor-piercing ammunition to anyone unless they keep certain records.

Information Required: When a dealer sells a gun, they must record specific information about the buyer:

• If the buyer is an individual (a person), the dealer must note:
  • The buyer’s name
  • Their age
  • Their address (where they live)
• If the buyer is a business (like a corporation), the dealer must record:
  • The name of the business
  • The main location of the business
  • Any other local business addresses.

Understanding Background Checks for Firearm Sales in Missouri

In Missouri, the background check procedures for firearm purchases are primarily governed by federal law, which mandates that federally licensed firearms dealers conduct background checks on purchasers before completing a sale. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this process works:

Federal Requirements

• Licensed Dealers: Federally licensed firearms dealers are required to initiate a background check for every firearm sale. This check is conducted to ensure that the purchaser is not prohibited from owning a firearm based on federal criteria.
• National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): The checks are performed through the FBI’s NICS, which searches federal and some state databases to determine if the buyer has a criminal record or other disqualifying factors.

Missouri’s Role

• Not a Point of Contact State: Missouri does not act as a state “point of contact” for background checks. This means that all background checks for firearm purchases in Missouri are processed directly through the FBI, rather than through state-run databases.

Private Sales

• No Background Check Requirement: One significant aspect of Missouri’s gun laws is that private sellers (those who are not federally licensed dealers) are not required to conduct background checks when transferring firearms. This means that individuals can sell or transfer firearms without any formal background check process, which has implications for gun safety and regulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Missouri involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, completing ATF Form 7, undergoing a background check, and paying applicable fees. Missouri’s permissive gun laws allow for open carry and do not require a state-specific firearms dealer license.

When selling firearms online in Missouri, it’s crucial to follow federal and state regulations, including utilizing a licensed FFL dealer for transfers and maintaining proper records. Understanding these processes ensures compliance and legal operation within Missouri’s firearm sales framework.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here has been compiled from multiple public sources. It serves as a general overview of firearm regulations and guidelines concerning the specific state. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.